Deaf and Vision-Impaired Shelter Dog Gets Plush Toy and Has the Sweetest Reaction
Dogs with disabilities have a tough time in shelters. Whether it's a chronic illness, hearing impairment, or a missing limb, canines with physical challenges have to navigate a chaotic environment without the support of a forever family.
Brutus, a white dog with beautiful blue eyes, is currently residing at the Maui Humane Society. The precious pooch is deaf and has a visual impairment that causes him added anxiety in the shelter. Staff members are doing their best to help him feel loved while he waits for adoption.
@cassondrachristman I haven't been sharing Brutus much because i thought maybe he had a potential adoption on the mainland . But as of right now nothing is in the works and he's still there waiting. Being confused about what's going on being deaf and all his vision impairment leads him to barking at strange things at the shelter. It's heartbreaking. We love you Brutus. We will get you out of there. He's at Maui humane society. Come meet him or adoption interest form is in my bio. #fyp#adoptdontshop#shelterdog#maui#hawaiitiktok
10,000 Reasons - Piano Instrumental - Ánesi Sounds
In the TikTok from @cassondrachristman, Brutus was given a new toy in his kennel by a staff member and wanted her to come in to play. The sweet look on his face showed gratitude and an adorable thrill for the plushie.
The video shared that Brutus has been "waiting for a home for months," despite his loving spirit.
"I haven't been sharing Brutus much because I thought maybe he had a potential adoption on the mainland," the caption shared. "But as of right now, nothing is in the works, and he's still there waiting."
The one-year-old pooch took to the toy like a puppy, revealing a heartwarming and playful personality. Brutus's vision and hearing issues may be a deterrent for potential pet parents, though the canine cutie clearly just wants a home. The shelter environment is extremely overwhelming for him due to his hearing and vision limitations.
"Being confused about what's going on being deaf and all, his vision impairment leads him to barking at strange things at the shelter," the story continued. "It's heartbreaking."
Brutus Is a 'Joyful, People-Loving Pup'
The friendly fur baby's bio on the shelter's website raves of Brutus's warm demeanor, describing him as "a deaf boy with a big heart and an even bigger personality. I may not hear the party, but trust me, I am absolutely the life of it. I love people, I adore toys, and I bring fun wherever I go."
Brutus's hearing loss doesn't slow him down, and his upbeat attitude could brighten anyone's day.
Related: Deaf and Blind Senior Dog Abandoned in Park Finds Love at Animal Rescue
"Deaf just means I'm extra tuned in to the good stuff like playtime, attention, and making everyone around me smile," the description shared. "If you're looking for a joyful, people-loving pup who knows how to have a good time, I'm your guy!"
The video concluded with the shelter's commitment to finding Brutus a home: "We love you, Brutus. We will get you out of there."
For more information on Brutus or the Maui Humane Society, visit their website.
SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 11:10 AM.