The biggest dream of every puppy who spends their days in a shelter is to find a loving home and human parents who would make them feel loved and cared for.
They long to experience life outside the walls of the shelter and to feel what it means to be free.
Unfortunately, older shelter dogs and dogs with special needs are perceived as less desirable and have a harder time finding homes.
The following story is about Virgil, an adorable puppy born blind in a shelter in Louisiana. As he grew up, he began to dream of finding his eternal happiness, like all his fellow residents.
Virgil steals his family’s heart
A wonderful foster family in Ohio agreed to take Virgil in, and he moved into their home. They pampered him with love and care, and the adorable pup thrived. Soon, he was looking for a forever home.
When Emmeline and her husband saw Virgil, their hearts melted and they wanted to adopt him. Since they didn’t know much about how to care for blind dogs, they did a lot of research and talked to people who had blind dogs.
He was three months old when they welcomed him into their home. They were worried about him and wondered if he would adjust to his new life.
As soon as they met him, they realized they had nothing to fear.
The very day he arrived, Virgil fit in perfectly with the family. He ran into the yard, introduced himself to his siblings, Biscotti, Carragher and Stevie, and started playing with them. His parents couldn’t believe how brave he was.
The incredible dog
Since he arrived, Virgil wanted to do everything himself. He wouldn’t even let his family carry him up the stairs. He did it himself.
This was just the beginning of the delicious surprises he was about to have in store for them.
He quickly learned where all the furniture was and moved around the house with ease. Everyone who met Virgil was amazed by him. Some didn’t even believe he was blind.
“…We have to remind people that he’s blind because they have no idea and they usually don’t believe us and say he must be able to see shadows or something. He can’t see anything. He was born without a retina, so he’s always had pitch black.” said Emmeline.
Besides being an extremely intelligent puppy, he is also very affectionate towards his parents. He hugs them and covers their faces with kisses, showing them how much they mean to him.
Virgil also loves his canine siblings. When they go hiking, Virgil shows them the way.
“He thinks he has to be up front to show our other dogs how to do it, even though he can’t see what’s in front of him.” Emmeline said.
Virgil always wears a shirt when he hikes because of his grass allergy.
Living your best life
His mother believes that trust and communication help blind dogs become happier and more confident. Virgil walks well on a leash, but he’s not afraid to explore his surroundings when his parents let him off the leash.
They use commands to alert him of any obstacles he might encounter in his path.
“He believes that if I choose to let him run free without the safety net of the leash, there is truly nothing to fear and he explores without hesitation… Watching him explore is very rewarding for me because I know it builds on his trust in me and the trust we have developed together.” his mother wrote about Instagram.
Virgil’s family is extremely grateful to have Virgil in their lives. It was because of their beloved dog that they decided to take care of dogs with special needs. It was their way of giving back.
This wonderful puppy helped his family better understand human disability.
“There are so many people who live with various disabilities that this is the only life they’ve known, it’s their life and they’re no less important for it. Disabled people and disabled dogs can literally do anything,” Emmeline said.
Virgil and his canine siblings often post their adventures on their Instagram accountThey are living the life of their dreams.
Virgil’s family loves and cherishes him more than anything in the world.
We are so glad Virgil has found his forever home. We hope his story encourages more people to give special needs dogs a chance. That’s all they need.
