It’s true that our pets can help bring a bit of joy into our lives when times get tough, but it’s often forgotten that animals can also help keep those with disabilities safe and secure.
While most people with disabilities look to certified service animals to help get them through the day, Beth Deever turned to Best Friends Animal Society’s Pet Adoption Center to help provide a rescue dog a home while also adopting a pet that can help her daughter, Rebecca, out.
When Rebecca first met 9-month-old poodle mix Spencer, there was no denying there was an instant connection. Spencer laid down on Rebecca’s lap almost immediately and they essentially fell in love.
“The first time I saw Spencer, I liked him because he came with me. He liked to be close to me. He wanted to be with me, and I love him. He’s a nice dog and he loves me back,” Rebecca commented about her first interactions with Spencer.
Since Spencer’s adoption, Rebecca’s mother has noted that the dog has been almost a saving grace for her daughter.
“Spencer is wonderful for Rebecca. He brings a lot to her life. He is a calming influence for her, which is really helpful for Rebecca. He also helps her to feel safe. Since she is deaf, there are times when she’s not going to know things are happening, and he’s very aware of things like that. He’s very in tune with that, which is awesome,” Deever recounted.
Rebecca herself recalls one recent interaction during which Spencer kept her safe. “When we were outside, he kept me safe when another dog came up. I didn’t hear the other dog coming. He was barking and Spencer heard him and scared him away,” she said.
Thankful for their experience with Best Friends Adoption Center, both Rebecca and her mother look forward to the future with their guardian pup. Learn more about these cuties in the video below!
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbestfriendsanimalsocietytv%2Fvideos%2F258779511312728%2F&show_text=0&width=560