Blind Rescue Dog Is One Smart Cookie With A Genius Trick To Get Treats

Dogs are amazingly resilient creatures, even when losing a leg or one of their most important senses. A three-legged dog can adapt and run around after an amputation, seemingly oblivious of the missing limb. A blind dog can rely on its other senses to navigate its home and surroundings outdoors, just like Stevie, a mixed-breed rescue. His owner gave the world a glimpse into his everyday life, including his trick to get treats, in a YouTube video shared by The Dodo in September 2025.

His genius trick? Simply waiting in front of the kitchen pantry, where he usually gets his snacks. When his human, Erin, first brought him home in the winter of 2021, he was bumping into walls and fences, but he eventually learned his way around. Named after the "Isn't She Lovely" Grammy-winning blind singer Stevie Wonder, Stevie began losing his vision due to glaucoma and had his eyes removed in November of the same year.

Now, four years later, he goes on leashed walks, jumps up on the sofa, plays with super tough toys for dogs who destroy everything, hangs out with his canine friends, and snuggles with his humans. He behaves just like any other dog without vision loss, and fans are loving it. In the comments, many applaud both Erin and Stevie, with many thanking her for rescuing him, loving him, and giving him a good life. Others call him lucky and offer blessings to both of them.

Adopting a rescue can be a rewarding experience. You're either saving a pet from euthanasia or giving it a better life — far better than whatever circumstances it was rescued from. Choosing to adopt a blind rescue can be even more rewarding, but it comes with some added challenges. Some are apparent from day one. Others surface later, so it's important to know what you're getting yourself into before signing the paperwork.

For example, a dog that's losing its vision due to disease may require medication or surgery, which was the case with Stevie. If it's already lost its eyes before adoption, the main thing you'll have to worry about is helping it around the house. This should include ensuring a clutter-free, easy furniture layout and blocking off stairs or other potentially dangerous areas. You may also want to purchase a halo harness to prevent head bumping.

If you have young children or other dogs at home, introduce the blind dog to them slowly and under strict supervision. You may also need to keep your blind dog separate from the other dogs beyond the first month. Stevie "isn't a fan of close contact," according to Erin's Instagram for him, so she keeps him separated from his brother at times. Despite the challenges and extra adjustments you'll have to make, a blind dog can make a wonderful companion, just like Stevie, and they all deserve a chance to prove it. Interested in more stories about dogs with special needs? Check out what to expect when adopting a three-legged dog or how to care for a blind and deaf dog.