Keller at three months old
Since it's Deaf Dog Awareness Week, here's the story of my deaf (and blind) Great Dane puppy, Keller.I had always admired the Great Dane's poise and nobility, and last year decided the time was right to add one of these beautiful animals to my home.
The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League had lots of Danes that needed homes, and I got involved with their rescue efforts. One day, they contacted me because a Great Dane puppy was about to be euthanized and needed a home right away.
A breeder who claims he can breed "white" Danes had given this puppy to a customer as part of the purchase of another Dane. With Great Danes, and many other breeds, an all-white dog is the result of a genetic defect. This defect can also result in deafness and, in extreme cases, blindness.
The new dog owner did not know what he had, but took the 8-week-old puppies to a vet for their initial checkup. The vet discovered immediately that one of the dogs was deaf and blind. He recommended the puppy be euthanized because the dog wouldn't have a very good quality of life. The owner left the puppy at the vet's office to be put to sleep. Thankfully, one of the techs took the puppy home and contacted the rescue league.
Keller now weighs more than 100 lbs. -- too big to go for a ride
I didn't think long when the league asked if I could give
this puppy a home. In the time between the phone call and picking him up, I
wondered if I might be getting in over my head with a deaf and blind dog. I had no experience with special-needs animals, but I knew this little guy needed a home and I knew I could give him the one thing he needed most: love. My only hope was that I would do right by this deserving puppy.
We got Keller in November of 2007. He's a little over a year old now and I can say that his lack of sight or
hearing has not been a problem. He is a healthy, strong dog who runs and plays with his brother Merlin, another rescued Dane of about the same age, and his sister Shiloh, a 7-year-old Shepherd/Collie mix.
It was a little daunting at first dealing with a puppy who could not see or hear me. Puppies need to know everything is alright. They depend on the sight of you and your soothing voice. My wife and I spent many nights, in the beginning, sitting up with Keller, holding him, petting him until he would fall asleep in exhaustion.
Keller is truly an amazing animal. He has an incredible sense of smell and awareness of his surroundings. Many people are surprised to find out he is deaf and blind. He rarely bumps into things as he runs through the house. I think he has formed a mental map of the layout of our home and back yard.
Keller loves his big sister, Shiloh
He knows when you are near. He knows if you are on the first
floor of the house or standing near his crate. He's sensitive to creaks and
vibrations in the floor. He perks up when he senses you're close by.
One really amazing thing is the way I get Keller to come into the house from the back yard. Most times, he just follows his brother and sister, but sometimes he is very engrossed in some interesting smell and doesn't come in right away.
I discovered I can clap loudly and he feels the vibration of the sound. He can also see bright lights. If I flash the light by the back door or clap, he runs directly to me. At that point, I get a big hug and lots of tail wagging because he is so happy he found me again.
If I want Keller to follow me, I touch his chin and he stays right behind me. I never need to remind him it's dinner time; I just touch his food bowl to his chin and he runs to his apartment-sized crate and spins around inside waiting for me to set the bowl down. We have developed quite a routine based on touch and smell.
People always ask how he gets along not being able to see or hear, and I reply: He doesn't know any difference. I was the one who needed to adapt. Keller is just fine.
See videos of Keller:
Introducing Keller
Keller gets ready for bed
Keller's new toy
Previous entry:
Living with a deaf dog: An update on Alan
I got married and moved to the States a couple of years ago leaving behind our family pet dog- Onyx with my parents in India. I am visiting my parents after about a year and found Onyx had aged and as a result lost his sight and also his hearing. This was heart breaking.Unfortunately, India is just not as advanced in pet care as the States. And getting support/ care for a handicapped dog is a remote possibility. I started surfing the net for some ideas and found this story. Thank you Trevor and Keller for inspiration. May God bless you both.
I love reading this story on Keller., and all the other stories people have written. I am the proud owner of 3 gr. danes. Two are brothers that were somewhat of a rescue. One boy is deaf and partially blind. He was born with only one eye, and the other eyes pupil is lower than normal , so we're not sure how well he does see. his brother is "normal" . but normal is different for everyone. Gunnar "deaf " acts like the other danes & is very loving & soo sweet. I can;t imagine my life without him. I have been trying to get infoon opening a gr. dane rescue for deaf & blind danes. I know these dogs are just as special as every other animal in need of a home. thanks for sharing your stories , God Speed .
This is truly an amazing story. My partner and I have recently fallen in love with a retriever/rottweiler puppy named Wyatt, that we've grown attach to from an animal shelter nearby. We immediately wanted to adopt. The day we came into the shelter to pick him up, they informed us that they had recently discovered he was blind. From reading your story and researching thoroughly, it has given us the confidence to ensure this puppy has a loving home and a good life. He is coming home today!!! Thank you for sharing your story.
By Kim on November 19, 2008 2:35 PM
We adopted two days ago a deaf and blind border collie from 4 months old. We are now searching for tips. Can you help us?
Hi there, I have a lethal white deaf/blind border collie and have trained her with touch signs so she now does obiedence and agility for fun - even the jumps.
I kept a record of our first year which goes into some of the training stuff
http://teijas-story.blogspot.com/
I also have another lethal white collie called Berezi and I have taught her makaton sign language but everyone ends up making up their own.
I'm not sure where to find tips for raising deaf/blind pets. I think Napoleon said it best, "Just follow your heart, that's what I do..." The biggest thing is, IMO, they need to know you are there. I keep forgetting he can't hear me. So, when you would normally say something soothing, a gentle touch is more effective. I do speak to Keller as if he could hear. I think dogs are very in tune with our emotions, better than we are. They sense what you are feeling. If you are calm they are calm, if you are stressed, they get stressed. Try to take puppy proofing a step further. Clear any obstacles that might get in their way. With that said, be cautious about changing the layout of the house. If you have to move a table or chair, show them so they know. I have also learned to be more careful when opening doors, the refrigerator and the dishwasher. Don't forget how scary the world is. Give them time to learn new situations on their terms. Introduce them slowly to new things so it is not a shock.
Help that helps,
Trevor
I house trained Keller the same way I have with all my dogs/puppies. First, you have to pay close attention to them at all times. Standard puppy rules apply. Let them out frequently, especially after meal times. Reward them for using the backyard. When the puppy is looking for a place to "go", calmly pick them up and carry outside. They get it really quick.
Here's a Petfinder page with some resources on caring for a deaf dog (I know that's different from a deaf and blind dog, but maybe it will help):
http://www.petfinder.com/deafweek.html
That is So weird! I just rescued a Great Dane pup 3 wks ago. I work at a vet as a vet tech, a breeder came in to euthanize 3 puppies. She said they were blind and deaf. Two of the pups were in fact blind and deaf, but one of them had an almost normal looking eye, I asked one of the doctors that I work with if he thought that the pup might be able to see a little bit, and he said he wasn't sure. I talked to the breeder and asked if I could have the puppy, and at least give it a chance. She said I could try, but she did think it would work out. I was going to call him Keller, but my husband did want to name him that, so we decided to call him Scrappy. He thankfully does have some vision in his left eye, but his right eye is under developed. He is completely deaf, but we don't even notice anymore. He fit right in with our 3 other dogs ( a rottweiler, and 2 chihuahuas) I am glad to hear of other dogs like Scrappy, it gives me confidence in raising a partially blind and deaf Dane.
This is truly an amazing story. I'm glad to hear that it has worked out for Keller. I do have a question though. How did you potty train him? I've recently acquired a blind and deaf puppy and I'm not sure how to go about potty training her. I have some ideas, but I'm not sure that they will work. I know every dog/puppy is different, but I was just curious how you went about it. Thanks!
Last night I went to rescue a harli dane and ended up with a almost pure white blind 2 year old girl... I still look and wonder what I will have to adjust to since I was not prepared for Starr, I was prepared for a puppy... but in the short 24 hours that she has been with us, she already has our house and yard maped out... THAT is incredible. I am waiting at least a week before I take her to my vet, but I think she may be partially deaf as well... If anyone has any tips or words of advice, please email me... I am well schooled in rescuing dogs... its just the blind part I am learning...
I love your story!
We adopted two days ago a deaf and blind border collie from 4 months old. Same story as your's!
We are now searching for tips. Can you help us?
You can see a video of our 'Watje' on my personal website by 'honden'.
Greeting Kim
As an animal lover, I am always impressed by people that sacrifice a piece of themselves to improve an animal's life. You sacrificed a small piece of fear that you could have easily given in to. The fear being that you wouldn't be able to accomodate Keller's needs.
I want to thank you for adding to the good in the world.
It seems that there are no shortages of miracles when it comes to animals. They are pure of heart and soul and that is enough to bring tears to one's eyes. I don't think that there is any dog more deserving than a deaf, blind, and unwanted puppy.
You are most certainly making this world a better place and I am positive that you have a friend in Keller that will never again be matched.
Thanks for your story,
Carrie
I am so glad that utook that amazing dog and gave him a chance of life. OUR FAMILY ALSO LIVES WITH A DEAF DOG HER NAME I ABBY. SHE IS GREAT. SHE IS AN AUSTRAILIAN SHEPHERD, THE RESULT OF TWO BLUE MERLES BEING BRED TOGEHER. SHE WAS ADOPTED FROM OUR LOCAL SHELTER. WE TOOK HER HOME NOT KNOWING SHE WAS DEAF. WE ADOPTED HER BECAUSE SHE WAS SO MUCH LIKE OUR 13 YEAR OLD COCKER SPANIELMIX. FOUR MONTHS BEFORE WE HAD TO PUT SPANIEL DOWN BECAUSE OF CUSHING DISEASE. ABBY IS SMART AND NOW WE RESCUED AN YORKIE. ABBY AND SCRUFF ARE INSEPARABLE, SCRUFF TRULY GIVES HER SO MUCH SUPPORT THAT U WOULD THINK SHE CAN HEAR. VIBRATIONS OF OUR CAR TELLS US THAT ONE OF US IS COMING HOME, SHE HAS LEARNED SIGN LANGUAGE. SHE IS SO RECEPTIVE TO HER OUTSIDE WORLD AND EVERY EMOTION IS SOMETHING NEW FOR HER TO INTERPRET. SHE IS TRULY THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENEDTO OUR HOME. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE OF RAISING A DEAF DOG, WE AS PEOPLE WOULD BE BETTER INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORLD IF WE ADOPT A SPECIAL NEEDS ANIMAL. SO I SAY U ARE A GREAT PERSON FOR GIVING KELLER A CHANCE IN LIFE. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR GREAT STORY WITH US!!!!!!!!
This is an amazing story, and god bless you. we need more people like you in this world. Keller is a lucky doggy and I am glad that he has a great home and will live a great life. Thank you for sharing this story with us. Again thank you for being an awesome person!
This story really touched me. It is amazing how fast people are willing to put animals to sleep. I wish breeders would stop producing animals until all the sweet dogs and cats have homes.
Thank you, everyone, for the nice comments. I WAS worried at first that I wouldn't be able to live up to the task but, I'm so glad I stuck with it. It was very important to me to make sure Keller never had a reason to be afraid. His confidence would be key to a happy life.
Keller does love life! He enjoys playing with his brother and sister so much. Every time I look at him, I'm reminded my problems aren't so bad, I need to appreciate what I have.
I got Amazing Gracie for Christmas last year but, have not read it yet. I need to make more time for those things. Petfinder keeps me pretty busy :-)
What a beautiful story thanks so much for sharing!
-Have you ever read "Three Dog Bakery"? Well, it's about an Albino Deaf Great Dane named Gracie .. and her and Dottie and Sarah are the "Three Dogs" who founded "Three Dog Bakery" .. there are tons of stores all around the US .. anyway sweet and sad story, will touch and warm your heart! Keller is such a Handsome boy. How special you must be to take the time for helping Keller, even if he is Albino and he is deaf and blind, you take the time for preparing him a nice loving, and SAFE home! We have watched all three of his videos .. and we gotta tell you, he just LOVES life!! He has such a zest in life and a happy spirit. Amazing how he can wirl and twirl like that with his toys and not knock into anything! We love his little flips he does when he whips around the kong toy. And also, when he went to bed. It was a little sad how he lost the Tennis Ball and couldn't find it, but the way he plopped into the bed was adorable! What a sweetheart .. and such COOL markings!! We thought he was all white until we saw his videos .. VERY cool black spot markings. So lucky to have him, and he's lucky the same way. Enjoy your life with him!
What a B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L Great Dane! We have one ourselves, Diamond's her name, she's a Mantel Great Dane .. She's Black with a white stripe down her snout, white socks and a white chest with light black spots. We LOVE Great Danes especially the book "Amazing Gracie" ---THOSE WHO ARE DANE FANS WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK .. THOSE WHO ARE NOT WILL STILL Love IT!--- It's about a Deaf Albino Great Dane named Gracie and she's the founder of the Three Dog Bakery ... there's Three Dog Bakerys everywhere all around the world. A True Tale, the three founders are Great Dane-Gracie , Black Lab Mix- Sarah , and Dalmation-Dottie .. Anyone would absolutley LOVE this book ... anyway, Keller is a gorgeous Dane, lucky to have him!
Awwww!!!! God bless doggies and their human angels! What a dear sweet puppy! His big sissy Shiloh is absolutely beautiful too!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!!
This is a truly inspiring story. Have you read Amazing Gracie (about the founder of Three Dog Bakery). Its about an albino deaf and partially blind Great Dane with a similar story - absolutely wonderful read for any Great Dane lover! I loved the videos of her getting ready for bed time!
This is such a great story. I think it would be a daunting task to take on a dog that is both blind and deaf, but Keller seems so happy and well-adjusted. He is so happy to be alive and doesn't seem like he's at all affected by his "disabilities". What an inspiring and heartwarming story. It's nice to hear stories like this, where humanity and compassion shine through and beautiful animals like Keller are given a chance to live happy lives. Thank you for sharing this story. I hope that it will empower others to care for and love special needs animals. What a reward!
OMG! Your Keller (appropriate and GENIUS use of Helen's last name!) is so
gorgeous and what a delightful personality! He's so fortunate to have "found" you
and we're so lucky to learn about your relationship with Keller. Thnaks for sharing!