The dog with sunglasses saved my life

A social media account has been set up as people did not understand why Miko wears the glasses

A dog owner who attempted to take his own life has expressed his thanks to his four-legged companion.

Scott Sumbland, from Wolstanton in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, experienced serious mental health issues before taking on the mistreated puppy in 2022.

Two year old akita, Miko, who wears sunglasses to improve her temperament, health and eyesight, has been a great support to her owner.

"She has literally saved me, I believe. So much so, that I got this tattooed on me," he said, revealing a paw print artwork on his arm.

Scott Sumbland regularly takes Miko for a walk around Trentham Gardens in her shades

Miko came from a troubled background and was timid even in the calmest of settings.

“She’d see the sofa - she was scared of that. The TV - she was scared of that. Everything, she was just scared of,” Mr Sumbland said.

The vet also warned Mr Sumbland that Milo was predisposed to problems with UV rays which could have led to her going senile.

The concerned owner researched how he could help his new pet and trialled the use of sunglasses.

He said her behaviour and health was now much improved.

"It was almost like the glasses helped to rein in any scared feelings that she had,” said Miko’s owner.

“It’s not been confirmed by Guinness, but she’s the best dog in the world,” joked Mr Sumbland.

Confused passers-by criticised Mr Sumbland for dressing his dog in sunglasses, so he set up an Instagram account to educate them.

”It’s worked because people have commented saying: ‘Oh that makes sense now.”

“The glasses allow her to be who she is,” he added.

Mr Sumbland said his mental health problems meant he would stay in bed all day and have zero motivation to do anything, but Miko gave him the motivation to get up each morning.