A man from Maine born with a hearing impairment decided to adopt a sweet canine with the same condition. The 31-year-old Nick Abbot initially saw a post of Emerson from the social media account of North Florida Rescue Maine. Nick noted that he got curious about Emerson as he saw that he is also deaf.
The foster-based rescue N.F.R. Maine narrated that they rescued Emerson from a kill shelter in Florida before getting transferred North when he was six weeks old. The black Labrador mix canine experienced seizures and suffered from a contagious infection known as canine parvovirus that initially endangered him. He eventually survived the ailment and soon was put up for adoption.
Lindsay Powers of N.F.R. Maine commented that they only noticed Emerson’s hearing difficulties after they got him home from the vet’s office in Florida. She added that the puppy seems not bothered by his challenges and appears to be just like a typical happy puppy despite having a rough life onset. Lindsay said she is not sure if the dog lost his hearing later on or if he was born deaf.
In March of 2019, Lindsay shared a post on Facebook to help find a home for Emerson. Weeks later, they received an application from Nick Abbott. Lindsay also recollected that Nick described his condition in his request that may contribute to his connection with the animal.
Emerson immediately came to Nick and sat at his feet when they first met. Nick felt that the canine picked him, and he knew then that they would get along well and understand each other. Nick Abbott’s mom Richelle Abbott, added that his son and the pup are perfect for each other.
Since then, Nick taught Emerson basic commands via sign language. Emerson learned and responded with each command to sit, lay down, and come. Nick even taught him to bark whenever he shakes his earlobe.
Thanks to our friends from Good Morning America for sharing the original story.
