We can learn many lessons from our pets each and every day. They can teach us about unconditional love and what it means to be loyal. Additionally, deaf, blind, and injured dogs remind us that pets are universal communicators. Pets who are born with a defect of some sort often don’t even realize they’re missing out on anything! In honor of National Deaf Dog Awareness Week this month and Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day (Sept. 13), we want to inspire you with lessons learned from these pets!
Bitterness Does No Good
A huge lesson that we can learn from deaf, blind, and injured dogs is that bitterness does no good! Have you ever met a dog who was bitter because he or she couldn’t hear or see? Probably not! It’s easy for us humans to be bummed about what we may be missing out on but let’s look to our doggos for inspiration here. They still run, play, jump, and shower us in kisses no matter what they’re going through. They don’t bark up complaints or spend their days stressed over things they can’t change.
Don’t Rely on Eyes or Ears to Communicate
Whether your pet was born deaf or blind, or became that way later in life, you’ll see how quick he or she is to adapt. From hand gestures to voice commands, your pup is smarter than you think! Many folks believe raising a deaf dog is too difficult, but dog’s can actually learn sign language just like us humans! Of course, if your dog has lost multiple senses, the road can be a bit more uphill, but dogs are super resilient.
Consistency is Key
As with anything in life, practice makes perfect and being consistent will help you achieve even the loftiest of goals. Dogs also learn best through routines and whether it takes physical therapy or a new type of training, you’ll see how quickly they thrive. Folks often become frustrated if they can’t accomplish something soon, but injured dogs can help us see that there is light with even the toughest of battles. Whether your dog is learning how to follow hand gestures, how to walk on three legs, or fighting cancer, he or she can be a true inspiration for you. If your pup can do it, so can you!
Let Nothing Hold You Back
One of the most miraculous things is seeing how many dogs bounce back after traumatic injuries…almost as if nothing has happened! Dogs are not ashamed of their shortcomings; in fact, if they lack any one of their senses, the others just become even stronger. You’ll find that many dogs who have lost a leg are just begging to get back out in the grass and run around again as soon as possible! Dogs don’t have time to sit and sulk; there are too many great experiences to be had!
Do you have a pet who has suffered an injury or one who was born blind and/or deaf? Share your story in the comments below! We welcome all pets into our four Puff and Fluff locations, so be sure to bring yours in for a nice haircut and shampoodle!