Let me tell you about two special pups I rescued—Peach and Mango, both deaf and vision-impaired Double Merle Australian Shepherds. I found them through a backyard breeder in Northern Arizona. I went up intending to take just one, but when I heard the other was likely going to be put down, I couldn’t leave her behind. I gave the breeder $50 for both, and off we went.
My goal? To learn how to train a deaf dog, without the pressure of figuring it out for a client. Mango went to a wonderful foster home in Phoenix, while I focused on Peach. I started using light as a marker and incorporated the e-collar in patterns to teach her commands. And guess what? It worked! Peach thrived.
The best part? When Peach was ready for adoption, the foster mom who took in Mango decided to adopt Peach, too! The sisters, renamed Hope and Lucy, were reunited. Sadly, Hope has since passed away, but Lucy is still living her best life with her family in Phoenix. Despite her health challenges due to her genetics, I still get updates, and she’s doing great.
It was the best $50 I ever spent. Peach and Mango showed me that with the right tools and creativity, you can break through the toughest barriers—and the bond you build is priceless!
