Nellie is a charming little Cocker Spaniel puppy who was abandoned by a breeder due to a hereditary condition that renders her deaf and blind.
She was born with this condition as a result of the specific markings the breeder aimed to achieve. If Nellie had been deemed healthy, she would’ve commanded a very high price.
However, because of her birth condition, the breeder deemed her not valuable.
Eventually, she found herself at Secondhand Hounds… a foster-centric animal rescue situated in Minnetonka, MN, which ensures that every canine is paired with a foster family.
Nellie has been classified as a Fighter Fund Foster, indicating she needs additional specialized care and veterinary attention, necessitating her stay with a foster family for longer than most dogs. Fortunately, the rescue selected an exceptional family to nurture this dear little one.
A lovely family dedicated to fostering and rescuing instantly embraced this adorable 5 lb puppy.
They shared on their Instagram page:
“She’s the most lovely 5 lb Cocker Spaniel who ADORES snuggling & showering you with kisses. She sports the most adorable markings across half of her body, has two differently colored eyes, & thinks her furry companions are quite entertaining!”
They were slightly apprehensive initially since they had never hosted a blind and deaf puppy before, and they were uncertain how she would interact with other dogs.
Nonetheless, Nellie adapted extremely well.
They have made their home puppy-proof to accommodate her requirements, and they endeavor to avoid rearranging the household items as much as possible.
“She moves around nearly like an ordinary dog. She has familiarized herself with every part of the house, and she’ll race the other dogs at full speed, zipping through the house, out the door, and down the deck,” says Nellie’s foster mother.
She maneuvers extraordinarily well and displays no fear whatsoever.
Nellie is also an immense cuddle bug. “She does this adorable thing the first time you meet her, where she presses her mouth right against yours. She remains still, just staying there. That is her way of saying hello,” shares Nellie’s foster father.
The children and the other dogs adore Nellie. They typically become so thrilled when a new foster pup arrives in their home, but with Nellie, the reaction was unique… it was almost as if they recognized her.
During her first visit to the vet, they remarked, “Nellie doesn’t comprehend anything else, as she has never experienced anything different. So, she believes she is just like every other dog.”
No, she is not “ordinary”… she is simply extraordinary.
They discovered that Nellie enjoys digging just like any other dogs.
Upon relocating to their home recently, they found out that the former owners had dogs as well, and they had buried some items in the yard. Consequently, Nellie is enthusiastically trying to unearth the hidden treasures.
Despite being deaf and blind, Nellie is quite crafty and self-assured. Often, she assumes that no one is aware of her actions, leading her to sneak various outdoor items into the house.
Nellie and her foster mother share similar markings on their noses in precisely the same spot. “I believe it’s beyond mere coincidence,” comments the mother.