Greta, the Deaf Pit Bull Puppy
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
And just like that… Greta became special again.
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