New York Puppy Was Given Up At Seven Weeks After Her Breeder Learned She Could Not Be Sold
When a breeder was told to euthanize a seven-week-old deaf puppy, an animal welfare advocate stepped in. Now, the 101-pound New York dog uses her unique perspective to bring joy and comfort to everyone she meets.
A Difficult Start
At just seven weeks old, Jasmyne was already facing an uncertain future. She was a breeder surrender, given up because she was deaf.
The situation was dire. Because she couldn’t be sold, a veterinarian had actually recommended euthanasia.
Fortunately, the breeder did not feel comfortable with that decision and reached out for help.
Stepping In to Help
Ellie, who runs an animal welfare nonprofit, received the call asking if she could take in the deaf puppy.
She agreed, though she was unfamiliar with Jasmyne’s breed. The puppy was a Dogo Argentino, and she was already quite large for her age.
Ellie decided to foster the growing dog, hoping to find her the perfect forever home.
A Foster Fail
Despite their best efforts, Ellie couldn’t find a family willing to adopt the special needs puppy.
As time passed, the bond between Ellie and Jasmyne grew stronger.
Eventually, Ellie made the decision to keep her permanently, resulting in a happy “foster fail.”
A Tactile Connection
Because she cannot hear, Jasmyne navigates the world differently than other dogs.
She is incredibly tactile-oriented, relying heavily on touch and feel to connect with those around her.
Ellie notes that Jasmyne is outwardly affectionate, often draping her entire 101-pound body over people without them even realizing the weight.
The Life of the Party
Jasmyne’s lack of hearing hasn’t dampened her spirit one bit. She loves people and is fantastic with other dogs.
When Ellie fosters little puppies, Jasmyne is absolutely thrilled. She gets so excited, running and playing with them like a kid in a schoolyard.
Ellie often feels that if Jasmyne could giggle, she absolutely would.
A Shift in Perspective
Initially, Ellie felt a deep sadness for Jasmyne, mourning the fact that she would never hear the birds sing or the sound of Ellie’s voice.
However, she soon realized that Jasmyne doesn’t know any different.
She has never been sad about her deafness; she is simply the happiest dog, living fully in the moment.
Comforting a Friend
Jasmyne’s unique perspective actually became a source of comfort for Ellie’s other dog, Charlotte.
During thunderstorms, Charlotte would often shake and hide in the corner, terrified by the loud noises.
Because Jasmyne can’t hear the thunder, she didn’t understand why Charlotte was scared. One day, she simply started lying next to her to provide comfort.
Learning to Communicate
To communicate effectively, Ellie taught Jasmyne sign language.
She discovered that dogs often learn better through visual cues rather than auditory ones anyway.
Their favorite signal is “jazz hands,” which Ellie uses to tell Jasmyne “yes” or “good girl.”
The Barking Llama
Jasmyne’s striking appearance has earned her a funny nickname in the household.
Because she is white and has a long neck, Ellie playfully calls her the “barking llama.”
When Ellie comes home, Jasmyne greets her with a giant, loose, happy wag of her tail, bringing joy to the entire house.
A Joyful Existence
Watching Jasmyne run through the fields is a sight to behold. She doesn’t just run; she gallops gracefully, seemingly never touching the earth.
Ellie believes that we can learn a lot from a dog like Jasmyne.
By approaching life with gratitude for what we have, rather than sadness for what we lack, we can find true fulfillment, just like Jasmyne does every single day.
