Adapting to life in a shelter can be hard for any dog. But for a deaf dog like Smudge, living in a loud, confusing environment is especially difficult.
Smudge was just 2 months old when he was rescued from a neglectful living situation with 21 other dogs
and transported to the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA). The pup spent a short time in the shelter’s care before he was adopted. However, a year later, Smudge’s family realized they no longer had the capacity to care for him, and he ended up at the shelter again.
Smudge was overwhelmed but glad to see some of his old friends. Alone in his kennel, he stared out the window, perhaps decompressing, wondering when he might have a new place to call home.
“I would be lying if I said seeing Smudge like that didn't invoke emotions right away,” rescue team member Lindsey King told The Dodo. “As people, we always think about what dogs are thinking, and I just couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking as he was just sitting out looking at the field.”
King and other rescue staff used shadows on the wall to get Smudge’s attention.
“He was happy to see us and came up to take treats from the kennel,” King said.
PSPCA rescuers were patient with Smudge. They continued his training, teaching him to respond to hand signals rather than vocal commands.
“Deaf dogs just need a little more attention, but many, like Smudge, [catch] on quickly,” King said.
Eventually, a family arrived at the shelter looking for a new pet. They told rescue staff that they lived next door to a loud garage, and they were worried the noise might scare their future dog.
Rescuers immediately knew who to pair them with.
“When I showed them how we communicated, not only did Smudge light up, but the family did as well,” King said. “They were so excited to learn his signals and see how he knew them and loved working this way. At that moment, it really felt like a good fit.”
Today, Smudge is happily settled with his new family. Shelter staff are thrilled for Smudge, and they hope every dog at the shelter (including Smudge’s sibling, Omicron, who’s still waiting) can one day enjoy the same contentment.
“Every animal deserves someone who sees past the circumstances and sees them,” PSPCA wrote in a Facebook post. “For Smudge, that someone came along at just the right time. Happy Home achieved.
