After more then 700 days in the shelter Keller finally got adopted. Andrea Gallo DiLoreto has shared Keller’s Happy Tail with us. Thank God for shelter volunteers like Andrea. If she had not volunteered every Saturday at the Islip Animal Shelter where she worked with Keller every weekend, she would not have ever know about him or what a sweet dog he is. Thanks for sharing your story about Keller or should I say Norman Wallace (formally called Keller). According to my deaf dogs Nitro, Bud, Bowie and myself, you and Norman totally ROCK! ~ Christina Lee – Deaf Dogs Rock

Keller aka Norman Wallace’s Happy Tail by Andrea Gallo DiLoreto

I first saw Keller at Islip Shelter around July of 2013. The minute I saw him, I knew he belonged with me. At that time, I had an 11 year old Husky (who I still have) and a 15 year old chocolate Lab. Taking a 3rd dog just wasn’t an option for me.  I started working with him at the shelter, teaching him hand signals, and we developed a bond. Every Saturday, I would go to the shelter, and there he was waiting for me.

In January of 2014, my old boy passed away.  That loss hurt. So much so I thought I would never adopt again. But there was Keller…. Patiently waiting in his cage…. People passing him by because he was deaf… A pit mix…. An older dog…etc.  I started working with my husky to be more social, and to accept a dog with a lot more energy than my old man.  We did a LOT of meet and greets. Each one got better. I was finally ready. In June of 2015,he came home with me. He got a new name for his new life.  He now goes on hikes and pack walks, attends Fit paws classes, and is learning how to behave in public places. He’s a people pup! He loves everyone.

He is such a good boy.  We have a special bond that was there from the beginning. I love him so much!

Andrea