Committing to a dog means agreeing to embark on a wonderful journey, with all its ups and downs. And its duration, a lifetime, is arguably the most meaningful part of that journey.
Sadly, not all dogs live to see this happily ever after. Usually, it’s due to some unpredictable obstacles along the way that they lose the ‘right’ to a forever home.
For some, it’s health issues. For others, it’s their owners’ changed plans. And, for Olaf, it was his birth trait, something that wasn’t even his fault. Olaf was born deaf, and that was his biggest challenge to his relationship with his family.
What happened after they found out about his condition was truly heartbreaking!
Shock After Two Years Of Ownership
Olaf has always been the sweetest boi. Despite his giant size, this Great Pyrenees is the epitome of a cuddle buddy – and his closest members of the family got to enjoy every second of it.
When he was adopted from the shelter by his first family, everyone thought that was about it. He got a loving home, his owners couldn’t be happier, and everything seemed like the perfect happy ending. But then, his family started to notice strange things.
“The family that adopted Olaf didn’t know at the time that he was born deaf. And so when they discovered that as he was growing up and realized something was wrong,” Claire told GeoBeats Animals.
Olaf didn’t respond well, and, according to his family, he became “aggressive.” That’s why they decided to part ways with him – in the most heartbreaking way possible. The family wanted to euthanize Olaf.
“They had him for two years and then they brought him to a local vet and told the vet to euthanize him,” Claire added.
When the vet team heard this request, they immediately refused and contacted Olaf’s shelter in Florida to see if they could take him back.
The good news was – they did! Olaf didn’t deserve to be euthanized just because of his inborn hearing impairment. He deserved a second chance. And, fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long!
Claire Samford and her family eagerly adopted Olaf into their loving family, and the rest is history!
From the moment this gentle giant entered their home, he’s been nothing but an active, happy-go-lucky furball who loves everything about his new life.
Then, his parents decided to make his life even better!
Living The Best Life With His Brother
Olaf definitely had everything he needed in his new home, except one thing: he didn’t have a sibling. His mom and dad realized this sweet pup could definitely use a friend, so they decided to do something about it.
Claire and her partner adopted a teeny-tiny dog, Tank, and it changed Olaf’s life completely!
At first, their owners weren’t sure how Olaf would react to his new brother, but then they saw them play for the first time – and it was adorable! Every time Tank wanted to play, he’d come up to Olaf, lie on his back, and give him a signal. For now, there’s just the two of them and endless fun ahead!
Tank definitely changed Olaf’s life for the better. And, in return, Olaf takes his ‘big brother’ role seriously, acting like Tank’s personal protector. It’s just beyond pawdorable!
Olaf’s life in Claire’s home is proof that deaf dogs aren’t broken – they just need more time to adapt and require more things to be planned ahead.
Claire is aware of Olaf’s condition, and she does everything to make his life easier. She even developed a “tap” system with him when they are outside, so Olaf could know when it’s time to go.
“If he’s in the yard, on the other end of the yard, you can’t call him to you and he doesn’t know that you’re trying to, so you have to walk up to him and tap him on his behind,” Claire says.
And, in case Olaf decides to ever switch into his “escape artist” mode, his family makes sure he’s always equipped with an AirTag.
One thing is for sure: Olaf lives his best life, all thanks to his new hoomans. And, he couldn’t be happier about it!