Nellie is an adorable little Cocker Spaniel puppy who was heartlessly abandoned by a breeder because she was born with a genetic condition that causes her to be deaf and blind.
Her condition stemmed from the markings the breeder was attempting to achieve. Had she been born healthy, Nellie would have been very expensive. However, because of her disabilities, the breeder saw her as unworthy.
But fate had a different plan for Nellie. She found her way to Secondhand Hounds, a foster-based animal rescue in Minnetonka, MN, which ensures that every dog is placed with a loving foster family.
A Special Foster for a Special Puppy
Nellie became a Fighter Fund Foster, meaning she required extra care and attention and stayed longer with a foster family than most other dogs. Fortunately, she found the perfect family to care for her.
A warm-hearted family already filled with other fosters and rescues instantly fell in love with this sweet 5-lb baby.
They shared on Instagram:
“She’s the sweetest 5 lb Cocker Spaniel who LOVES to snuggle & smother you in kisses. She has the cutest markings down half of her body, with two different-colored eyes, & thinks her furry siblings are pretty fun!”
Overcoming Fears and Building Confidence
At first, the family was a bit apprehensive since they had never cared for a blind and deaf puppy. They weren’t sure how Nellie would interact with other dogs.
But Nellie adapted quickly. She explored her surroundings, learning every inch of the house and chasing her furry siblings full speed through the rooms and down the deck.
“She gets around almost like a normal dog. She has learned every inch of the house, and she’ll chase the dogs full speed through the house, out of the door, and down the deck,” says Nellie’s foster mom.
She navigates with confidence and fearlessly.
Nellie’s Heartwarming Greetings
Nellie is also a snuggle enthusiast. “She does this thing when you see her for the first time, where she has to put her mouth right to yours. She doesn’t move, and she just kind of stays there. That is her greeting,” says her foster dad.
Nellie quickly won the hearts of the kids and other dogs in the household. While the family is always excited to welcome new foster pups, Nellie’s arrival felt different—it was as if everyone knew she was special.
The vet remarked, “Nellie doesn’t know any different, and she has never known any different. So, she thinks she’s normal.”
No, Nellie isn’t “normal”… she’s simply remarkable.
Nellie’s Hidden Talents
Nellie’s love for digging was discovered when the family moved to a new home. The previous owners had hidden some treasures in the yard, and Nellie was determined to find them.
Even though she’s blind and deaf, Nellie is sneaky and confident, often bringing all kinds of outside treasures back into the house, thinking no one notices.
Both Nellie and her foster mom share a unique marking on their noses in the same spot. “I think it’s more than a coincidence,” says the foster mom.
The Search for a Forever Home
The family is now looking for a forever home for Nellie, but it’s not an easy decision. Because of her special needs, she will only be adopted within Minnesota. The adoption process is thorough, with numerous meets and greets to ensure she finds the perfect match.
But deep down, I have a feeling Nellie may not leave this family after all. They seem to be the perfect fit as if they were meant to be together.
Alongside Nellie, the family has five other dogs, including a hospice foster named Lily. Lily is a lovable Pittie who is suffering from an aggressive form of cancer and doesn’t have much time left. But Lily has become Nellie’s most caring foster sister.
Nellie loves to sleep on her foster mom’s chest, enjoying the sensation of her heartbeat. It’s truly the most precious thing I’ve ever heard of.
Despite being blind and deaf, Nellie is a beautiful little girl who loves with all her heart. No amount of money can buy this kind of love.
