Aiden Mann, a compassionate vet assistant from Nashville, Tennessee, is not only a proud dog dad but also an advocate for special needs dogs. With two furry companions in his life, Lola, a Staffordshire bull terrier/Great Dane hybrid, and Plum, a small Australian shepherd, Aiden has experienced the unique challenges and joys of caring for a dog with special requirements.
Plum, Aiden’s Australian shepherd, is not your typical dog. Born deaf and partially blind, Plum captured Aiden’s heart from the moment they met. Although Aiden had reservations about her special needs, his love for her was undeniable.
When Aiden first encountered Plum through his coworkers, who were caring for her and her brother, he immediately knew she belonged in his home. Despite the uncertainty that came with her special needs, Aiden was determined to give Plum a comfortable and happy life.
The initial connection between Aiden and Plum was challenging, as they had to navigate a whole new way of communicating. However, their bond grew stronger as they worked on touch signals to help Plum better understand commands.
“For ‘sit,’ I gently touch beneath her chin,” explained the compassionate vet assistant. “And when I want her to follow me or go in a specific direction, I guide her nose or slide my hand over her body in the desired direction.”
Since moving in with Aiden, Plum has been involved in various activities. Aiden often gets asked how he wakes up his deaf and blind puppy without frightening her. In response, he shared a heartwarming technique. “I blow on her softly,” Aiden said with a smile. “She gets pleasantly surprised until she realizes it’s me, and then she craves affection.”
Plum’s initial surprise quickly turns into pure joy as she cuddles with Aiden on the floor. The bond they share is a testament to the power of love and care, proving that disabilities don’t hinder the ability to form deep connections.
A video capturing their heartwarming relationship has touched the hearts of many, earning 68k likes and approximately 2,471,176 views. Aiden hopes that this video will raise awareness about the detrimental breeding practice known as double merle breeding, which may be the cause of Plum’s impairments.
Double merle breeding involves breeding two merle-patterned dogs, resulting in puppies with a 25% chance of inheriting the “double merle” condition. Dogs born with this disorder often have white coats, lack of color, and can experience hearing and visual problems. Aiden believes that Plum’s popularity will shed light on this issue, commonly referred to as a “lethal genetic practice.”
Through the heartwarming story of Aiden and Plum, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of animals and the importance of responsible breeding practices. Let us cherish and care for our furry friends, regardless of their abilities, and strive to create a world where every dog receives the love and care they deserve.
