A year ago, Jane Salazar, a resident of Tennessee, made the decision to welcome a new dog into her family. They found the perfect addition in a fluffy and playful canine named Diego. Although Diego’s breed was a mystery due to his mixed features, Jane decided to take a home DNA test to uncover his genetic makeup.
The results of the test revealed that Diego had predominantly pit bull genes with a touch of Australian herding dog lineage. However, along with this news came a concerning discovery—the analysis showed signs of premature retinal aging, indicating that Diego would eventually become blind.
As time went on, Diego’s vision began to deteriorate, prompting Jane to seek advice from ophthalmologists. They suggested getting a companion for Diego to assist him once he lost his sight completely. Determined to find the perfect match, Jane searched through various online shelter directories and found a dog that closely resembled Diego.
Introducing Dixie into their home, Jane and her husband immediately noticed the striking similarities between Dixie and Diego. To confirm their suspicions, they decided to conduct another DNA test, and the results left everyone astounded—Dixie and Diego were indeed close relatives!
Although it remains unknown whether the dogs themselves were aware of their connection, an instant bond formed between them. Their personalities complemented each other, and they spent their days playing together. Jane described their temperaments as contrasting—Dixie being energetic and curious while Diego leaned more towards introversion and shyness—but they got along remarkably well.
The presence of a second dog had a positive impact on Diego. His sister took on the role of caretaker, helping him navigate his surroundings as his vision continued to decline. While the timeline of Diego’s remaining sight is uncertain, the family can find solace in the fact that he now has a capable companion by his side, providing the support he needs.
