I deeply admire anyone who opens their heart to a dog living without sight or sound. It asks for patience, steady care, and a whole lot of love, but the happiness these pups bring is immeasurable.
Tamale is one of those remarkable souls.
He’s a double merle rescue, a genetic mix that often results in being born blind and deaf. That was the hand Tamale was dealt, and it shaped his world from the beginning.
Even so, his spirit never faltered. While his challenges were greater than most dogs will ever face, Tamale radiates joy in his own unique way, showing everyone that life can still sparkle.
And when he needs a little guidance, his best friend Jimmy is right there, ready to offer comfort with a simple nose boop.
Tamale And Jimmy, Masters Of The Nose Boop
When Speak For The Unspoken listed Tamale, then just a 4-month-old Australian Shepherd, for adoption, Kayleigh Ostot instantly felt he was meant to be hers. Something deep inside told her she had to give him the loving home he deserved.
Living in Ohio, Kayleigh quickly fell for Tamale’s energy and charm. Even though he was blind and deaf, he acted like any other playful pup, showing everyone how much love he had to give.
As Tamale grew, he sometimes struggled, bumping into furniture or misjudging his steps, but he learned to adapt. More importantly, he figured out how to connect with others and how to make friends.
During the tough pandemic days when so many people craved companionship, Tamale found his missing piece: his best friend Jimmy.
“Jimmy and Tamale met at the dog park over a year ago,” Ostot recalled. “Originally Jimmy’s mom, Melinda, and I would plan to meet at the dog park. Then we started taking the two out on walks together and it went from there. They see each other at least once a week, if not more.”
From that moment, an inseparable bond formed. Jimmy instantly recognized Tamale’s gentle spirit, and the two became like family.
Jimmy also understood that Tamale experienced the world differently. He couldn’t watch squirrels, admire sunsets, or react to loud barks. But Tamale always knew when Jimmy was near, thanks to his sharp sense of smell.
To make things easier, Jimmy came up with his own sweet way of saying hello: a gentle nose boop.
Every time they met, Jimmy would rush up and softly boop Tamale’s nose, letting him know his best friend was there. It became the cutest, most heartwarming greeting.
Jimmy’s love and acceptance are lessons for all of us. To him, Tamale isn’t defined by his disabilities, he’s simply his best friend.
Now, nose booping has become Tamale’s universal sign of connection. Even Kayleigh uses it at home. If she wants to wake him gently, she gives small nose taps with her hand so he can sense her presence before opening his eyes.
While some might assume Tamale’s life is full of obstacles, the truth is far brighter. With Kayleigh, his family, and his little sister Kiwi by his side, he lives a joyful, fulfilling life.
This special Ohio pup shares his daily adventures on TikTok and Instagram, where thousands of fans celebrate his resilience and cuteness.
Join the growing fanbase and see why Tamale and his nose-booping crew are stealing hearts everywhere.