I really took my quest to heart in regards to finding information about training deaf dogs for my friend who found out she’d adopted a deaf puppy.
In addition to finding information on the Internet, I also posted a request for help in the Pets forum.
Interestingly, several Families.com family members responded that either they’ve had deaf pets or knew of people who did. Not just dogs, but also cats and even a ferret was mentioned.
The one thing that wasn’t mentioned was getting rid of any kind of deaf pet. Everyone who shared stories of deaf pets mentioned how both owner and pet had learned to live with the disability.
Do you know how remarkable that is? I reflected on that a bit more after I visited the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund’s main page again recently and watched an episode of Celebrity Apprentice.
On the DDEAF’s website the first thing that greets you is this grim reality: “Every year thousands of dogs are killed simply because they are deaf…
Depressing in and of itself, but the challenge on Apprentice dealt with coming up with an ad for Pedigree’s Adoption Drive. One stat they pointed out was that of the four million pets who will wind up in shelters this year, only two million will get adopted.
It’s hard enough for the cutest animals to find moms and dads. Add in a disability and their odds for being euthanized sky rocket.
But just because they can’t hear, or maybe have trouble with their back legs as Murph’s friend Jayzee does, doesn’t mean they can’t lavish love, enrich your life, and in general become an adored member of the family.
Sure, they come with challenges. They’ll require a bit more patience. They’ll need maybe a little extra TLC. But they’re so worth it.
If you have a little extra time, or even if you want to make a little extra time in your life, and if you’re considering adopting a pet anyway, why not think about rescuing one with a disability?
I am.
(Shhh. Don’t tell Wayne!)
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