Shola was a rescue dog in the U.K. She used to find missing people, but now she helps other dogs avoid going blind.
Shola is a 9-year-old English Shepherd. She was very brave and worked in tough conditions to help find people who were lost. In 2019, Shola went blind because of a genetic problem. Her owners took a DNA sample to experts at the University of Cambridge.
The experts found the gene that causes the blindness. They made a test to help find this gene in other dogs. This test helps stop more dogs from going blind. Jackie Graves, who bred Shola, says no more puppies will be born blind.
Shola had a disease called progressive retinal atrophy. It affects many dog breeds and causes blindness over time. The gene causing this problem is recessive and usually shows up after dogs have had puppies.
Dr. Katherine Stanbury from Cambridge said that many dogs are related, which means they could have this genetic issue. She studies these diseases and helps make new tests. These tests are sold for £48 ($62) and help breeders know which dogs carry the gene.
English Shepherds are common in the U.S. and are similar to Border collies. They are good at herding and protecting animals. Shola was raised by John Coombs, who rescued people with his dogs. Shola worked with him from when she was 2 years old.
When Shola lost her sight, she had to stop working. She started to use her nose and ears to find her way. She enjoys playing with balls if she hears them bounce. She follows her owner's footsteps and can smell treats from far away.
In July, Shola played in a field with her daughter Dotty, who is also a rescue dog. Shola barked happily when Dotty found a hidden bag.
Adapted from New York Times
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What did Shola used to do before she went blind?
- A) Help farmers
- B) Find missing people
- C) Herd livestock
- D) Hunt pests
2. In what year was Shola diagnosed with blindness?
- A) 2017
- B) 2018
- C) 2019
- D) 2020
3. Where did Shola’s DNA sample go for testing?
- A) University of Oxford
- B) Canine Genetics Center at Cambridge
- C) Veterinary Clinic in London
- D) Animal Research Institute
4. What type of test was developed using Shola’s DNA?
- A) A test for training dogs
- B) A test to identify genetic mutations causing blindness
- C) A test for detecting diseases in dogs
- D) A test for improving dog agility
5. How much does the new DNA test cost?
- A) £25 ($32)
- B) £30 ($39)
- C) £48 ($62)
- D) £60 ($78)
True/False Questions
1. Shola was a Border collie before she went blind.
- True/ False
2. Shola’s blindness was caused by an environmental factor.
- True/ False
3. Shola’s owners used the DNA test to prevent other dogs from going blind.
- True /False
4. Shola could not find people after she went blind.
- True/ False
5. Dotty, Shola’s daughter, is also a search-and-rescue dog.
- True/False
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