A deaf man found a perfect companion when he adopted his deaf dog.
Nick Abbott first saw Emerson, a cute black Labrador, on his Facebook News Feed when the North Florida Rescue (NFR) of Maine posted the dog’s picture. Emerson was looking for a loving home.
“I was drawn to him right away because we have similarities. I felt like because I know what it’s like to be deaf, I could understand him,” Abbott told InsideEdition.com.
Emerson was a part of a litter and all of his siblings had already been adopted.
“He is left wondering why no one wants to give him a forever home,” NFR posted alongside his picture prior to his adoption. “He wants everyone to know that even though he may be deaf, he is still an AMAZING little pup with SOO much love to give!”
Abbott said he initially wasn’t sure if he could handle the responsibility of another dog as he already had a 7-year-old yellow Lab, but he couldn’t get Emerson out of his mind.
“I decided I should at least go meet him and see,” Abbott said. “I walked in and he came right to me and sat on my foot. It was like he already knew me…. That’s the moment that I knew.”
Their bond thus far has been “awesome,” Abbott explained. Wherever he is, Emerson is nearby.
Now, Abbott is actively training Emerson. The pup is already learning commands in sign language and has been fast at picking it up.
“I didn’t know what it would be like to have a deaf dog. I’ve never been around a deaf dog before,” Abbott said. “I think we have been learning together as we go.”
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