After being homeless for almost 200 days, this blind and deaf dog is lastly adopted into a family that understands his special requirements.

Ernie was born deaf and nearly blind on a ranch in Texas. His owner was afraid that ranch life would certainly be too harmful for a disabled puppy, so he surrendered him to a shelter where, between there and Texas Humane Heroes, he invested the first 200 days of his young life.

It may have seemed like a long time to wait for the best forever home. But some good things are worth the delay. While Ernie was in the shelter, the best family was forming and would certainly one day come for him.

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In the meantime, Steve, the son of a Korean war veteran was wrapping up his service in the armed force. He had actually served in the National Guard and got on active duty as an anti-tank foot soldier for 10 years and was deployed to the Middle East during Procedure Iraqi Freedom. Throughout his course of duty, Steve was hurt by an IUD, hence why he was eventually transferred to army intelligence.

During his job, like lots of soldiers, Steve fell in love and got wed. Soon after, the couple became foster parents to two brothers, Nathan, and Cole. Nathan suffers from Coats Disease, a retinal issue that caused blindness in his left eye since birth and both boys have autism spectrum disorder.

Due to Steve’s army career and subsequent lingering impacts of post-traumatic stress problem and traumatic brain injury, he had empathy for the difficulties his kids dealt with. He understood their unique needs and eventually adopted them.

After Steve’s retirement, the family transferred to central Texas but eventually, the couple divorced. Steve now faced loneliness and decided that it was time to get a canine, which he had also guaranteed his boys.

Steve began searching for the perfect pet, but it really did not happen over night. In the meantime, he worked and loved to help soldiers. But eventually, his search led to Ernie. His heart went out to Ernie and the two became friends. When Steve found out Ernie had actually invested nearly 200 days in the sanctuary, he adopted Ernie and relabelled him Private.

He has spent a lot of time assisting Private acclimate to his new home and recognized him well. He soon found out how to communicate with the pup. “I break my fingers when I want to get his attention which usually works.” Steve explains, “Or if he’s near something I can touch, he responds to the vibrations.”

Private also has a fantastic method of getting Steve’s attention. “He likes to be stroked. His favored location is simply under the chin, where the nose meets the neck. He enjoys to be stroked there.” claims Steve. “If I stop petting him, he desires more with his paws. It’s like he’s claiming, how dare you quit?”

Steve and Private are currently best buddies. Private is stressed with car rides and even though he’s blind, enjoys looking out the door. Private also likes the boys and they are very gentle with him, understanding his special requirements.

We wish this sweet rescue story warms your heart. Private may have had a long wait, but his new family believes he’s a rock star and love him. Please feel free to share with your friends.