Jennie, a 17-month-old infant, has spent her entire life with Echo, a Great Dane who was born deaf and with poor vision. Mum Marion Dwyer, 33, saved Echo after her previous owner almost put her down due to her problems, and the two have since developed the most endearing bond.
“Echo definitely watches out for her sister Jennie and always makes sure no one gets too close to her,” Marion added.
She enjoys interacting with people and will approach Jennie first for a pet. She will stand or sit in front of Jennie to protect her if a stranger with a dog approaches, but not in an aggressive manner—just to make sure she’s secure.
Echo enjoys the walks that Jennie takes her on because she gets to do two of her favorite things: sniff things and people-watch. Echo has discovered that Jennie walks much more slowly than I do.
Friendly giant Echo and her best buddy Jennie, who she has raised since birth, go for walks together and use sign language to communicate.
After falling in love with the breed and wanting another, deaf and blind Echo joined Marion’s other two female Great Danes at home.
Jennie is beginning to imitate the hand signals we use to communicate with Echo, according to Marion.
“Echo truly only uses me as her guide because I was the first person with whom she formed a bond after being removed from the home of her first owner when they threatened to put her to death because she was deaf.
“Our family and friends find it incredible and frequently comment on how inseparable they are.”
Everyone adores Echo for being so gregarious, and they opine that Jennie, who is strong in her independence and a curious little explorer, makes the ideal match with Echo.
Even before Jennie was born, Echo simply seemed to like her. She loved to cuddle up to my growing belly and lay her head on it. When we have the time, Jennie attends puppy training with us while riding on my back in a baby carrier.
