'Small But Mighty' Blind Terrier In The Running For 'America's Favorite Pet'

TINLEY PARK, IL — A one-eyed, blind Jack Russell Terrier from Tinley Park is competing for a $10,000 prize and a feature spot on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine, as a contender in the America's Favorite Pet contest.

Hosted by Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy, The America's Favorite Pet contest partners with Progressive Animal Welfare Society to spotlight some of the nation's most beloved pets.

"Kahlua Marie" has made it to the quarterfinals in the voting competition, and is currently ranked 9th. Voting in this phase ends at 9 p.m. on Feb. 26.

"I’m such a strong advocate for her because she is a special‑needs dog who proves every single day that disability does not define her," said owner Sarah Stasukewicz. "Kahlua is completely blind, yet she runs, plays, loves, and lives with the same joy and spirit as any sighted dog."

Kahula was diagnosed with glaucoma at age 6, losing one eye immediately due to severe pressure and pain. To prolong vision in her remaining eye, her owners pursued medications, procedures, and multiple surgeries. After over four years of fighting, she eventually lost her sight. She was able to keep her eye because the pain was managed, Stasukewicz said.

"All dogs deserve this wonderful opportunity, but Kahlua stands out for her resilience," Stasukewiczwrote in her entry. "She proves that a special needs dog can live, play, and love just like any sighted pup. Blindness hasn’t slowed her spirit. She has shown me that even when life throws unexpected curveballs, it’s possible to adapt, find joy, and cherish everything around you."

At home, Kahlua "rules the roost" over her Siberian husky brother, and their dynamic is special in other ways.

"She also depends a lot on him," Stasukewicz said, "as she listens to his footsteps around the house and has him as a companion when I am gone to work."

Kahlua's "incredible intelligence and confidence" mean she won't perform a trick without "a worthy incentive"—(usually cheese)—Stasukewicz said, and she "listens with the cutest head tilts."

Kahlua's blindness doesn't set the "small but mighty" terrier back, her owner said, as she knows her daily routine wherever they are, and travels anywhere "with total bravery.

"Even without sight, she navigates new places with ease."

Kahlua's adaptability has become essential as her blindness set in. She has always loved squeaky tennis balls, but her favorite toy has become the Babble Ball.

"Before going blind, she played fetch on her own with the iFetch, dropping balls in for it to launch," Stasukewicz said. "Losing her sight ended her favorite game, but the Babble Ball changed everything! It talks, so she can easily find it.

"... Kahlua’s tenacity and love have continued to shine through every challenge, making her a true symbol of America’s Favorite Pet."

Voting takes place online.