Dobby's Journey: From Abandoned to Beloved Therapy Dog

Dobby, a deaf and blind therapy dog, was dumped by an evil person in rural Missouri. When I first met Dobby, he gently placed his paws on my shoulder and gave me a soft kiss on my neck. If allowed, he would do that with anyone.

During this initial visit, an older gentleman was struggling with his ailments while trying to hide them from his grandchildren. Dobby sensed his distress and laid his head in the man’s lap. You could see the relief in the man’s eyes. That was when I knew Dobby would be an excellent therapy dog.

I asked the foster mother if we could take introductions slowly, as we had adopted a German shepherd during COVID who had been attacked and was reactive as a result. We were actively training her. The foster mother seemed skeptical; she had heard this story many times before and knew we would be owner number five. Some considered Dobby to be an unadoptable dog. Others lacked the patience to listen to Dobby and be sensitive to his needs.

My husband would drive an hour to meet the foster mother. Sometimes, we would work with Dobby for just an hour and gradually increase that time. We brought Dobby for sleepovers and enrolled him in scent work classes and obedience training.

It was clear that Dobby had been picked on. In the beginning, he would run under the dining room table to get his biscuit. After receiving dental chews, he would cautiously venture to his food bowl and finally make his way to the living room. One day, after leaving the vet, we passed a daycare where children were bullying and throwing rocks at a child. I will never forget how that child buried his head into Dobby and cried while Dobby enjoyed every hug.

Some say I should be proud that I trained Dobby to respond to commands using a flashlight. I am prouder that I was able to take a dog who was once picked on and help him feel welcomed and happy. Dobby shared his love with others until he passed away on August 13, 2024.