Deaf pets are often left at shelters or put down by their owners due to the misconception that they are difficult to take care of. But this story is different because the owner is also deaf. It’s about how a girl and puppy bonded over their mutual deafness!
Our main character, a lovely puppy named Walter, was a member of Pasadena Humane – an animal adoption and rescue organization – in 2015.
When Pasadena Humane’s staff saw him, the first impression was that he was a bright-eyed, energetic pup, standing out with his snowy fur. When time passed and the pup grew older, the team realized he had hearing issues; Walter could not hear!
The organization wanted Walter to have a home, so they searched for a family who could take care of him because of his special situation. They posted pictures of what he might look like on Facebook in hopes that they would attract the right family. And it worked!
Almost immediately, they heard from a family who was certain that they wanted to look after Walter, and it was Chrissy Vasquez. The uniqueness of Julia – her 10-year-old daughter – being deaf just added to this already amazing story. After meeting the puppy, it soon became apparent that this encounter was meant to be.ét
It was such a long time ago that Chrissy took her daughter inside her arms for the first time after birth – sensing that she couldn’t hear and just smelled her neck. It happened again with Walter; the little pup started snuggling up with his new parent, smelling her neck and waiting for a pat.
Once the puppy joined their household, the relationship between 10-year-old Julia and her doggy was inseparable. Walter lived with Julia and grew to become a loyal and loving member of her family.