Sometimes it can be challenging for dogs with disabilities to find the right owner, but in some cases, they find the perfect match who truly comprehends them.
This is the touching story of a deaf dog named Dave, who has discovered a wonderful new home with an owner who is also deaf.
Dave, originally named “Puppy,” is a 6-year-old pitbull-mix who was rescued by the Humane Society of Midland County after being discovered alone and getting into altercations with porcupines.
Upon taking in the stray dog, the shelter discovered that he was completely deaf, but still a kind, affectionate dog who was ideal for adoption.
https://www.facebook.com/hsomcshelter/photos/a.123596004317680/5661705183840040/?type=3
“He was a clear favorite of the staff and volunteers,” said Casey Nicholson, the shelter’s communications coordinator, to Daily Paws. “He was super interactive with kids and super gentle – always gentle, sweet, outgoing, and friendly.”
During an event called ‘Empty the Shelters,’ the shelter hoped that Dave would find a loving home. However, despite numerous dog adoptions, Dave remained overlooked.
Fortunately, on the final day, a family arrived and instantly knew that Dave was the one for them.
Walker Cousineau, 14, who is on the autism spectrum and is also losing his hearing, felt a connection with Dave’s story online and believed he could offer the dog a home.
“[Walker] walked in and said, ‘We have to go to Midland, I have a dog there! There is a deaf dog there, and he needs to be mine!'” shared Walker’s mother Mindy Cousineau with Daily Paws.
https://www.facebook.com/hsomcshelter/photos/a.123596004317680/5668019573208601/?type=3
The family visited HSOMC, and after meeting Dave, they could see the special connection he had with Walker. They decided to adopt him, and the deaf dog has had a positive impact on Walker’s self-assurance.
“Dave has been such a calming presence for Walker,” mentioned Mindy Cousineau to Newsweek. “Dave knows when Walker is upset and he just calms him. Walker is learning more signs for himself and also so he can ‘talk’ with Dave.”
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“Walker feels better about losing his hearing now that we have Dave, he wears his hearing aids all the time now and doesn’t feel out of place. The boys are inseparable. Neither can be out of sight of the other. They sleep together and do everything together since we got Dave.”
It’s evident that Walker and Dave were destined to be companions. It was a joyous conclusion for all those rooting for the sweet dog to be adopted.
“There was an immediate connection,” shared Brittany Schlacter of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, who sponsored the adoption event. “The two are now inseparable and clearly saved each other.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10229282314066472&set=p.10229282314066472&type=3
This is a truly heartwarming adoption tale. Walker provided Dave with the loving home he yearned for, and in return, gained a friend who understands him completely, boosting his confidence.
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