Plum is a one year old miniature Australian Shepherd, born deaf and visually impaired. its owner, Aiden mana veterinary assistant of the Tennesseefrom USA already has a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Great Dane cross, but decided to adopt Plum last summer.
Plum belonged to a colleague of Aiden’s and when the young man met the dog, he fell in love immediately.
A new life alongside a dog with disabilities
a little fearful inadopt a dog with special needs like Plum, Aiden was still sure he wanted to welcome her into his life.
Over the months, the dog and the boy have discovered how to communicate and experience many moments of happiness together.
To ask his dog to sit, Aiden gently nudges her under the chin. And to tell her where she wants to go on a walk, he steers her nose in the right direction.
And to wake Plum without scaring her, Aiden has found the technique: he blows it gently on the muzzle!
The four-legged is a little surprised but as soon as she realizes that her human dad is near her, the puppy relaxes and asks for lots of cuddles.
The young man shared a video of a typical awakening of his dog, and it is so adorable that it has been around the world, reaching millions of people:
The Fate of Dogs Double Merle like Plum
Aiden was very surprised by the success of this video.
The young man hopes to draw attention to dangers of breeding Double Merle dogsi.e. puppies born from the breeding of two merle colored dogs, which often give rise to genetic anomalies, including disabilities such as deafness and low vision.
Plum being white and most of Double Merle dogs are almost entirely whiteAiden thinks this may be the reason for his disability.
He hopes Plum’s story may be able to inform many animal lovers and prevent them from buying dogs from breeders who practice these breeding techniques.
As a trans himself, Aiden hopes that people who view his video will understand that difference is to be celebrated and that we deserve love no matter our personal circumstances!
Read also: This deaf dog communicates with his owner in a very special way (Video)