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Deaf Man Teaches Dog A New Language!

Nick was born deaf, now he is the owner of a lovely puppy who was also deaf. The next thing to do was to teach his puppy a new language.

Nick Abbott adopted his Labrador mix Emerson through a fostering program out of NFR, Maine. As a tiny puppy, he had gone through canine parvovirus, along with experiencing seizures. He eventually came through it all and now finds himself part of a happy family with Nick.

After a short time initially settling in, Nick realized Emmerson had hearing problems, he takes it in his stride though, it doesn’t seem to bother him in the least.

Nick Abbott, 31, of Maine, adopted his dog Emerson through the foster-based rescue, NFR Maine.
Courtesy Richelle and Nick Abbott

After not having exactly the easiest start in life he has very definitely landed on all four paws. He could not have a more understanding owner than Nick, being deaf has given them both a special connection.

One thing that is still uncertain is whether Emmerson lost his hearing at birth like Nick, or if it happened later?

Nick Abbott, 31, of Maine, adopted his dog Emerson and teaches him sign language. Both Nick Abbott and Emerson are deaf.
Courtesy Richelle and Nick Abbott

In March, LindsayPowers of NFR, Maine shared a Facebook post in hopes to find Emerson a forever home. Weeks later, NFR Maine received an application from Abbott.

“Right off the bat he said, ‘I’m deaf also and I feel like we’d have a good connection,'” Powers recalled, adding that she processed the application within a day.

Emerson, a black lab mix, was rescued out of a shelter in Florida and brought to the foster-based rescue, NFR Maine where he was eventually adopted.
Courtesy Richelle and Nick Abbott

Abbott and Emerson soon met in person and hit it off. Richelle Abbott, Nick Abbott’s mom, told “GMA” that her son and the pup were “meant for each other.”

“It’s amazing,” she said of their relationship. “Whenever they’re together, Emerson is always finding a way to lean on Nick.”

Nick Abbott, 31, of Maine, is seen in a recent photo with his mother, Richelle Abbott and dog, Emerson. Both Nick Abbott and Emerson are deaf.
Courtesy Richelle and Nick Abbott

Richelle Abbott, a mother of two, said Nick has been teaching Emerson sign language to sit, lay down and come.

“If Nick reaches up and shakes his ear lobe, Emerson will bark — it’s so cute,” she added.

Nick Abbott, 31, of Maine, was born deaf and adopted a dog named Emerson, who is also deaf.
Courtesy Richelle and Nick Abbott

For more details please go to goodmorningamerica.com.

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