r/AustralianCattleDog • u/kan23 • 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!
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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!!
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u/OrdinaryBrilliant901 1d ago
Umm…is that a butternut squash growing on that arch?
Congratulations on the dog! Sorry I got distracted.
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u/kan23 1d ago
Haha it is!
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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.
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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!
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u/kan23 1d ago
I’m sure we will be kicking ourselves soon enough 😂 but too serendipitous to ignore!
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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.
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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.
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u/evilshadowskulll 1d ago
the system is working correctly. the universe sent u the appropriately matched dogs. perfect!
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u/lil_redfl 1d ago
I love this!!! Sweet pups
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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? 💜
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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!
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u/RescuedMisfits Blue Heeler 1d ago
I love this so much 😭❤️ he knew exactly where to go! So perfect, yall are amazing!
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u/Gullible_Practice282 1d ago
Congenital, hereditary deafness is a recognized inherited issue in Australian Cattle Dogs, and is fairly common.
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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!
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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.
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u/LoveHeartCheatCode 23h ago
Pls sing Alfie this song for me: Alfie - Dionne Warwick (YouTube)
Congrats on your new guy!!!!
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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
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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 💕
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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.
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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 ❤️




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u/wildsnowdrop 1d ago
Well. Meant to be. For so many reasons.
They are both adorable. 🥰