Adopting a deaf and blind puppy

[BabyElephant]

I have posted about this in dog breeding discussions relating to the breeding of the parents but there are two merle collies in rescue that are both deaf and blind (the result of breeding two merles together ). The rescue will not put them to sleep but thinks they can find suitable homes for them. I wondered what you guys thought about adopting deaf and blind puppies? I can imagine it would be an enormous challenge but would the puppies have quality of life? The rescue seem to think they would but I'm undecided at this stage...

[agilitydog]

That is tough. I say yes they can live decent lives with the right people. But what are your chances of finding the right people for an entire litter. And now what happens to the pups who are waiting for the "right" people, do they grow up in a shelter, get pts anyway. Or do they take up shelter space for dogs who do not need that specific kind of person. Many dogs can be adopted to a varitey of different types of people, all being ok but a blind deaf pup needs someone specific. Does that make sense??

[Dax]

Considering the number of healthy dogs being put to sleep, I would put them to sleep.

Being either deaf or blind is something an owner can accomodate for but both is too much.

Training a dog like this with only touch?? Not something I would want to try.

I did see one on animal planet, they had another dog act as the blind/deaf dog's guide.

[assortedagility]

Living with a blind and deaf dog is a challenge, but it can be done.

It is, however, a challenge to find the homes these dogs will need. If it were in my area, the dogs would need to be put down, as responsible homes just can't be found.

But, if there is a chance of finding that home, I'd certainly keep them alive if no behavioral or health problems(other than the deaf and blindness) exist.

[doglover1984]

Originally Posted by assortedagility

Living with a blind and deaf dog is a challenge, but it can be done.

It is, however, a challenge to find the homes these dogs will need. If it were in my area, the dogs would need to be put down, as responsible homes just can't be found.

But, if there is a chance of finding that home, I'd certainly keep them alive if no behavioral or health problems(other than the deaf and blindness) exist.

I agree with assorted on this, as the same in my area it would be lil to none chance of finding them homes but if they can be found good responsible homes in your area then I would give them a chance.

[alimel]

I have never had a puppy with a disability, however, we almost adopted a deaf 3 year old Rottweiler. His owners did a remarkable job training him with hand signals...being both blind and deaf would obviously be more of a challenge. I wonder if there are special trainers that deal with this?

[micki]

sorry i think they would be too hard to train for most people and too many situations that could be dangerous to the dog and say small children.I think they should be pts

[Tankstar]

I'm sure it could be done. But who will do it and who can do it is another question.. Its a really hard decision, but I would say put them down.

Poor pups.

[whimzikal]

I think the best thing would be to PTS. I hate to say it but I just don't think they would have a good quality of life. IF the rescue could find a home for 2 pups that are not only willing but able to train the dogs I would be suprised.
I'd be interested in seeing/knowing what their lives consist of: training in all aspects, socializing with people and other animals everything. Do you have any more info?

[nana]

I groom a 10yr old Aussie and she gets around great. I do think this is an isolated case though. Her owners are EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!!! Not many people could do it. ****, many people can't even train a perfectly normal dog!