Adopting this special needs pup saved my life!
Woman's World|November 14, 2022
When Annah Hill and her family rescued Flynn, a deaf, hard-to-place dog from the animal shelter, she felt they were the perfect match because of Annah's own hearing impairment and the family's knowledge of sign language...but what she didn't know was that Flynn was going to unexpectedly rescue her right back!
By Diane Nichols
Adopting this special needs pup saved my life!

Annah Hill and her husband, Greg, couldn't help but chuckle watching Flynn-the pup their three daughters had fallen in love with online-run excitedly around the Four Footed Friends animal shelter's play area. It was a few weeks before Thanksgiving of 2016, and after enduring the painful loss of their 102-year-old dog, Wyatt, to cancer two months prior, it was time to bring joy back into their Indiana, Pennsylvania, household. Judging by the wide smiles Annah's family was wearing, the 7-month-old beagle/rat terrier mix was just what they needed.

And Annah believed they were perfect for Flynn. Born deaf, Flynn had been returned by three other families. His deafness had made it difficult for them to communicate and train him, but Annah understood him all too well, as she had lost hearing in her right ear 11 years earlier. Her whole family had learned sign language. Not only that, Annah was also an Associate Professor in the Department of Communications Disorders at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is Program Director for Disability Services, where she taught sign language.

God brought us together, her spirit whispered as they took Flynn home.

Four-legged guardian angel

This story is from the November 14, 2022 edition of Woman's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 14, 2022 edition of Woman's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S WORLDView All
"Help me get along with my family"
Woman's World

"Help me get along with my family"

Our relatives have a talent for pushing our buttons this time of year, which is why we asked experts for simple ways to defuse conflicts fast

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
"Valerian root helped me sleep again!"
Woman's World

"Valerian root helped me sleep again!"

After years of chronic insomnia that left her feeling groggy, Nicole Dunn took matters into her own hands to find a natural remedy - soon enough, she discovered a tea that changed everything!

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Heart health made easy!
Woman's World

Heart health made easy!

As we spend more time cozied up indoors these days, it's easy for our activity levels to dip.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Relief from hand and wrist pain
Woman's World

Relief from hand and wrist pain

Cozying up with knitting or a puzzle is a fun way to pass time. But small, repetitive hand movements can trigger joint and tendon pain.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
How to stop grinding your teeth overnight
Woman's World

How to stop grinding your teeth overnight

Grinding your teeth at night (sleep bruxism) causes wear and tear on your pearly whites.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Stay steady on your feet
Woman's World

Stay steady on your feet

Fallen leaves, rain and, soon, ice and snow. Now that \"slippery season\" is officially here, maintaining good balance is more important than ever.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Look camera-ready in a flash
Woman's World

Look camera-ready in a flash

'Tis the season for snapping pics! These simple tricks will help you look and feel your best when striking a pose.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Her fashions bring joy & confidence to women with disabilities!
Woman's World

Her fashions bring joy & confidence to women with disabilities!

After watching her beloved Aunt Emma struggle with her cancer diagnosis, Lady Natasha Fines became passionate about creating an adaptive clothing line. And before she knew it, Lady Natasha was helping hundreds of women feel more like themselves again!

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Bring-a-dish holiday sides
Woman's World

Bring-a-dish holiday sides

Traveling for Thanksgiving? Try our easy recipes that will be a perfect addition to any loved one's buffet

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024
Melt up to 9 lbs a week
Woman's World

Melt up to 9 lbs a week

Inspired by new research! Discover trendy soups and smoothies that build muscle and shred fat

time-read
5 mins  |
December 02 - 09, 2024