Adopting a dog with special needs is something many people shy away from. Too often, these animals are seen as burdens rather than companions.
It’s an unfortunate reality, especially when these dogs deserve the same love and comfort as any other pet.
The world isn’t always kind, but change begins with individuals who choose compassion. This story follows a couple who made that choice when they welcomed a deaf dog into their home.
Poundcake Finds A Place To Belong
While searching for a dog to adopt, a couple from Massachusetts came across Poundcake.
He was deaf and unsure of how to interact with people or other dogs.
Despite his challenges, James and his wife decided to bring him home.
Adjusting to his new environment wasn’t easy. Poundcake was anxious and struggled with mild separation anxiety.
Whenever his new parents left the house, he would panic. They had to find ways to help him feel safe.
Over time, Poundcake began to understand that he wasn’t going to be abandoned again. His anxiety eased, and he started to relax.
The couple spent hours teaching him new things, especially how to play.
It took time, but eventually, Poundcake learned how to enjoy himself. He was always excited to explore and try new activities.
They even taught him to understand hand signals, a skill that became essential for his development.
A Long Drive Leads To A New Friendship
As Poundcake’s confidence grew, he began to act more like any other dog. He was thriving.
Still, his family felt something was missing. They wanted to do more for him.
So they made a decision. They drove 12 hours from Massachusetts to New York to adopt another deaf dog.
When Poundcake met his new sibling, Milkshake, he was ecstatic.
Milkshake was different: more outgoing and self-assured than Poundcake had been at first.
That worked out perfectly. Milkshake fit right in with the family, and they felt incredibly fortunate to have him.
Since then, the two dogs have become inseparable. They do everything together.
They love trips to the beach, where they run freely and play. Afterward, they curl up together for a long nap.
It’s remarkable to see how far they’ve come. Both dogs were born with disabilities, but they’ve shown that with love and support, they can live full, joyful lives.