Carroll Ball found her perfect match in Bocelli, a five-year-old Australian Shepherd, during a chance meeting at the obedience trainer’s home. The way the story goes Bocelli actually found Carroll.

It happened when Carroll went to the trainer’s to pick up her rambunctious puppy, Bree. She silently stood at the top of the stairs of the deck observing the dogs when a beautiful Australian Shepherd with piercing blue eyes approached her and leaned against her. The trainer was shocked because this dog is blind, most likely has been since birth, and Carroll didn’t make any noise to signal her presence.

The next day she brought Bree back to the trainer and asked if she could take Bocelli for the day. That day they just enjoyed each other’s company. When it was time to return Bocelli, Carroll kindly asked if the trainer could keep Bree for the night while Bocelli stayed with her. That night when it was time for bed Carroll patted the floor at the foot of the bed, Bocelli laid down and that has been his sleeping spot ever since.

Bocelli’s life didn’t start out this wonderfully. He was found as a stray in Cobb County during a thunderstorm and given to Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF). Looking at this gentle and affectionate dog one wondered why anyone would give him up. It soon became clear that he suffered from separation anxiety that was so severe he would chew through wire crates and find ways to open closed doors in hopes of getting to his owner.

Due to his condition and anxiety, his chances of getting adopted into the right home were slim. The goal was to find him a loving and patient home with someone who would rarely leave him home alone.

AARF began taking him to the same obedience trainer that Carroll took Bree to overcome his separation anxiety. While there he found whom he wanted to adopt him. Carroll did adopt him soon after their fateful meeting, and gave her puppy to AARF safe in the knowledge that AARF would find a perfect match for Bree. And, they did. She was adopted by a young man just as active and her who takes her running, hiking, and swimming.

In the 3 1/2 years that Carroll and Bocelli have been together they have been practically inseparable. They go on walks and run errands together. Carroll is an active volunteer at the Methodist Children’s Home and has taken Bocelli there several times to play with the children. Because of his kind disposition and good manners, Bocelli received the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Award. This award will work toward Carroll’s hope of Bocelli becoming a therapy dog. As for his separation anxiety, Bocelli can spend up to six hours alone in the house due to training and trust.

Carroll said, “I would love for others to know how wonderful it can be when the pet and the person are right for each other."