Julia, 11 years old, “insisted” on adopting her Terrier/Chihuahua puppy from a Humane Society shelter.
She named her rambunctious puppy, Walter, in honor of her favorite muppet from “The Muppet Movie”. Just like any child and pet, these two share laughter, playtime, nap time and love. They formed an incredible bond and are creating lifelong memories.
Every one of us is “normal”. But what normal is to one, might not be to another, and Julia and Walter are as normal as they come. This amazing duo teach others about love, compassion and patience.
Walter patiently “helps” Julia with her homework and Julia teaches Walter sign language. His pup-siblings had normal hearing, but Walter is deaf which spoke to Julia’s heart, because she was also born deaf.
When Julia was born, because she could not hear her mother’s voice, the baby sniffed her mother’s neck. When Julia and her mother went to visit Walter at the shelter, the minute that Walter was picked up, he sniffed their necks, and they knew he had chosen them as his family.
Canadian animal advocate Rossi Thomas said, “Animals often choose us. They can sense through smell if we are weak, afraid, strong, confident, loving and even cruel, and those with hearing loss have their other senses heightened. The deaf puppy could probably sense that the child and he had something in common. With an open heart, and an accelerated sense of smell and eye sight, they were able to communicate like no other and immediately these two were a match.”
Julia's mom, Chrissy, said, “Walter is Julia’s best friend. They have an amazing bond. Hopefully, their story will encourage others to adopt and love their pets a little more. I love these two and they taught me that love defines all.
I never let Julia feel any different because of her hearing loss and it's amazing how she is doing the same with Walter."
Jamie Holeman, at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, said, “Walter and Julia’s story teaches us to embrace our differences. Their story is proof that there is someone out there for everyone. Walter was overlooked by many people because he can’t hear, but this was exactly what drew Julia to him. And, as always, we hope their video inspires people to visit their local shelter and adopt a pet in need."
“Walter’s impish sneakiness is always making Julia laugh,” said Chrissy. “She laughs out loud every time he leaps in the pool. We call Walter ‘the puppy version of Michael Phelps’ because he taught himself to swim and is very good at it. The first time Walter saw the pool he had no fear and jumped in to join Julia. He is the cutest little energetic, people loving, and friendly dog.
She is currently teaching him how to catch a frisbee and he's doing a great job! The latest command Julia is teaching him is ‘bark’ and, amazingly, his bark sounds almost normal.”
Ms. Holeman said, “We hope that Walter and Julia’s story brings awareness to animals that have special needs or limitations that they can easily overcome.”
Watch their touching video, and see that Walter is as “normal” as any ball loving dog!
