5.27.2011

Greta, the Deaf Pit Bull Puppy

Earlier today, I received a call about a puppy, who needed somewhere to go… immediately. Greta is a 10-week old, Pit Bull puppy.... who is completely deaf.

When her family became aware of her hearing impairment, they no longer wanted anything to do with her. Just like that.

So... I get the call, and I’m thinking, “Ashley, there’s just no way you can take in another dog right now. Say NO!”

For a while now, I’ve had to tell people, “I’m sorry. I have no more space for rescue dogs" ... which is 100% factual information.

Not only am I full, but I’ve already agreed to rescue several urgent dogs from another shelter... within the next week. So, I’m WAY full.

At the same time, it’s impossible for my heart to look away from those who truly need help. So... while my head said, “NO,” somehow... my mouth said, “I’ll take her.”

My decision to take her ... wasn’t because I need another puppy.
Trust me, I’ve got plenty… with more “puppy donations” being offered by the day.

It wasn’t because I need another Pit Bull.
I think it’s safe to say... there’s no Pit Bull shortage at Lucky Dog Rescue.

But in my heart, I knew what would happen to this sweet baby girl...  if I didn’t take her. At the pound, Owner Surrenders are often euthanized immediately, especially when space is limited.

Basically, the pound must hold stray dogs for 5 days, to give owners time to reclaim.

But... with an Owner Surrender, there’s no reason to "hold" them, because the owner is already known. And if space is needed... Owner Surrenders are usually the first to go. (Remember this if you ever want to dump your dog at the pound. You’re killing them, in every sense of the word.)

More specifically, when it comes to Pit Bull Owner Surrenders at our pound… the dog will—without a doubt—be euthanized immediately. The same is true for special needs dogs.

 Greta is a deaf (aka-- "special needs") Pit Bull, who was also an Owner Surrender. She didn’t stand a chance.

I thought about this special little girl... who clearly doesn't have the ability to hear... but does have every bit of her ability to love. And yet... her love was taken away, when her family realized that she was "different."

Just like that... she was no longer special to them. She no longer mattered. She was no longer deserving of life. All they could see… was her disability.

And to them, having a disability… made her worthless.
                                                  
So, I got off the phone, immediately got into my car, and drove to save Greta. When I arrived, I saw the most-perfect little dog on this earth... right there, waiting for me. Greta is perfection, in puppy form.

Then, I scooped her up, and held perfection in my arms. I kissed perfection. I hugged perfection tight, and rocked her back and forth.

Next, I lifted her up, so her perfect little eyes met mine. Then, I whispered: “I know you can’t hear me, but feel these words in your heart. You are perfect. You are worthy. You are special. And now… I am more special… because I met you today. I’m sorry your family didn’t love you. But now... you have me, and I promise... I'll love you forever.”

I know she understood me, because she immediately kissed my nose, and snuggled close to my body.

And just like that… Greta became special again.

36 comments:

  1. what a perfect little girl.

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  2. OMG!!!! She is so cute

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  3. ashley u r one special angel.....god knew what he was doing the day he sent u 2 this world.......god has blessed u with such love n caring heart.............o 2 b more like u.........

    signed .......[itsmecopper]

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  4. Saw her post this morning! I'm so happy you went and got her and now she can have her loving family that doesn't care if she isn't exactly perfect!!! Thank you for all you do, for being the voice for those with no choice. Thank you for allowing us to share a well written educational piece as well!

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  5. Would they give up their child if they discovered he/she was deaf too?!? People like that make me so angry I could scream. Thank you for giving Greta a second chance at a happy life!

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  6. I now have 4 dogs (2 little, and 2 big, 2 are Pit-mixes) that nobody wanted and had abused. I've had Pit Bulls in the past, and they're the best. I'm sitting here knowing I CANNOT take another, but so close to taking this baby. YOU are wonderful, and there's a special place in Heaven for you. Just wanted you to know. BTW, "deaf" is nothing. I had a blind Jack Russell who lived to the age of 18, an he got by just fine.

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  7. you encourage me everyday, to try harder, to do a little more,to foster when i have no yard and live on a second floor apartment and have two dogs of my own, to volunteer at my local shelter, to talk to ANYONE who will listen about rescue/fostering...i spoke to a woman today at my work,she commented about how handsome my foster boy is and she would like to breed him with her pit mix..i politely suggested researching how many were in shelters and being killed everyday, she came back with"she will be a better dog if she has pups"i pointed out i never had kids and i am a good person..i could see i got her thinking...hopefully i got through...even though i am involved in rescue PET PARDONS is what opened my eyes to the reality of how many animals are being killed...i am from the back woods of maine..and never really "got it" till i found you ashley on facebook,for a woman i have never met, you have made a HUGE difference in my life and also "dylan, jake and brussers lives, they are the foster dogs that have been given a new life through your inspiration!!!!!

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  8. oops, forgot to mention, my foster boy is fixed!!!!!!

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  9. Deaf dogs are such a gift! I've got 3 dachshunds (two are deaf AND blind, the other is deaf and nearsighted and afraid of the dark) and the lessons they can teach us are so great. They teach you that yelling at dogs is dumb. They teach you that touch and a gentle hand are so very important. They teach you that you really MUST stop what you're doing and see what that noise was because they are going to be caught in the act of something too funny and bring the camera :) A deaf dog is a blessing. They can't hear how stupid we can be sometimes, and they never have to listen to the lame excuses of people who think they're too much trouble.

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  10. Words cannot say how wonderful you are! this is an amazing story, and Greta is beautiful! I was going to email you yesterday about a blind pit bull named Diamond who is to be put down, but I knew you were full. Thank God for leading you to Greta! Now I will say special prayers that there is another Angel out there for Diamond. God Bless you Ashley!

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  11. Thank you so much for taking her and giving her another chance... if I could I'd snatch her up in a heartbeat... I can't see how anyone could not love her though, just because of a disability? Thats terrible... but if someone thinks that way then I think Greta deserves to live with someone who will love her, with or without a disability.

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  12. Hopefully she will find a good home. She understood every word you said. Dogs can hear with more than their ears.

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  13. i didn't see where she is located!

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  14. i cant get to her! *cries* i'm in north carolina! i sorry i hope she goes to a wonderful family!

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  15. Where does one go with their hearing impaired puppy to learn nonverbal commands?

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  16. Ashley, I am a teacher of the Deaf who has had several deaf dogs and known several deaf dogs. Contact the Deaf community, each state has a school for the Deaf and they can put you in touch with the Deaf community and interpreters groups. Deaf adults usually want a hearing service dog, but interpreters and those of us who are involved with the "community" often have deaf dogs. My dogs know about 20-30 signs and often respond to these better than verbal commands! Please keep us posted there definitely is a deaf "above ground railroad"!

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  17. She's gorgeous! You're awesome, Ashley! I wish I could have her; I live in Missouri. Where is she?

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  18. I put in an application for her adoption 2 days ago, I was wondering when you are choosing her new family as I'm sure there are plenty of people who want her.

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  19. Greta and Ashley...Two beautiful girls!

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  20. God bless you Rachel, you will really love having a deaf dog. they are so sweet and intuitive! good luck to you both, it is an amazing journey!

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  21. Good Morning Ashley,
    My daughter will be filling out an application today..I knew Lisa and Don would fall in love instantly. Hope this happens then I would be able to see Greta too!

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  22. I am so happy to see that people are willing to adopt Greta! You can just see in her eyes what a sweet girl she is! Please keep everyone posted on her adoption!

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  23. Really, the former owners disgust me and they really didn't deserve a dog as sweet as Greta is. Bless you for taking her in Ashley, even though you didn't have the room, because now she has a chance at a happy and productive life!

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  24. Greta is an adorable little puppy. If I didn't live all the way in Nevada, I would adopt her in a heart beat! Ashley, what you do is amazing! Keep up with the good work, and giving dogs a second chance for a happy life!

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  25. Wondering what the word is with Greta! I put in adoption application for her and was wondering if she found her new home!

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  26. My Pittie and AmStaff are both deaf and they are the best dogs! I wouldn't own a hearing no matter what. They are sweet, loving and very intuitive. We got them six months apart but they are like sisters now. Yeah for Deaffies!

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  27. I am currently looking for a Deaf dog, a Deaf Pitbull, to be exact. I was born Deaf, I'm now hard-of-hearing, but I would love to have a canine companion just like myself. I know it takes a lot of work, patience, understanding, consistency, and love. I know I could put in the effort, so I'm looking for that perfect companion to love on. I hope I meet him/her soon. Looks like this one is most deserving of a loving home!

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    1. You have truly inspired me. I want to start a pitbull rescue and now know that it can not only turn many dogs' whole lives around, but also inspire others to do the same or help too. I also wanted to thank you for what you do and taking in more dogs when you're full. This story was so heartwarming and I'm sure she was adopted soon after you took her in. I want to adopt a dog someday like her; a deaf, blind or three-legged pitt.

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    2. Ashley, you have truly inspired me. I want to start a pitbull rescue and now know that it can not only turn many dogs' whole lives around, but also inspire others to do the same or help too. I also wanted to thank you for what you do and taking in more dogs when you're full. This story was so heartwarming and I'm sure she was adopted soon after you took her in. I want to adopt a dog someday like her; a deaf, blind or three-legged pitt. I love your quote at the bottom also.

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    3. I want a "disabled" pitbull someday. Can you foster from anywhere in the country? just wondering

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  28. I just came across, your site, looking on google, about pitbulls who are picky eaters lol Idk why I came across this site but Im glad I did! I have 4 dogs, 2 are pitbulls & all my dogs mean the world to me!! But I feel like pitbulls are extra specail bc thier so misjudged & treated like poo if they dont meet an owners standards..Thank goodness for people like you,who can see the good in every pit, no matter if shes's deaf,has 3 legs or just looks alittle funny. I love when I read "this special little girl... who clearly doesn't have the ability to hear... but does have every bit of her ability to love" That made my heart melt, bc you soo right!! I look foraward to reading the rest of your post! And thanks again for all you do for our pitties <3 xx

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  29. I've come into the same situation,these people had a little deaf pitbull puppy and were looking for a home for him or were gonna put him down. He is such a sweetie..but I'm having to move and they won't allow me to have him there,so I'm looking for a rescue group to take him. If you know of one please let me know..k3taylors@yahoo.com thank you

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  30. Do you know where I could find Pitbull puppies for sale? I have been looking for a quality dealer for a long time.

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  31. What a wonderful person you are, it brings me to tears when I hear stories like this unfortunately there are too many. I own 2 pit bulls already they are my best friends would love to rescue more but because of the ignorance people I get a lot of visits from animal control just because they are out in my fenced yard. They would have to kill me first before I would either one of them up. God bless you.

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