I applaud individuals who have chosen to adopt a dog that is both blind and deaf.
So many obligations, so much effort involved with these dogs…
Yet, they bring so much happiness!
Tamale is a rescue canine. Genetically, he’s a double merle dog, which implies the likelihood of him being deaf and blind is substantial. Sadly, that’s exactly what transpired with poor Tamale.
This genetic issue influenced Tamale from the very beginning. He was born this way.
Nevertheless, that did not prevent Tamale from being an extraordinary dog.
His impairments did not render him unnoticed, as this pup definitely knows how to attract attention.
And, if Tamale’s focus drifts, Jimmy is there… just a nose boop away.
Tamale And Jimmy, The Finest Nose Boopers In Town
When Speak For The Unspoken featured Tamale, then a 4-month-old Aussie Shepherd, for adoption, Kayleigh Ostot felt she couldn’t overlook this pooch. Something deep inside her indicated that Tamale HAD to be her dog. She HAD to provide him with the home he merits.
The Ohio resident canine mom fell for Tamale’s personality. He behaved as if he were typical, just like any other dog, and demonstrated to everyone how sociable he truly was.
Who wouldn’t adore having such a companion?
Growing up was somewhat ruff for Tamale. He would frequently bump into obstacles. However, he soon demonstrated that he was more than merely a dog with visual and auditory challenges.
He learned to navigate in this world, and he discovered something else:
How to forge friendships.
Back in 2020, when the pandemic struck and everyone sought a companion during hard times, Tamale encountered the other half of his heart… his best friend in the entire universe: Jimmy.
“Jimmy and Tamale met at the dog park over a year ago,” Ostot remarked back then. “Initially, Jimmy’s owner, Melinda, and I would plan to meet at the dog park. Then we began taking the two out for walks together, and it developed from there. They see each other at least once a week, if not more frequently.”
An unbreakable connection was formed. Jimmy recognized Tamale’s genuine heart and friendly demeanor. They have been inseparable ever since. They became like family.
However, Jimmy noticed something unusual about Tamale. He didn’t watch sunsets with him. He didn’t show him the trees with squirrels at the park, nor did he show any concern when Jimmy was loud.
But, he could scent that his best friend was nearby.
To assist Tamale in realizing that Jimmy was right in front of him, Jimmy devised a delightful way of greeting his friend: nose booping!
Whenever these two best friends would reunite, Jimmy would rush to boop his buddy’s nose and say hello in the kindest manner possible.
People should take a lesson from Jimmy. All he perceives in Tamale is his best friend. He sees no disabilities and doesn’t disregard him just because he is different. Only Jimmy and Tamale understand how much joy they share together!
Nose booping became a trend for Tamale and his companions. Even his mom, Kayleigh, engages in it! Whenever Kayleigh desires to wake Tamale without startling him, she performs gentle nose boops with her hand, allowing Tamale to sense her presence before he awakens.
Although many might perceive Tamale’s existence as challenging, filled with unpredictability and mishaps, Tamale and his family, along with his little sister, Kiwi, demonstrate they are living a normal, joyful life.
You can follow this delightful Ohio family on TikTok and Instagram where they have a rapidly growing fan base. Join the community that enjoys the everyday adventures of this courageous, double-merle Aussie.