New Jersey Couple Drives To Pick Up A Blind And Deaf Senior Dog, Unsure If They Can Handle His Special Needs
When a senior, blind, and deaf dog named Fetty was in danger of being overlooked at a New Jersey shelter, one couple took a chance on fostering him. What started as a temporary stay turned into a beautiful, life-changing bond.
A Valentine’s Day Discovery
For many shelter dogs, age and special needs can be significant hurdles to finding a loving home.
A senior dog named Fetty knew this reality all too well, having lost both his sight and his hearing.
He found himself in a vulnerable position, waiting for someone who could look past his challenges.
But on one Valentine’s Day morning, everything was about to change for the sweet senior dog.
The Odds Stacked Against Him
Fetty’s past was uncertain, but he had likely been shuffled from his original owners toward a shelter environment.
The odds were heavily stacked against him finding a forever family.
People would often overlook him, not only because he was blind and deaf, but also because of his senior status.
He just needed someone to see his gentle heart and give him a second chance.
Taking a Leap of Faith
When a man’s soon-to-be wife woke him up to show him Fetty’s rescue post, he felt an immediate emotional pull.
“Something about his story and those gentle eyes pulled me in,” he recalled.
Having some experience with special needs dogs, the couple knew they had to step up and help.
The very next morning, they drove out to pick him up.
Fostering with Hope
Initially, the couple decided to foster Fetty rather than adopt him outright.
They wanted to be absolutely sure they could provide the right environment for his specific special needs.
Stepping into the unknown with a blind and deaf dog brought a natural sense of hesitation.
“The first time doing anything with him, there’s always a little bit of doubt like, ‘Can we make this work?'” his foster dad explained.
Learning to Communicate
To help Fetty adjust to his new surroundings, his foster dad spent every waking moment with him.
They were together 24 hours a day, seven days a week, building a foundation of trust.
Through patience and constant companionship, they began to bridge the sensory gap.
Over time, the dedicated pair found their own unique ways to communicate without sight or sound.
A Dinosaur and a Joyful Spirit
As Fetty settled in, his true, joyful personality began to shine through.
He proved to be an incredibly playful companion who loved being engaged with his family.
If his dad was busy doing something else, Fetty would simply bring over his favorite dinosaur toy to politely demand some playtime.
It was in these small, everyday moments that their bond truly solidified.
Walking with Complete Confidence
Fetty refuses to let his inability to see and hear hold him back from enjoying his life.
He navigates his world with an inspiring amount of bravery and joy.
“Sometimes he walks with so much confidence that you can literally forget that this dog can’t see,” his dad shared.
He can often be found jumping around, having the absolute time of his life.
A Soul Dog Connection
What started as a foster situation quickly turned into a beautiful forever home.
Fetty is now a permanent part of the family, always staying within reach of the man he views as his dad.
His dad hopes to give him the best couple of years of his life, proving that special needs dogs can have completely happy, healthy lives.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think this is the best decision me and my wife have made,” he said. “Fetty is my soul dog 100%.”
