“I think people seeing these dogs out in public, they’re more willing to take a chance on special-needs dogs.”
Even though Raina was born blind and deaf, at the age of 13, she has never missed a beat.
Raina was adopted by Kristen Strouse of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, when she was just 6 months old. Due to her double merle birth condition, this adorable Australian shepherd was born with a white coat, blindness, and hearing. But Strouse asserts that she has never been limited by her limitations.
Strouse has always kept dogs, but Raina was her first canine companion to be acquired with special needs. She couldn’t help but be drawn to the adorable dog after seeing a photo of her online. Strouse applied to adopt Raina from the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance before even meeting her, and shortly after, she was taken 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 Raina was only a puppy, Strouse brought her to neighborhood and pet activities after seeing she could motivate individuals around her. She informed the public about what it’s like to have a blind dog and demonstrated to them that dogs that are a bit different can still lead complete lives and also improve the lives of their families.
Along with organizing a series of benefit performances with her pupils, Strouse (a music teacher) she founded the Lending a Paw initiative with Raina.
“I think people seeing these dogs out in public, they’re more willing to take a chance on special-needs dogs,” Strouse says to Daily Paws. The more unfamiliar people are with them, the more open they are to considering a dog that is a bit unusual.
Pure inspiration makes up the second aspect of Raina’s influence. Despite the fact that Raina is now comfortable older, she has always enjoyed swimming and hiking in addition to, of course, sniffing out food.
Raina doesn’t allow her impairments prevent her from leading a great life, according to Strouse. She is such a joyful, adorable child. You’d think that a dog who was born differently would have trouble, but she just doesn’t understand.”
According to Strouse, Raina has a good influence on everyone she encounters because of her upbeat attitude and her ability to handle life despite being blind and deaf. Even getting around isn’t that difficult for her. In the open, Raina takes Kristen’s direction. Once she became familiar with the layout of the house, she kept close to Kristen’s other canines and relied on them to lead the way.
Every everyone she encounters is in awe of her. When others see her, they understand that she is not disabled, she claims. “It implies potential. Many individuals take her presence, meeting her, and hearing her narrative seriously. They believe that if a small dog without eyes or ears can survive in the world, then they can achieve anything.
In addition, Raina not only impressed the general populace but also her owner.
When Strouse became unwell in 2015, she experienced her own difficulties. She claims that Raina provided her motivation to get out of bed each day and carry on with her life.
“Raina really gave my life meaning and purpose and she still does,” the woman claims. She has always supported me through both good and bad times. better moments than bad!”
As one of the contenders in the Emerging Hero and Shelter category for the American Humane Society’s Hero Dog Awards, Raina is up for consideration. Voting is available through August 24.
