When people consider bringing a dog into their lives, they often focus on breed, age, and personality.
What’s less commonly considered are the hidden challenges that may come with a pet, especially those involving special needs. Understandably, many families hesitate when faced with the unknown.
Yet for those who embrace it, the experience can be life-changing.
When Alyssa Bernal welcomed her new puppy, Sadie, into her home, she had no reason to suspect anything was amiss. But soon, she discovered something she hadn’t anticipated.
A Sweet Pup With A Hidden Challenge
Sadie arrived at her new home in Oklahoma bursting with energy and charm. She quickly became a beloved part of Alyssa’s household.
Initially, there were no signs that Sadie might have a disability. But after a few days, Alyssa began to notice something unusual.
She would call Sadie’s name, but the puppy wouldn’t respond.
At first, Alyssa assumed Sadie was simply a deep sleeper, which might explain her lack of reaction. But that theory didn’t hold up for long.
Eventually, the truth emerged: Sadie was deaf. Once Alyssa realized this, she and her family knew they would need to adapt their care to meet Sadie’s needs.
Training tailored for deaf dogs would be essential, though Alyssa wasn’t sure where to begin.
Seeking Support From The Online Community
Looking for guidance, Alyssa turned to TikTok and shared Sadie’s story, hoping others with experience could offer advice.
One user suggested: “Remote collar training would be incredible for her. She can feel the vibration of the collar so you can get her attention from another room or when she’s not looking at you.”
It was a method Alyssa hadn’t considered, but it sounded promising and practical.
Another person said: “Double Merle, wish breeders paid attention. I have a deaf dog as well. She’s amazing. Challenging especially when they are sleeping somewhere and you can’t find them. We had to stomp on the floors.”
While stomping may not be ideal, it showed the lengths people go to communicate with their pets. Still, the collar approach seemed more suitable for Sadie.
One more user shared: “I had a totally deaf German Shepherd. Had it confirmed at 5 months. Adolescents was a double nightmare but with special training we both learned sign language and he absolutely BLOOMED.”
That message gave Alyssa hope. With encouragement and practical advice from others who had walked the same path, she felt empowered to give Sadie the support she needed.
It’s uplifting to witness people sharing their stories to help others. And now, Sadie is in the care of someone fully committed to giving her the love and understanding she deserves.