Deaf Shelter Dog Was Completely Shut Down — Until Her ‘Guppy Mode’ Surprised Everyone
Andrea Haverland fosters “pocket” Pit Bulls, and just before Christmas she met one at the shelter named Guppy. Guppy had been there for a few weeks and was completely shut down. Andrea realized the dog was deaf when she noticed Guppy curled up and sleeping while all the other dogs were barking.
Andrea immediately wanted to foster her, and with California Bully Rescue committing to pull the pup, she brought Guppy home.
@piggiebully Another day, another backyard breeder reject. As always, shelters and rescues will continue the hard work of cleaning up their messes, and giving love to the dogs who they discard like trash. ADOPTABLE SOON THROUGH @California Bully Rescue ♬ Maple Tree – Paul Alan Morris
Guppy immediately sprang to life when she arrived at Andrea’s home. Andrea attributes Guppy’s excitement to what she’s seen in many dogs who have been deprived of comfort and a home life — dogs who transform once they’re finally shown the love they’ve always deserved. Guppy’s joyful dance has since been nicknamed “Guppy mode.”
Andrea says Guppy is a “people magnet” everywhere she goes. The adorable rescue pup has also gone viral for being a bit naughty — gnawing on a dishwasher rack where it appeared she could hear. Andrea later clarified, “Her ears are totally fused shut with scar tissue so I usually talk to her very loudly, but she still doesn’t hear me. I guess she reads lips.”
@piggiebully Her ears are totally fused shut with scar tissue so I usually talk to her very loudly, but she still doesn’t hear me. I guess she reads lips
♬ original sound – Live Like Piggie
Guppy’s cauliflower ears are a result of neglect – her ears are blocked by scar tissue due to trauma from untreated ear infections and ear hematomas. Andrea and California Bully Rescue learned the extent of the damage to Guppy’s ears after taking her to the veternarian when she first got out of the shelter. The vets are recommending Guppy get an expensive Total Ear Cana Alblation and Bulla Osteoporosis surgery (TECABO). The surgery closes off the ears so Guppy won’t get any more bad ear infections.
Guppy’s cauliflower ears are the result of neglect. Her ear canals are blocked by scar tissue caused by trauma from untreated ear infections and ear hematomas. Andrea and California Bully Rescue learned the full extent of the damage after taking Guppy to the veterinarian shortly after she left the shelter. Vets are now recommending that Guppy undergo an expensive Total Ear Canal Ablation and Bulla Osteotomy (TECABO) surgery. The procedure closes off the ear canals so Guppy won’t suffer from ongoing infections.
@piggiebully you can make a charitable donatlon DIRECTLY to the nonprofit @California Bully Rescue ♬ original sound – user62748826 – rafiwibowo_
Andrea discusses Guppy’s planned TECABO surgery and why veterinarians are recommending it in the video below. Donations to Guppy’s surgery can be made at California Bully Rescue’s website, and donors will receive a special Guppy Valentine in return.
After Guppy has fully recovered from her surgery she’ll be ready for adoption.
Andrea has also written a book about the Pittie who inspired her to foster dogs called Piggie Finds a Family available for purchase on Amazon.