HE has spent much of his short life in darkness and fear.

But after complex surgery, a Suffolk charity has helped to partially restore two-year-old Rufus’ sight and now further operations are planned to remove cataracts from his other eye.

Rufus, a Chinese Crested Powder Puff dog, was rescued from an abusive home in July last year by the Chinese Crested Club of Great Britain and vets soon confirmed he was almost completely blind.

The two-year-old, who was described as “nervous and frightened”, was taken to the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Kentford, near Newmarket to be treated by ophthalmology specialists.

AHT bosses said as well as the cost of the proceedure they faced the hurdle of the little dog’s temperament.

Sarah Bunce, Rufus’ carer said: “The task to raise the money was a bit daunting at first, but the amount of support the campaign has received has been really overwhelming.”

She added: “Rufus is really sweet, once he gets used to you. It has been amazing watching him react like a puppy to things, such as birds in the garden. He has clearly never seen them before; it is so special to be able to watch him experience things for the first time.”

Claudia Hartley, the AHT’s Head of Ophthalmology, said: “I’m so glad that we have been able to help Rufus. He was such a scared little dog, due to the possible abuse he may have endured, and the fact that he was almost completely blind.

“To be able to undo an injustice such as this really makes my job worthwhile.”

The campaign to give Rufus back his sight is still on going in order to raise funds for the second operation. It is hoped the operation will take place in the next three or four months.

Once Rufus’s sight is restored fully, he will be looking for an experienced owner. If you are interested, email rescue@thechinesecrestedclubofgb.co.uk.