How a Dog Wakes Up Her Deaf Brother to Say 'We're Home' Has Internet Sobbing
The way a young dog named Maisy wakes up her deaf brother, Levi, to let him know their family is home has melted many hearts online. Maisy, a Golden Retriever, and Levi, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd born deaf, live in North Carolina with their owners, Sierra and Josh Justus. This heartwarming moment has gained immense popularity on TikTok under the account @leviandmaisy, amassing over 14 million views and more than 26 million engagements, with numerous comments praising the special bond between the two dogs.
In one particularly touching video, Maisy is seen jumping onto the sofa where Levi is sleeping, gently nudging him awake with her nose. Awoken by Maisy’s gentle care, Levi springs to his feet, visibly overjoyed, and rushes to greet the returning family. The text overlay on the video expresses, "Maisy waking up her deaf brother Levi to let him know we’re home never gets old," showcasing the beautiful interaction.
Sierra Justus shared in an interview with Newsweek that Maisy has taken on a nurturing role with Levi, despite being younger. Known within their home as a 'mama bear', Maisy naturally adopted caring behaviors towards her deaf brother, without any training from the owners. Sierra expressed her gratitude for the viral reaction, stating, "I've always loved creating content and sharing Levi and Maisy's story because they're so special, but this reaction has been incredible. I'm beyond thankful and very emotional these past few days."
The video has resonated broadly, especially touching those with pets who have disabilities. Viewers were particularly moved by the gentle and considerate manner Maisy used to wake Levi. Comments poured in from pet owners sharing their similar experiences, and those excited over the sibling relationship, such as Teresa Ryman, who added, "I have a deaf dog so my hearing dog guides her too. They really do form a special bond!"
Another viewer remarked how clever it was for Maisy to understand her brother's deafness, adding they had caught her doing this on camera for the first time, noting both the cuteness and occasional spookiness for Levi. The videos highlight the smart and caring nature of dogs, being a therapeutic source of joy for many viewing viewers.
With the overwhelming response and shared stories, Sierra noted, "This community is amazing, and I can't thank everyone enough for loving my babies and following our journey with them." Overall, the tender moments between Maisy and Levi provide a heartwarming glimpse into the compassionate dynamics that can exist within the animal kingdom, touching hearts around the world.
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