First of all he’s deaf, he can not hear at all, I talk to him like he can hear me (and that will never change) but his world is completely silent. He is blind in one eye, he only has vision in his right eye and can’t hear you at all so getting his attention takes some effort! He has Cerebral Palsy. CP effects both humans and dog in different ways, Franklin’s seems to be more neurological.  He’s cool with whatever and just does some circles if he’s ready to move on. Physically he is doing well and gets around, but for the most part he circles to the right. That’s his jam!  He has been diagnosed with doggie Autism. From what I’m seeing it is based on his sensory issues (though he is deaf and partially blind) and repetitive behavior! For example, he is easily over stimulated by touch and not a big snuggler. He does not like being picked up off the ground at all. He will wiggle and freak out, but the second you put him down he is fine. He barks for two minutes exactly at his water before he takes a drink. He really likes his specific blanket in his specific kennel and will spend most of his day feeling secure there. His water and food have to be in the same order or he won’t touch them. 

He is a fascinating, special, hilarious, precious little special needs baby that obviously the very second I heard he needed a forever home had my entire heart.  He has lots of hearts to heal, can you already see the lives he will change? 

So many children come to us with just one of Franklin’s super powers. A friend with Autism says “Franklin has Autism just like me”. Another friend says “I have CP just like Franklin”. By far my favorite was a friend who also couldn't hear like Franklin, signing ‘come’ and Franklin climbing in her lap. Oh the smile she shared with us all.  Franklin’s story of how he doesn’t give up, has learned to trust and to use his super powers to help others is what we are all about.