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Julie Elrod’s relationship with Beanie, a blind and deaf senior pup, is a moving example of how patience and love can transform even the most fearful heart. When Beanie came into her life, she was 11 years old and had already endured significant hardship. Julie, who adopted Beanie from Rescue Dogs Rock in 2018, knew that helping Beanie feel safe and loved would take time.
A Dog Who Didn’t Know What Love Was
From the start, Beanie was overwhelmed by human touch. She would pull away when anyone tried to pet her and preferred to sit by herself. She wasn’t house-trained, showed no interest in food, and seemed disconnected from the idea of affection.
“She did not know how to give love or receive love and it was pretty clear that she wasn’t interested at all in learning about love,” Julie told The Dodo. “She had no idea about housebreaking. She did not like to eat, so, even now, we have to hand-feed her.”
Faced with these challenges, Julie searched for a way to connect. That’s when a simple but powerful idea came to her: dancing.
A New Language: Touch and Movement
Julie began what she calls slow dance therapy with Beanie. Each day, she gently cradled the little dog and swayed with her in her arms. “I have been dancing with Beanie every day since we adopted her. Since she is blind and deaf, I communicate with her through touch.”
Though Beanie was unsure at first, over time she began to relax into Julie’s arms. The act of slow dancing became more than just a routine—it was their way of bonding.
“Now, every day, I do ‘slow dance therapy’ to hold her close and sway back and forth. Even though she can’t hear me, I also sing to her,” Julie explained.
From Fearful to Fully Loved
As the years passed, Beanie blossomed into a completely different dog. Julie never misses their daily dance, no matter what else is on her schedule. “I do not care what appointments I have or who I am supposed to meet, I make time every single day to slow dance with my best friend and soulmate.”
A Bond That Changed Everything
Beanie is constantly at Julie’s side. “She’s in my arms pretty much 24 hours a day. Wherever I go, she goes,” Julie said. The dog who once rejected love now gives it freely—in her own gentle way.
“She shows me that she loves me in different ways,” Julie shared. And for Julie, that love has changed her life. “I would not trade being Beanie’s mom for anything. I love her so unconditionally and infinitely. Beanie is my soulmate dog, and I thank God for every second I have with her. No amount of time I have with her will ever be enough.”
