Meet Emmie – A Truly Extraordinary Aussie Looking for a Special Home
Age: 2 years
Weight: 30 pounds
Breed: Australian Shepherd (double merle)
Special Needs: Deaf and visually impaired (only sees shadows, hears limited sound ranges)
Good With: Most dogs after slow introductions, cats, calm households
Energy Level: Moderate
Training: Tactile cues, housebroken, uses doggie door
Emmie is a remarkable little girl who was dropped off at a Virginia shelter along with another deaf double merle as strays, Emmie is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations. Although Emmie has some disabilities, she has faced every challenge with courage and a joyful spirit. She is cheerful, active, and incredibly smart. She navigates her backyard confidently, loves car rides, enjoys long walks, and delights in simple pleasures like leaves, snow, and snuggling with her person.
What Emmie Loves
Car rides and outdoor adventures
Playing with toys and chewing appropriate items, this girl is not destructive at all.
Running and exploring in a secure yard
Snuggling with her trusted person
Spending time with her bestie dog friend Miles the doodle (video attached)
Quiet, peaceful environments
Her Training & Skills
Emmie is fully housebroken and has learned to masterfully use the doggie door at her foster parents home. She has learned to “sit” through touch and is working on additional tactile commands. She does well with cats after a good sniff and gets along with most dogs once she has time to understand them. Indoors, she’s calm, quiet, and does not chew furniture.
Important Considerations
Emmie bonds deeply with one caregiver but needs extra time and support to trust others in the home. When unfamiliar or untrusted people enter her space, she may lunge, bark, or growl out of fear until she gets to know them. For this reason:
All household members must participate as consistent caregivers.
Treat-based interactions are essential to building trust.
Emmie requires a structured introduction protocol for new environments.
She startles easily due to only being able to see shadows, and because this is how she sees the world, she will be cautious of new people and dogs until she becomes familiarized with them. Fast-moving objects like cars zipping by can be scary and because of this A double-strap harness and two-handle leash are recommended for outdoor walks. With this, Emmie absolutely LOVES going for her walks and "sniffaries"
She has not been tested with children. Because of her limitations Adult Only homes are preferred.
Who Emmie Is Looking For
Emmie needs a patient, committed, and experienced home—preferably calm, low-traffic, and structured. Her ideal family understands her sensory limitations and is willing to follow the protocols that help her feel safe. In return, Emmie offers deep loyalty, joyful companionship, and a heart full of love.
Apply at https://aussierescueofthemidatlantic.org/applications-2/
Meet Emmie – A Truly Extraordinary Aussie Looking for a Special Home
Age: 2 years
Weight: 30 pounds
Breed: Australian Shepherd (double merle)
Special Needs: Deaf and visually impaired (only sees shadows, hears limited sound ranges)
Good With: Most dogs after slow introductions, cats, calm households
Energy Level: Moderate
Training: Tactile cues, housebroken, uses doggie door
Emmie is a remarkable little girl who was dropped off at a Virginia shelter along with another deaf double merle as strays, Emmie is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations. Although Emmie has some disabilities, she has faced every challenge with courage and a joyful spirit. She is cheerful, active, and incredibly smart. She navigates her backyard confidently, loves car rides, enjoys long walks, and delights in simple pleasures like leaves, snow, and snuggling with her person.
What Emmie Loves
Car rides and outdoor adventures
Playing with toys and chewing appropriate items, this girl is not destructive at all.
Running and exploring in a secure yard
Snuggling with her trusted person
Spending time with her bestie dog friend Miles the doodle (video attached)
Quiet, peaceful environments
Her Training & Skills
Emmie is fully housebroken and has learned to masterfully use the doggie door at her foster parents home. She has learned to “sit” through touch and is working on additional tactile commands. She does well with cats after a good sniff and gets along with most dogs once she has time to understand them. Indoors, she’s calm, quiet, and does not chew furniture.
Important Considerations
Emmie bonds deeply with one caregiver but needs extra time and support to trust others in the home. When unfamiliar or untrusted people enter her space, she may lunge, bark, or growl out of fear until she gets to know them. For this reason:
All household members must participate as consistent caregivers.
Treat-based interactions are essential to building trust.
Emmie requires a structured introduction protocol for new environments.
She startles easily due to only being able to see shadows, and because this is how she sees the world, she will be cautious of new people and dogs until she becomes familiarized with them. Fast-moving objects like cars zipping by can be scary and because of this A double-strap harness and two-handle leash are recommended for outdoor walks. With this, Emmie absolutely LOVES going for her walks and "sniffaries"
She has not been tested with children. Because of her limitations Adult Only homes are preferred.
Who Emmie Is Looking For
Emmie needs a patient, committed, and experienced home—preferably calm, low-traffic, and structured. Her ideal family understands her sensory limitations and is willing to follow the protocols that help her feel safe. In return, Emmie offers deep loyalty, joyful companionship, and a heart full of love.
Apply at https://aussierescueofthemidatlantic.org/applications-2/
Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic (ARMA) is a foster-based rescue for Australian Shepherds. Our mission is to provide permanent loving homes for Aussies in need. We work collaboratively with shelters and individuals who are no longer able to care for their Aussies.
Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic (ARMA) is a foster-based rescue for Australian Shepherds. Our mission is to provide permanent loving homes for Aussies in need. We work collaboratively with shelters and individuals who are no longer able to care for their Aussies.
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We'll also keep you updated on Sophie's adoption status with email updates.
