TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Introducing Nozomi Tomika, a deaf individual from Massachusetts, who came to Tyler to adopt two deaf puppies, providing them with a home where they will be completely understood.
“They are valuable. They are simply deaf, and the lives of deaf dogs are important too,” said Tomika.
Tomika and her family are entirely deaf. Following the sorrow of losing their 19-year-old dog, who was both blind and deaf, they felt it was time to welcome a new pet that perceives life in a similar manner.
The puppies, named Anjali and Amiya by the shelter, were taken in by Smith County Animal Control at the start of June. As reported by Amber Greene, the Supervisor at Smith County Animal Shelter, it didn’t take long for them to discover that both dogs were deaf.
“We took them into the lobby with the noisy toys hoping to catch their attention, but it didn’t work,” said Greene.
The shelter posted images of the puppies in deaf dog groups on the internet, where they were subsequently shared toDeaf Dogs Rock, an organization that distributes adoptable deaf dogs across the country. It was there that Tomika found the puppies. From that moment, she knew it was meant to be, and she made plans to embark on her trip.
Pawsitive Place Rescue, an animal rescue organization based in East Texas, arranged the transportation for Tomika to travel to Texas, along with her new four-legged companions. Pawsitive Place Rescue also collaborated with local partners to deliver gifts and supplies to the deaf dogs and their new families.
“Deaf dogs are ideal for us. I’m eager to teach them how to communicate with us,” said Tomika.
Tomika intends to instruct not only American Sign Language, but also Japanese Sign Language in order to interact with the dogs.
Tomika and her new friends are getting ready for a lengthy trip back to Massachusetts, where a fresh start and plenty of affection are waiting for them.
