Russell Davidson said Jemma, a 9-year-old Australian cattle dog, had her first day in her new home at Deborah Bay yesterday.
He decided to adopt Jemma from Dunedin Dog Rescue after reading about her plight in the Otago Daily Times.
The unwanted dog had been living with foster carer Aimee Ward since June, but as she was leaving New Zealand on an extended holiday next month, the search for a permanent home had intensified.
To improve Jemma's chance of adoption, $2600 was raised for her to have cataract surgery in Christchurch. But when she arrived for the operation, it was discovered the procedure was not suitable for her eyes and Jemma would remain blind.
Mr Davidson said the idea of owning a blind dog appealed.
''I'm a physiotherapist and I've had a few colleagues that are blind and they've all had guide dogs, so when I read about the blind dog, I thought maybe we could do the opposite and reverse the trend.''
Jemma had quickly learnt where the furniture was in the house and was learning the ''lie of the land'' of the backyard. Extra fencing had been installed to stop her falling into the creek that flowed down one side of the property.
Mr Davidson's wife, Rod Eales, said a short leash was often needed to stop Jemma falling into Deborah Bay.
Ms Eales said she was petrified of dogs but she had warmed to Jemma.
''Russell chose well. She doesn't bark, she doesn't jump, she doesn't chase, she doesn't demand. She's cuddly and really nice-natured.''
The only drawback was not being able to move the furniture. ''Everything has to be the same or else she'll knock into it.''
