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A Deaf Man And His Deaf Dog Learn To Communicate Through Sign Language

Puppy
Screenshot from Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.
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After facing a terrible start to life, six-week-old Emerson finds a two-legged friend. They are the perfect match; both are deaf and have a strong connection. Nick Abbott and Emerson formed a strong bond right from the start. Their life together was bound to be a good one.

An Instant Connection

Puppy
Screenshot from Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.

A six-week-old puppy, Emerson, started his life with multiple issues. Parvovirus in canines is a life-threatening infection that can result in death if not treated early. Little Emerson managed to survive this deadly infection but he still had a long journey ahead of him. The shelter staff soon noticed that Emerson was deaf and visually impaired. It was not known if he was born with these struggles or if they were a result of the infection and seizures. 

Waiting For A Family 

Puppy
Screenshot from Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.

With his siblings all being adopted, little Emerson waited for someone to take him home. Throughout his struggles and heartbreaking start to life, Emerson stayed in high spirits and continued to be the sweet and loving pup that he is.

One day the shelter received a message from Nick Abbott, who showed great interest in adopting little Emerson. Nick Abbott was born deaf and felt he had a connection with his kindred spirit. During their first meeting, Emerson walked straight up to Nick and sat at his feet. The pair were brought together by fate, there was no doubt that they were made for each other. 

A Connection That Was Meant To Be

Puppy
Screenshot from Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.

Nick and Emerson took their disabilities in their stride, with Nick teaching Emerson to follow commands using sign language. For example, the command ‘sit’ was shown using the sign symbol of ‘s’. If Nick wanted to tell Emerson to lie down, he would make a sweeping motion with his hand. Their form of communication shows that disabilities can be overcome. They found a way to communicate, and despite their having 2 legs difference, Emerson was able to quickly learn and adapt to his new life. 

A Connection That Was Meant To Be

Puppy
Screenshot from Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.

Many people looked over Emerson due to his disabilities. Nick was drawn to him because of his disabilities. He treated Emerson with great love, patience, and understanding. Emerson found a home where he was understood and Nick found a friend with that he had an immense connection with. The two had a deep connection full of understanding and love. They both received the friendship and love that they needed. It was a friendship truly meant to be.

Deaf dog adopted in Maine. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: ABC News.
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