Deafness is a common issue among dogs in the United States, affecting 5–10% of them. Some dogs acquire this condition as they grow, while ...
Deafness is a common issue among dogs in the United States, affecting 5–10% of them. Some dogs acquire this condition as they grow, while others are born with it. Hereditary deafness, in many cases, can be traced back to a genetic mutation linked to the cochleosaccular gene. This type of deafness is prevalent in dogs with white coats and striking blue eyes.
Blu, the Deaf Pit Bull's Story
Meet Blu, a deaf pit bull with a white coat and piercing blue eyes. Blu's life took a turn when she found herself at an animal shelter, where days turned into weeks with no sign of anyone coming to adopt her.
Luckily, Mark and Sean, a couple in the San Francisco area, were on the lookout for a deaf dog to bring into their home. Their search led them to Family Dog Rescue, where they came across two potential furry companions, one of them being Blu.
When Mark and Sean first encountered Blu at the shelter, they discovered a vivacious and lively spirit. It was clear that Blu had an immediate connection with Sean, and the rest, as they say, is history, according to Mark in an interview with GeoBeats Animals.
Blu's original owners had contacted Mark and Sean, revealing that Blu had been a part of their lives for six years. Regrettably, due to their relocation to a rental property that prohibited pit bulls, Blu ended up at the shelter.
Blu was one of the shelter's long-standing residents, making her adjustment to her new dads all the more challenging.
Alone for an extended period, Blu wasn't certain about her fate with Mark and Sean. The first beach trip they took her on, just a few days after adopting her, left her trembling with fear in the back seat, as Mark explained.
Blu's Transformation and Bond with Mark and Sean
Over time, as Blu grew comfortable in her new home with Mark and Sean, her personality blossomed. Even three years later, she continues to relish car rides, thanks to the attention and affection lavished upon her.
Mark and Sean ensured Blu felt cherished and valued, resulting in a profound bond between them. They developed a unique form of communication, where Blu could understand their intentions through body language and even the scent of their footsteps during walks.
As Sean expressed, "I suppose she's my spiritual animal. I can tell when she's nervous, joyful, or sad. We simply read each other really well."
Blu's deafness hasn't hindered her daily life or her relationship with her new owners. Mark mentioned that it primarily affects her ability to form bonds with other dogs due to the inability to pick up on subtle canine communication cues.
Deaf dogs, as Sean added, "hear with their hearts." Both Mark and Sean have found deaf dogs to be unique and extraordinary companions and intend to keep welcoming them into their lives.
Blu's ability to stay calm during holidays with fireworks, typically stressful for dogs, further reflects her resilience.
A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Companionship
The love between Mark and Sean and Blu is heartwarming and reciprocal. Blu is content, healthy, and at ease in her new family. The story of Blu and her two dads is a testament to the power of love and compassion between humans and their furry companions.
**FAQs**
**Q1: How common is deafness in dogs in the United States?**
A1: Deafness affects 5–10% of dogs in the United States.
**Q2: What causes hereditary deafness in dogs?**
A2: Hereditary deafness in dogs is often linked to a cochleosaccular gene mutation, particularly in dogs with white coats and blue eyes.
**Q3: How did Blu find her forever home with Mark and Sean?**
A3: Mark and Sean adopted Blu from Family Dog Rescue, where they immediately connected with her and brought her into their home.
**Q4: How did Blu's deafness impact her life with Mark and Sean?**
A4: Blu's deafness didn't significantly affect her daily life, but it influenced her ability to form bonds with other dogs, as she couldn't pick up on typical canine communication cues.
**Q5: How did Mark and Sean communicate with Blu, considering her deafness?**
A5: Mark and Sean developed their unique communication style with Blu, using body language, scent, and training techniques to convey their intentions and help Blu when she was stressed.
**Q6: What is the message behind Blu's story?**
A6: Blu's story highlights the power of love and compassion in transforming the life of a deaf dog, leading to a strong and heartwarming bond between Blu and her new family.
COMMENTS