Photo Credit ( Pixabay )
Despite being born blind and deaf, Raina, at the age of 13, has never missed a beat.Raina was adopted by Pennsylvania’s Kristen Strouse when she was barely 6 months old. Due to her double merle genetics, this adorable Australian shepherd was born blind, deaf, and with a white coat. But according to Strouse, her limitations have never stopped her.
Although Strouse has always had dogs, Raina was the first adoptive canine with a disability. She was drawn to the adorable dog after seeing a photo of it online. Strouse applied to adopt Raina from the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance without even having met her, and he soon brought her home. Raina rapidly learned the lay of the land with the assistance of Strouse and her other fur siblings, a German shepherd called Millie and other foster dogs.
When Strouse saw that Raina could motivate others around her, even as a young puppy, she started taking her to pet and community activities. She shared with the public the experience of owning a blind dog and demonstrated to them that slightly different pups may still lead fulfilling lives and make a positive impact on their families.
Strouse, a music teacher, organized a series of fundraising performances with her students, which she called the Lending a Paw initiative, which she and Raina also founded.
“I think people seeing these dogs out in public, they’re more willing to take a chance on special-needs dogs,” Strouse told Daily Paws. “The more people meet them, the more willing they are to consider a dog that’s a little different.” Pure inspiration makes up the other portion of Raina’s influence. Although Raina is now happily in her advanced years, she has always loved swimming and hiking in addition to, of course, sniffing out food.
“Raina doesn’t let her disabilities stop her from living a quality, awesome life,” adds Strouse. She is such a joyful, sweet girl. You would assume that a dog who was born differently would be put back, but she simply doesn’t know any different.”
Strouse continues, “Raina has a positive influence on everyone she meets because of her upbeat attitude and her ability to face life despite her blindness and deafness.” For her, getting around isn’t really that difficult. When it comes to following Kristen’s lead in public, Raina stays close to her other canines and relies on them to lead her. She also learnt the layout of the area around the house.
“She amazes everyone who encounters her. People see her and understand that having a disability does not make one less capable,” she claims. It denotes the possibility. Many people find great meaning in seeing her, getting to know her, and hearing her story. “If this little dog who is blind and deaf can survive in this world, then I can do anything,” they say.
In addition, Raina has inspired her owner in addition to the general public.
When Strouse got sick in 2015, she had her own difficulties. She claims that Raina gave her motivation to continue living her life and to get out of bed each day.
“Raina really gave my life meaning and purpose and she still does,” she claims. “She has consistently supported me during both good and bad times. More enjoyable moments than not!”
Raina is one of the nominees in the Emerging Hero and Shelter category for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Voting is available till August 24.
Pure inspiration makes up the other portion of Raina’s influence. Although Raina is now happily in her advanced years, she has always loved swimming and hiking in addition to, of course, sniffing out food.
“Raina doesn’t let her disabilities stop her from living a quality, awesome life,” adds Strouse. She is such a joyful, sweet girl. You would assume that a dog who was born differently would be put back, but she simply doesn’t know any different.”
Strouse continues, “Raina has a positive influence on everyone she meets because of her upbeat attitude and her ability to face life despite her blindness and deafness.” For her, getting around isn’t really that difficult. When it comes to following Kristen’s lead in public, Raina stays close to her other canines and relies on them to lead her. She also learnt the layout of the area around the house.
“She amazes everyone who encounters her. People see her and understand that having a disability does not make one less capable,” she claims. It denotes the possibility. Many people find great meaning in seeing her, getting to know her, and hearing her story. “If this little dog who is blind and deaf can survive in this world, then I can do anything,” they say.
In addition, Raina has inspired her owner in addition to the general public.
When Strouse got sick in 2015, she had her own difficulties. She claims that Raina gave her motivation to continue living her life and to get out of bed each day.
“Raina really gave my life meaning and purpose and she still does,” she claims. “She has consistently supported me during both good and bad times. More enjoyable moments than not!
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