Bergen Shelter Tries To Help Blind Shar-Peis See

OAKLAND, NJ — A Bergen County animal rescue organization is trying to give sight to four Shar-Pei puppies who were born blind.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge is overseeing care for the pups, who are barely younger than 1 year old. The pups are named Avocado, Veggie, Zucchini and Arugula.

The dogs are suffering from entropion of the eye, which causes blindness, ulcers and results in permanent damage. Surgery for all four puppies is estimated at more than $10,000.

The pups' breeder gave them to the shelter after their mother gave birth to them. Their mother's uterus ruptured and she died immediately they were born. The shelter said the mother was used "as a baby-making machine for years."

The goal of surgery is to permanently alleviate pain and discomfort for the puppies, as well as restore as much of their vision as possible, the shelter said.

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Photos: Some of the blind puppies that the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge is caring for. Courtesy of Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.