"Tsar Nicholas"       

Once upon a time ...

in a cold dark land,  far, far away ...

a puppy was born.

It was soon discovered the

 adorable baby Labrador was blind.

Not knowing how to help him,

the breeder let the puppy

travel all the way to LILRR

with hopes that the cataracts

could be surgically removed and

his eyesight restored.

 December 6, 2000

After a long dark scary journey,

the 12 week old Lab puppy

arrives safe and sound

and settles into the last leg of

the long trip to the LILRR foster home.

Originally called "Tar Baby"

the Lab pup's name is changed to ...

"Tsar Nicholas"

            affectionately called "Tsar" 

December 7, 2000

LILRR veterinarians confirm both eyes

have fully developed cataracts.

December 15, 2000

Board certified surgeon of opthalmology,

reconfirms Tsar has full cataracts in both eyes.

Tsar also has *vitreo retinal dysplasia* in both eyes

(his retinas are detached).  Tsar is totally blind.

Even if the cataracts are removed, Tsar

would remain blind because of the detached retinas.

The closest surgeon capable of performing corrective

surgery is in Chicago and the success rate is only 20%.

Second and third professional opinions

advise against the risky surgery.

To Tsar, this sightless world is normal - he is

a very happy puppy and loves to cuddle, play chase

games with another Lab, retrieve tennis balls by scent

and jingle balls by sound.  His favorite toys are a squeaky

spider and a squeaky weasel.   He is house broken

and enjoys surveying his kingdom while resting on top

of an ottoman.  Tsar will be ready for adoption

consideration after neuter surgery in March.

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