Nanna is an 18-year-old blind and deaf dog adopted by Abe Switters who met her three years ago at the Nashville Humane Society as a hospice patient. Switters had been working at the shelter and made a very special connection with Nanna who, at the time, wasn’t expected to live much longer.
It wasn’t until the shelter decided to investigate Nanna’s health issues that there was the possibility she might have more time than originally anticipated left to live. And although Switters couldn’t adopt her, since she was a hospice dog, that certainly didn’t preclude him from giving her the best remaining life she could have.
This is Nanna! This is my 18-year-old dog. I love those bouncy ears. I’ve had her for two-and-a-half years now, and she’s the love of my life. She’s everything.
NewsChannel 5 Nashville
It had been on an Instagram post that Switters saw Nanna. She was 15 years old, nearly blind and deaf. She had heart disease, her fur had fallen out, and she looked pathetic. She was only anticipated to live three or four months, but Switters wanted to show her some love and that her life mattered.
And so the two connected, and it started with walks around the block; then one mile and just a few months ago, Nanna did a 10K. Her health quickly improved, her hair grew back, and she started gaining muscle from her daily walks. Unfortunately, Nanna faced a health crisis about six months ago when her eyes had to be removed, and when she woke up, she was very confused. It was likely the worst few days of Nanna’s life, but the reassurance and devotion to her wellbeing by Switters helped her get through.
Just recently the two moved from Tennessee to St. Paul and started walking over the bridges in the Twin Cities. It had been a recent experience the two had while Nanna had been at the Minnehaha Falls bridge, according to MPR News. Nanna stopped and even without eyes, seemed to have been looking over the bridge; maybe it was the wind on her face or the smell? She was just in awe, and that inspired Switters to plan out their next amazing adventures.
Since last week, the two have crossed their eighth bridge in the city, and there are no signs of Nanna slowing down. Once a week the two cross a bridge – this pup averages 5-7 miles a week, and she’s 18! Is age not just a number?
Switters hopes that Nanna’s story of mutual love will inspire people to adopt seniors – look at the difference for both of them!
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving a senior’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return, and like Switters, every day he feels the rewards the two spend together.
(Photos via screenshots on X formerly Twitter)
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