I truly admire those who choose to adopt a dog that’s both blind and deaf.
It’s a big responsibility and requires so much dedication, yet these dogs bring incredible joy in return!
Tamale is a rescue dog with a unique story. Genetically, he’s a double merle pup, a combination that often results in deafness and blindness. Unfortunately, Tamale wasn’t an exception—he was born both deaf and blind.
But these challenges haven’t dimmed his spirit. Tamale’s personality shines brightly, and his presence is impossible to ignore. He’s proof that being different doesn’t mean being invisible—it means being unforgettable.
And if Tamale’s attention ever drifts, Jimmy is always nearby—just one gentle nose boop away.
Tamale And Jimmy, The Best Nose Boopers In Town
Source: @t.thedoublemerle
When Speak For The Unspoken shared Tamale—a 4-month-old Aussie Shepherd—on their adoption page, Kayleigh Ostot instantly knew she couldn’t scroll past him. Something deep in her heart told her that Tamale had to be her dog. She had to give him the loving home he deserved.
The Ohio-based dog mom quickly fell in love with Tamale’s unstoppable spirit. Despite his challenges, he acted just like any other playful pup, winning hearts with his friendly and joyful personality.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with a dog like Tamale?
Growing up wasn’t easy for him. He often bumped into things and had to navigate a world that wasn’t built for a pup without sight or hearing. But Tamale quickly showed he was so much more than his impairments.
He learned how to adapt, how to thrive, and—most importantly—how to make friends.
In 2020, when the world felt heavy and everyone was searching for connection during the pandemic, Tamale found his missing piece: his best friend and soulmate, Jimmy.
Source: @t.thedoublemerle
“Jimmy and Tamale met at the dog park over a year ago,” Ostot recalled. “At first, Jimmy’s mom, Melinda, and I would plan meetups at the park. Then we started taking the two on walks together, and it just grew from there. Now, they see each other at least once a week, if not more.”
From those early moments, an unbreakable bond was formed. Jimmy recognized Tamale’s kind heart and gentle spirit, and the two became inseparable. Their friendship grew into something deeper—they became like family.
But Jimmy noticed something a little different about Tamale. He never paused to watch the sunset, never pointed out squirrels in the trees, and didn’t seem to react when Jimmy barked excitedly.
Yet, Tamale always knew when his best friend was nearby—he could smell him.
To make sure Tamale knew he was right there, Jimmy came up with a special greeting: the nose boop! A gentle touch, a familiar scent, and just like that, Tamale knew his best buddy had arrived.
Every time these two best friends meet, Jimmy dashes over with pure excitement to boop Tamale’s nose—a sweet and gentle way of saying, “Hey buddy, I’m here!”
There’s a lesson in their friendship. Jimmy doesn’t see Tamale’s impairments; he doesn’t treat him differently or overlook him because of his challenges. All Jimmy sees is his best friend, his partner in adventure.
And while the world watches their bond with admiration, only Jimmy and Tamale truly know the joy and fun they share together.
Nose booping became more than just Jimmy and Tamale’s special greeting—it turned into a universal love language for Tamale and his friends.
Even his mom, Kayleigh, adopted this sweet gesture. Whenever she needs to wake Tamale without startling him, she gently mimics tiny nose boops with her hand, allowing him to catch her familiar scent before he opens his eyes.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to communicate love, trust, and reassurance—one little boop at a time.
While many might assume Tamale’s life is filled with challenges, unpredictability, and accidents, the reality couldn’t be more different.
With his loving family, including his devoted mom Kayleigh and his playful baby sister Kiwi, Tamale thrives in a home full of love, patience, and joy. Together, they prove that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be happy—it just has to be filled with care, understanding, and a little bit of nose booping magic.
You can follow this heartwarming Ohio family on TikTok and Instagram, where their growing fanbase gets a front-row seat to Tamale’s daily adventures.
Join the community that celebrates this brave, double-merle Aussie and his loving family—you’ll quickly fall in love with their story, one nose boop at a time!