A Guide Dogs puppy named Orlando, who was diagnosed with tetanus at around eight weeks old, has made a full recovery after becoming paralysed and has since qualified as a guide dog. The infection is rare in dogs, and there were initial concerns for his survival.
Orlando was taken to the Royal Veterinary Hospital after showing symptoms, and for the first week, his puppy raiser expected to receive a call confirming his death. He was too unwell to continue guide dog training and had to relearn basic functions like eating and walking.
Despite the challenges, Orlando, described as resilient and determined, recovered and stayed with his puppy raiser until he was 17 months old. He then went to a trainer from Guide Dogs and qualified as a guide dog in under six months, providing assistance to a partially sighted owner who had waited years for a guide dog.