Let me tell you a story that might just change how you see the world.
Meet Raina—a 13-year-old Australian Shepherd from Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Born blind and deaf due to a genetic condition called double merle, she never had the luxury of sight or sound. But what she lacks in senses, she makes up for in spirit.
Raina quickly adapted to her new home, learning the layout with the help of her canine siblings. She followed their lead, memorized the steps, and navigated the world with her nose and heart. She even learned to hike and swim—yes, swim—without ever seeing the water or hearing the waves.
But Raina’s story doesn’t end there. Kristen realized that Raina had the power to inspire others. So, they started attending community events, showing people that special-needs dogs can live full, joyful lives. They launched “Lending a Paw,” a program where Kristen’s music students performed concerts to raise funds for animal shelters. Raina became the face of the cause, proving that disability doesn’t mean inability.
In 2023, Raina was named a finalist in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, winning the Emerging Hero and Shelter category. She’s the first blind and deaf dog to receive this honor, and at 13, the oldest finalist. Her story was featured in a national broadcast, and she even helped raise funds for her local church’s pipe organ restoration.
But perhaps the most touching part of Raina’s journey is her bond with Kristen. When Kristen fell ill in 2015, it was Raina who gave her the strength to keep going. “Raina really gave my life meaning and purpose,” Kristen says. “She’s always been there for me in the good times and not-so-good times.”
Raina’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible bond between humans and their pets. She reminds us that even in the absence of sight and sound, there’s a world full of possibilities waiting to be explored.
So, the next time you think something is impossible, remember Raina—the dog who couldn’t see or hear but showed the world how to live.