13-year-old deaf and blind dog just knows when her owner is around — her face softens

In a TikTok video posted by Ashley @ashleyjanssen, a senior Malamute mix named Mama Nikita lies resting on a grassy patch, seemingly unaware that her owner is nearby. At 13 years old, Nikita is both deaf and blind, but still manages to recognize the person she’s closest to. Ashley writes on screen, "Wait to see my 13-year-old deaf sweet girl smell my sweat and that I'm nearby." Seconds later, Nikita stirs, lifts her head slightly, and begins sniffing the air. Her nose moves gently as she processes the scent, then she reacts. Her expression softens into what her owner describes as a "smile," just as the woman approaches.

In the caption, Ashkey wrote, "Damn. I hope I have many, many more years with you, my sweet girl." Despite her sensory impairments, Nikita’s bond with her human remains strong. While the clip speaks for itself, studies help explain it. A 2020 survey published in PLOS ONE found that dogs with congenital hearing and/or vision impairments display behavior, playfulness, and affection levels similar to dogs without impairments. The researchers also noted that these dogs respond well to scent cues, touch-based communication, and adaptive training, reinforcing what viewers saw in Nikita’s calm, confident response.

The short video struck a chord with thousands of viewers, and the comments reflect just how much it meant. @emmalxv commented, "The fact that she is 13 should tell you enough about how well this dog is cared for." @_ayalaeli shared, "Tell me why this made me cry as soon as she locked eyes with you. She loves you." @s__91_ added, "Her smile. I would do anything to see that look my girl used to give me! Enjoy all the time you have with her." @gunner14155 chimed in, "Wanna bet she was dreaming of you right before she caught your scent. The look of love she gave was priceless." @pondinletnunavutcanada quipped, "We take care of huskies here in Nunavut Canada, and you are doing a very amazing job for the husky. She's smiling when she sees you, and that's true love the way I see."

Some viewers questioned whether the dog should be outside in the heat. In response, Janssen clarified in the comments that Nikita is never left in unsafe conditions. "To the people freaking out. We are in the 70s for temp, and she’s blowing her winter coat. She is not neglected. She goes in here when I’m not home during the day and at work, she cannot hold her bladder as well anymore. Calm down," she said. Janssen also explained that Nikita has a shed with air conditioning to rest in when needed. Other users defended her as well. @mingbi said, "Omg, ur dog hair is shedding, that’s why he looks a hot mess, people think he’s been neglected. I’m sorry for all the bad comments." @thenameshuckleber added, Everyone is so concerned about how hot she is. She has shade and water. Do you think wolves, etc, in the wild come to town for a blowout? Nope. She’s just fine and very obviously loved. 

You can follow Ashley (@ashleyjanssen) on TikTok for more daily life content.