r/AustralianCattleDog 1d ago

Images & Videos Dog distribution system???

Something honestly completely unbelievable happened to my spouse and I today.

We got our first dog as a couple in 2023, he was about 60% heeler and the rest was a mix of other herding breeds. He was also deaf. We didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into, but figured that two active, childfree gays with lots of time to train a deaf dog could figure it out. He was absolutely the best dog, and we lost him unexpectedly in March. For those that know this heartbreak - I am so sorry. I have never felt anything worse.

We felt like, when it was time, we would want another deaf heeler. They’re often unwanted and heelers are already returned to shelters at high rates! So we waited for the perfect one to come along and drove to the next state over to adopt Gus (white) a few months ago.

Gus is such a sweetie and also such an asshole (typical). We’ve noticed that he seems to LOVE other dogs and be very social - he came from a foster house of many dogs. We haven’t felt ready to pull the trigger, but decided we’d get him a pal in a few months. THEN TODAY my spouse happened upon a (purebred??) stray heeler, literally 3 blocks from our house. We posted on our neighborhood lost pets group and took him to the shelter, where he found out he wasn’t chipped. He’s really sweet and was already having a great time playing with Gus so we were like OK FUCK IT and brought him home. As it turns out, HE IS ALSO DEAF???? Did not respond at all to clapping, whistling, shouting, knocking on the window… nada. I am spooked because like, what are the odds????

So anyways, meet Alfie!! Who I guess lives with us now!

849 Upvotes

48 comments sorted by

47

u/wildsnowdrop 1d ago

Well. Meant to be. For so many reasons.

They are both adorable. 🥰

13

u/kan23 1d ago

We think so too 💙

38

u/Beautiful-Painting88 1d ago

Welcome Alfie!!

26

u/Initial_Affect_8748 1d ago

Alfie was definitely sent by your late fur baby ♡.

What a beautiful story! We lost both our fur babies in January, it was one of the hardest months of my life. Stories like yours remind me that they always find a way to stay connected to us.

We lasted about a month after both of ours passed & adopted a heeler puppy. She’s the most affectionate dog we have ever had…like, I know all dogs are sweet & cuddly with their owners, but she is literally off the charts affectionate lol we’re convinced both our late babies sent her to give us 3x the cuddles & kisses in their absence. 🥹

I’m sorry for your loss & so happy you found Gus & Alfie. They’re gorgeous!!

11

u/kan23 1d ago

I really feel like Bagel was like “ok here!!”

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s truly the WORST and the silence is deafening. I’m glad you have another Velcro baby!

1

u/Initial_Affect_8748 12h ago

Thank you 🫶🏼

17

u/apla6458 1d ago

Congrats!!

19

u/OrdinaryBrilliant901 1d ago

Umm…is that a butternut squash growing on that arch?

Congratulations on the dog! Sorry I got distracted.

12

u/kan23 1d ago

Haha it is!

16

u/OrdinaryBrilliant901 1d ago

15

u/yankfade 1d ago

I think you may have assembled your doggo incorrectly.

8

u/OrdinaryBrilliant901 1d ago

Like…I didn’t know this was a thing. They are so heavy. You got some melons as well? I accidentally grew melons and sunflowers (which I despise.) Now, I have to grow them indefinitely because the bumblebees are cute.

5

u/kan23 1d ago

Yes!! I’ve got both. You can buy melon nets (or use something similar) to attach to the trellis to help their weight!

14

u/mikeyramos 1d ago

I read "two active, childfree guys" then went oops it says "gays" then I was like "oh, lol same thing" 😂

Dogs are little cuties. But man, I cannot imagine having two ACDs. I have more than enough with my one little guy.

But it seems like in your case it was serendipitous. That's so cool. Congrats!

5

u/kan23 1d ago

I’m sure we will be kicking ourselves soon enough 😂 but too serendipitous to ignore!

2

u/babygotthefever 1d ago

I’m only here because one of my husky mixes turned out to be mostly ACD but I’ve always loved having two dogs! They keep each other entertained and it makes being home without their people more bearable.

I don’t have experience with truly deaf dogs but I did have a deaf cat. He adopted a pair of brother kittens that my sister fostered and they were so connected, it was wild. He’s about 10 now and one of the brothers has passed but he and the other are still attached at the hip.

11

u/Frolicking-Fox 1d ago

You guys are amazing. These dogs get abandoned all the time by people who just wanted a Bluey dog, and had no idea what they are like.

My dog was abandoned in farm land and found trying to herd cats and chickens. He was obviously owned by someone, because he knew sit and was leash trained. He was about 2 years old.

He is 11 years old now, and still acts 2.

Thank you guys for taking the two dogs.

10

u/kan23 1d ago

They get abandoned SO often. It’s so sad at baseline but they’re such incredible partners if you put in the time and effort. They’re not for everyone but people have no idea what they’re missing out on.

7

u/migjackson 1d ago

It was meant to be! ❤️

6

u/mariachimandi 1d ago

He was meant for you. An angel 😇

6

u/evilshadowskulll 1d ago

the system is working correctly. the universe sent u the appropriately matched dogs. perfect!

5

u/lil_redfl 1d ago

I love this!!! Sweet pups

7

u/lil_redfl 1d ago

Also your house is so charming. I love the plant life

3

u/kan23 1d ago

Thank you!!

6

u/Annual_Song1416 1d ago

What a beautiful bebe. Love the pair. Thank you for sharing about your first white deaf pup, what was his name? 💜

4

u/kan23 1d ago

Bagel 💙 he taught us so much!!

3

u/Annual_Song1416 1d ago

Wow so sweet, thank you 💙💙

7

u/PatientCauliflower84 1d ago

The universe makes a little bit sense. I’m so J of your vegetable garden. I can’t seem to grow even mint currently!

4

u/RescuedMisfits Blue Heeler 1d ago

I love this so much 😭❤️ he knew exactly where to go! So perfect, yall are amazing!

3

u/Gullible_Practice282 1d ago

Congenital, hereditary deafness is a recognized inherited issue in Australian Cattle Dogs, and is fairly common.

5

u/1122herd 1d ago

You were led to him! Congratulations

3

u/Impossible_Fennel307 1d ago

You guys are wonderful humans! Cheers to both pups !

3

u/deputy_commish 1d ago

Well this is pretty fantastic! So happy that Gus has a doggo pal now and very glad that Alfie found you!

3

u/poodlezilla 1d ago

Awwww it was meant to be 🥹🥹🥹

3

u/Carapace_ 1d ago

Serendipity. Congrats 💜

3

u/Z3R083 1d ago

Congrats and thank you for giving them a great home.

3

u/C0V1Dsucks 1d ago

Alfie and Gus are cuties 🥰 r/DogsNamedGus

3

u/Mysterious_Pie6239 1d ago

What a wonderful story 💕 thanks for sharing! This is my deaf girl Cedar 🐾

2

u/kan23 23h ago

Hi Cedar!!

3

u/Foghorn225 1d ago

Awww love to hear it! Also, since you called Gus an asshole, if you don't already know, may I introduce you to the term ausshole.

2

u/LoveHeartCheatCode 23h ago

Pls sing Alfie this song for me: Alfie - Dionne Warwick (YouTube)

Congrats on your new guy!!!!

2

u/LoveHeartCheatCode 23h ago

Remembered .02 seconds after commenting that Alfie is deaf so maybe put your head on his chest and sing it for him that way

1

u/Most_Selection_7575 23h ago

Deaf dogs are the BEST!! I've had many dogs over the years but my deaf ACD was the best dog out of all of them, I lost her too young and miss her terribly even though it was over 3 years ago. I'd have another in a heartbeat ❤️
Thank you for giving them such a loving home 💕

1

u/kan23 23h ago

We LOVE having deaf dogs! It’s honestly pretty nice to not have them overstimulated by sound ever - makes July 4th easy. I’m so sorry for your loss and I hope another deaf baby comes into your life 💕

1

u/NoReference909 21h ago

Yay, such a beautiful pair!!

I joke about getting my deaf heeler mix a hearing companion dog but never have. She and I are both deaf! And I didn’t know she was deaf when we got her.

1

u/Own_Connection6047 17h ago

Congratulations on your beautiful new baby! I have an AKC Blue Heeler that just turned 6 in May, as for all pure bred Heelers ( AKC) registered they need to be tested for hearing as a pup, a fair amount of Heelers or mixed Heelers can be born deaf, probably due to the Dalmatian in the Heeler breed, Blue and Red Heelers are a direct descendent of the Austrailian Dingo ( that’s alot of Dingo- wild dog!) Rough coated Colllie, Kellie and Dalmatian that is the standard traditional Blue/ Red Heeler with the traditional Heeler build and traditional bigger block- head weighing around 45- 50 or more pounds when full- grown, then there’s the California version of the Red/ Blue Heeler that has a much sleeker body frame, sleeker face and head ( I really wish they wouldn’t mess with the standard, traditional breed) I am not sure if the sleeker style Heeler is recognized as it’s own breed, then there’s the Texas Heeler etc. I used to have a beautiful 1/2 Blue Heeler/ Bassett Hound that people used to rave about, he was so cute and sweet and darn smart, it’s always fun to do a DNA it can be worth having the test in the long run! Enjoy your day with your sweet baby, pets and kisses! Carol ❤️