Bringing a dog into your home means embracing every part of their life, including the highs and the hardships. That lifelong bond is often the most profound aspect of pet ownership.
Unfortunately, not every dog gets to enjoy that lasting companionship. Sometimes, unexpected challenges get in the way of their forever home.
For some dogs, it’s illness. For others, it’s a shift in their family’s circumstances. In Olaf’s case, it was something he was born with, something completely out of his control. Olaf entered the world deaf, and that would become the biggest hurdle in his bond with his adoptive family.
What happened once they discovered his condition was truly heartbreaking.
Stunned After Two Years Together
Olaf was always the gentlest pup. Though large in size, this Great Pyrenees was the definition of a cuddler, and his close family members enjoyed every minute of it.
When his first family brought him home from the shelter, it seemed like his happy ending had arrived. He had a warm home, his people adored him, and everything felt just right. But over time, his family began noticing odd behavior.
“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’s reactions weren’t what they expected. His family said he turned “aggressive.” That’s when they made a difficult choice – one that broke hearts. They decided they wanted Olaf to be euthanized.
“They had him for two years and then they brought him to a local vet and told the vet to euthanize him,” Claire added.
The veterinary team immediately refused. Instead, they reached out to Olaf’s original shelter in Florida to ask if they could take him back.
Thankfully, the shelter agreed. Olaf didn’t deserve to lose his life simply because of a condition he was born with. He deserved another shot. And, luckily, he didn’t have to wait long.
Claire Samford and her family welcomed Olaf into their home with open arms, and his story took a new turn.
From the moment he arrived, Olaf was a joyful, lively pup who embraced every moment of his new beginning.
Soon after, his family decided to make things even better for him.
Enjoying Life With His New Brother
Olaf had found happiness in his new home, but one thing was missing: a sibling. His parents knew this sweet pup would benefit from a companion, so they set out to change that.
Claire and her partner adopted a tiny dog named Tank, and it transformed Olaf’s world.
At first, the couple wasn’t sure how Olaf would respond to a new friend. But when they watched them play for the first time, it was clear they had made the right choice. Whenever Tank wanted to play, he’d run over, flop on his back, and give Olaf a signal. Now, it’s just the two of them, full of energy and joy.
Tank brought a whole new kind of excitement into Olaf’s life. And Olaf embraced his role as big brother, always looking out for Tank. The bond they share is absolutely adorable.
Olaf’s life with Claire proves that being deaf doesn’t mean a dog is broken – they just need patience and a bit of extra care.
Claire makes sure Olaf has what he needs. She even created a tapping method to help him understand commands outdoors.
“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 if Olaf ever decides to go exploring, his family ensures he wears an AirTag for safety.
There’s no doubt Olaf is now living his best life, thanks to the people who gave him a second chance. And he couldn’t be more content.