Pet owner creates halo device to help blind dogs

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Los Angeles woman is helping blind dogs overcome their disability with an innovative device.

Silvie Bordeaux designed Muffin's Halo three years ago when she first learned her 14-year-old toy poodle named "Muffin" was losing his eyesight.

"Desperation for my baby, I wanted to create something, so this is how I gave birth to this," she said.

The Halo is made of lightweight copper tubing, fabric and Velcro. It's easy to put on and take off. On blind dogs like Muffin, the Halo provides protection.

"When he walks around, this is what hits the hard surface and it's like a buffer, a bumper car and it just redirects him," said Bordeaux.

Bordeaux has designed and sold thousands of Muffin's Halos for blind dogs, both big and small. Operating out of her home with just a few employees, Bordeaux says it's a labor of love.

"It's all over the world now, so I get letters in different languages saying, 'You saved my dog. My dog's back to life. He's got his confidence again,'" Bordeaux said.

Bordeaux said dogs are living longer and many may face loss of sight in their golden years. A Muffin's Halo could help improve their quality of life.

Bordeaux also has a nonprofit called Second Chances for Blind Dogs that provides free Halos for blind dogs in shelters, so they too can be rescued and learn how to navigate into forever homes.