Are Blind and Deaf Dogs ‘Less’? Here’s Why That Couldn’t Be Further from the Truth

Different – Not Less: Embracing the Beauty of Our Differences

Words are powerful. They can heal, educate, and inspire, but they can also wound in ways we don’t always realize. I was recently reminded of this while watching the movie Temple Grandin, a film about the incredible life of a woman who has given the world a glimpse into what it means to live with autism. Through her unique perspective, she has helped countless people understand autism better and has made a tremendous impact on the world of animal behavior as well.

There’s a moment in the movie that has always stuck with me. Temple’s mother is speaking with a teacher who comments, “We know how different Temple is.” Her mother responds simply yet powerfully: “Different – not less.”

Those three little words hold so much meaning. They resonate deeply with me as someone who shares life with Vinny and Delight, my blind and deaf dogs. Their world may look different to others—sometimes even unimaginable—but that does not mean they are any less than any other dog. They experience joy, adventure, love, and fulfillment in their own unique way, just as every dog does. The idea that they might somehow be “less” because of their differences is simply not true.

A Different Life, But a Full One for Blind and Deaf Dogs

When people see Vinny and Delight, they often assume their lives must be sad or limited. I’ve heard things like, “Oh, that’s so heartbreaking,” or “Poor thing, he must struggle so much.” These comments, though well-intentioned, completely miss the truth of their lives. Vinny and Delight don’t know any other way of being. They aren’t missing out—they’re simply navigating the world differently.

Vinny, a white and brown rough collie who is blind and deaf, poses next to a pile of straw during a barn hunt activity. He wears a turquoise vest that says "different, not less."

They chase scents instead of chasing a ball. They feel the warmth of the sun on their fur, the texture of the grass beneath their paws, and the gentle vibrations of my footsteps guiding them. They love just as deeply, play just as fully, and explore their surroundings with just as much curiosity as any other dog. Their lives are not filled with sadness; they are filled with enrichment, adventure, and love.

The Impact of Our Words

When we make comments about dogs with disabilities—or about the people who choose to love and care for them—we may not realize the unintended harm we cause. By assuming that different means “less than,” we dismiss the beauty of their lives. What if, instead of pity, we offered admiration? What if, instead of assuming struggle, we saw resilience?

Delight is a beautiful white fluffy dog with an adorable pink nose that's highlighted by brown spots.

These dogs, like all beings with differences, should be celebrated. Their lives bring a richness to this world that we would never experience if we only sought out what is familiar or “normal.”

Embracing the Beauty of Differences

If every dog were the same, if every person were the same, how dull would life be? Differences add depth, texture, and color to our world. They challenge us to think in new ways, to be more compassionate, and to expand our understanding of what is possible.

Vinny and Delight have taught me patience, creativity, and the beauty of nonverbal communication. They have made me a better listener—not with my ears, but with my heart. They have shown me that life is not about what you lack, but about what you make of what you have.

I invite you to step into a world where differences are not feared but embraced. If you live with or work with a dog who is blind, deaf, or both—or if you’re simply curious and want to learn more—I’d love for you to join my free Facebook community. It’s a welcoming, supportive space where we celebrate these incredible dogs and share resources to help them thrive.

Let’s change the narrative together. Let’s make sure that when we see someone—or some dog—who is different, our first thought isn’t pity, but possibility. Different is beautiful. Different is strong. Different is not less.

Join my free Facebook community today and be part of the movement to celebrate dogs with sensory differences!

Yes, I want to celebrate special dogs!