Many people are becoming intrigued, inspired and motivated by the idea of saving their future pet from a shelter, rather than buying one from stores or breeders. This is a very good thing, but unfortunately, people are avoiding to adopt the dogs that are old or dogs with disabilities because of the huge responsibilities that come with them. What these people don’t realize is that it can be an even more rewarding act of kindness.
Nick Abbott, a 31-year-old man from Maine, adopted his month and a half old deaf puppy named Emerson through the foster-based rescue at NFR Maine. Nick is also deaf, so the two of them hit it off from the start!
Meet Emerson
Emerson, a black lab mix, was found on the streets with his siblings. When the lab was 6 weeks old he was rescued from a shelter in Florida and later transferred up north to the foster-based rescue, NFR Maine. He experienced seizures and contracted a case of canine parvovirus, which is a highly contagious viral illness. Once he finally pulled through, he was put up for adoption.
According to Lindsay Powers from NFR Maine, only when Emerson came back from the vet after recovering from the illness did they discover that his hearing was impaired. Therefore, they don’t know whether the dog was born deaf or if it resulted from an accident when he was young.
The Adoption Of A Best Friend
Lindsay posted about the deaf lab on social media with hopes that a loving family would be interested. Within a few weeks, Abbott contacted them asking about the puppy. Right off the bat, he told them that he too was deaf and believed that he and the dog would bond. Less than 24 hours later, the entire adoption procedure was complete.
Abbott and Emerson instantly connected. Like two peas in a pod (or peanut butter and jelly) these two were meant for each other. Nick taught his dog sign language with a variety of simple commands such as sit, come here, and lie down. Every time Nick touches Emerson’s earlobe he barks.
Since the first day that Emerson was adopted, Abbott has photographed and recorded all of their adventures, new tricks learned and updates from their new fun life together where he shares it on their joint Instagram account.
Emerson is a much happier dog now that he has found his true best friend.
As Lindsay puts it:
He had such a rough start to life and he ended up with an absolute fairy tale ending.
NFR Maine said that this heartwarming story has encouraged and inspired numerous people to adopt their own furry friends. Hopefully, people will keep in mind that old dogs or dogs with disabilities are just as wonderful as any other dog.
