NATCHEZ — Emily and Jo Jo Eidt may not have any grandchildren, but they know a lot about grandparenting. 

The couple has been in training with their “granddog” Butters.

When The Dart landed on Ashburn Street Sunday, the Eidts were busy priming and painting woodwork for a new television cabinet while keeping a watchful eye on their the yellow Labrador retriever playing in the front yard. 

“We got her when she was a year old,” Emily said.

When their son Ben moved into a Monroe, La., apartment that would not allow dogs, the Eidts decided to take care of Butters until their son and dog could be reunited.

Emily and Jo Jo didn’t know what to expect when their son brought Butters to the house for the first time, but the couple quickly formed a bond that only grandparents and grand-dogs can have.

“When it came time for Ben to leave, Emily told him he can go and Butters can stay,” Jo Jo said.

Seven years later, the Eidts continue to spoil Butters every chance they get.

Like a good grandmother, Emily worries about the dog when she is away on a trip or even across town.

“I hate leaving her at home alone and worry about her the whole time we are gone,” Emily said.

And like good grandparents, the Eidts say they worry when something seems amiss.

When Butters started showing signs of blindness the Eidts took the dog to the LSU veterinary center for an evaluation.

“We noticed when we were throwing the ball, she would not go directly to it. She would start sniffing for it,” Jo Jo said.

After several tests, veterinarians diagnosed Butters as having one of the common eye conditions for Labrador retrievers and said that the dog would have limited vision.

The blindness may have slowed Butters down, but it hasn’t stopped the dog from having a full, rich life, Emily said.

“She is very content, and we spoil her every chance we can get,” Emily said.

Butters had already enjoyed two joy rides in the car Sunday morning.

“She can’t see, but she loves to feel the wind in her face,” Emily said.

Even though the blindness has slowed Butters down, the Eidts said she is still young and active.

“She still has her other senses and they are still keen,” Jo Jo said.

As much as they enjoy doting on the dog, Emily said Butters still knows who her parent is.

“When Ben comes home, she is very excited and the two of them will wrestle in the front yard,” Emily said.

“They love each other very much,” Emily said.