Sweet 3-Legged Deaf Cat Needs A Home in WV!

UPDATE: ADOPTED!



Please take a moment to read Doc's story and look at his pic. What kind of human garbage would do this to animal. Doc is a DSH Male Adult FIV + (FIV is NOT a death sentence and is hard to pass from cat to cat) His ID # Doc PFId#8579890

Greenbrier County Humane Society/Animal Shelter
PO Box 305
Rt 2 Box 375 F
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: (304) 645-4775
gchs1@earthlink.net or greenbrierhumanesociety@verizon.net

Please contact the shelter directly!

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8579890

I am trying to find a rescue or forever home for a FIV+ cat, that had to have one leg amputated because someone tried to cut his foot off with a knife. He is very, very sweet and loving and just needs a chance at life. Please read his story on the link above. All references will be checked by the Humane Society before allowing Doc to go to anyone. It would be so great to find him a nice forever home or rescue, where he will be welcome, due to his special needs. Please use contact information below on how you can help this sweet boy! Thanks, Jaime Trainer

Time Running Out For NJ Deaf Dog!

UPDATE: ADOPTED!



Hi deaf dog lovers,

I uploaded a new adoption listing for a 1 y/o Dogo Argentino that is GORGEOUS. She's in a shelter in Teterboro, NJ. Like lots of shelters, they are cramped for space and have to make decisions. Apparently, the vet is advocating that Chloe be euthanized soon since she's been at the shelter for a few months although she seems to be a real gem.

IF YOU CAN HELP CHLOE, please get in touch with me.

http://www.deafdogs.org/adoption/profile.php?id=1172

"Chloe is a one-year-old Dogo Argentino who is deaf. She's a sweetheart and a lot of the volunteers at the shelter have become attached to her, but our new vet thinks she's been here too long and wants to PUT HER DOWN.

Chloe needs help QUICKLY. She is very loving and responsive to attention. She is fine with being handled and hasn't shown any possessiveness. She gets excited often and will jump up to kiss you. Chloe seems to enjoy other dogs, but she does plays rough. Her owner told us Chloe is housebroken and crate trained. She was surrendered
because the owner's daughter was afraid of her since she plays roughly.

Since she's deaf, it's the funniest thing to walk through the kennels filled with barking dogs, and then you get to Chloe, who is asleep on a blanket -- oblivious to it all.

She's really a wonderful dog, and if you can give Chloe a loving home she would be forever grateful. If you're even considering it, please come meet her -- we guarantee that you'll fall in love with her like we all have. HURRY -- her time is running out."

Michelle Cohen
mcohen342@yahoo.com
201-686-3451
Bergen County Animal Shelter
100 United Lane
Teterboro, New Jersey 07608

American Bulldog Needs Adoption/Foster or Rescue!

UPDATE: ADOPTED!


I saw this beautiful deaf dog in a KILL shelter just waiting to be adopted on Petfinder.com! WRAS SHELTER HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-4PM. This shelter does not post euthanization dates. All animals are in urgent need of adoption or rescue. Please consider adopting a homeless animal and save a life today. There are too many animals and too few homes for them all. The WR animal control shelter is located 206 Bay St. in Warner Robins, GA. It is about 1.5 hours south of Atlanta and 30 min. south of Macon, GA, along I-75.

The shelter number is 478-929-7280.
Warner Robins Animal Shelter
206 Bay Street
Warner Robins, GA 31093

Email: joelncathy@alltel.net

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?&petid=8686368&mtf=1

Deaf Puppy In Michigan Pound - Last Day 6/25

UPDATE: ADOPTED!

I called Christina yesterday (6/21) to ask whether or not she knows of someone interested as time is running out. She told me there may be one but I do not know if this same one was the one who adopted this pup. I told her to keep me posted and I got her email today:

"I have wonderful news. I wanted to let you know that I called Animal Control this morning to inquire about the little pup and he was adopted yesterday afternoon. I wanted to thank you for caring so much about trying to find him a home. People like you make all the difference in the world. Take care of yourself!

God Bless You!

Christina"



I am hoping you might be able to help me. I live in Howell, Michigan and there is a 6 months old, American Bulldog/Pit Mix who is Deaf at the LCAC -- Livingson County Animal Control. I am trying to find out if there is any rescues that will take this sweet little boy. His last day is Monday for adopting, and then he will be euthanized.

Is there any place that you can think of that rescues from Pounds or Animal Controls Centers??? Please let me know ASAP!!! He is running out of time!!! I only have access to email until 3:30. After that I can be contacted by my cell number.

Christina Calvin
Phone: 517-404-5297

http://www.co.livingston.mi.us/animalcontrol/straydogviewer.asp

Loving Memories Deaf Dogs Offer To Humans

Silence Speaks Volumes
By Justin Skinner

My life's lessons have come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Their world is one of silence, but they have spoken volumes. For the past 7 years, I have shared my life with deaf dogs. They have come from shelters or the streets. The lucky ones came from responsible breeders. Each one has taught me a lesson about what life has to offer.

Rugby, a deaf English Cocker Spaniel, taught me to accept less than the perfect. I watched him arrive in this world as an unconnected soul. Then felt the disappointment of learning of his disability. Time gave me the chance to marvel at the way he adapted to a silent world and became a loving being. He taught me the value of being different.

Faith, a deaf Dalmatian, taught me the value of forgiveness. She came as a terrified dog. Time, patience and space taught her to trust humans. From her, I learned to turn a cheek to those who may be cruel or unkind. I learned that most cruelty is not personal but a lack of moral character in the perpetrator.

Mona, taught me to go forward despite struggles. Mona, a deaf French Bulldog, suffered with a terminal liver malformation. She greeted each morning with a lick and a wag. From her, I learned not to whine about life's small difficulties. I learned that perseverance could over come just about anything. We all have hurdles put in our way. I just look at them as challenges.

Snatch, a deaf Bull Terrier, taught me to enjoy life. An ant crawling across the floor can become the most entertaining event. A burst of frenetic activity, can invigorate the body. The simple touch of a human hand can warm your soul. One should take time everyday, to give thanks for being alive. Life may give you obstacles but there is great pleasure in the process.

Tilly, a deaf Border Collie, taught me there are no disabilities. It's all in the way you approach life. Life is too short and there is too much to do to let life's obstacles slow you down. She goes at everything full speed and with great exuberance. She has taught me to go for what I want and be persistent.

Grace, a deaf Setter, taught me about passion. One should have things that are an integral part of ones soul. I've learned to embrace my passions. Although distractions may get in the way, follow your heart. I have watched the shear delight in Grace's body as she has pointed to a bird.

I have felt my own joy as I finished a computer animation project or sunk the winning basket in a game. Passion is the fuel for life. My friends have come in all shapes and sizes and colors. Some have had fur but most are human. They have all contributed to the person I am. Different is not something to be feared but revered. It is not something to ridiculed but defended. My life lesson may have been silent but I'm proud of who I have become.

His name is Harley -- A Deaf Sea Lion

Several years ago, two years old sea lion was found stranded on a beach just like the deaf dolphin in the other article. He was brought to Brookfield's Zoo and was introduced to a California sea lion whom they learned to get along and become buddies. A deaf and hard of hearing groups were asked to help with naming the deaf sea lion, hence Harley. Visit him at the zoo in Illinois whenever chance you have!

To read more, go to this article: http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pagegen/pretemp4.asp?pageid=1154&template=4&title=Harley_Sea_Lion&bgtype=BgColor&bg=&uni=0&motifid=2000002&form=0&nsection=&nlinkid=&anchor=#

Please Help! 4 years old Deaf JRT has 24-48 Hours Left!

FURTHER UPDATED: After the email about Gus's euthansia went around, a good number of people, deaf and hearing, were upset about this as he had a good chance, especially one has offered to drive up from Missouri to take him. One of the people from the deafdogs group shared this story:

"It isn't just parents that need to teach the kids! In my neighborhood, I'm known as the 'crazy bitch' lady. A moniker that I proudly wear! I was walking my dog (big o' deaf Ambully) past the park and saw some kids throwing rocks at a raggedy little spaniel mix. Well, I got on my cell and called the cops and then started throwing rocks at the kids! I got a good one right in the middle of the back! The cops showed up about the same time as this little boy's mom. She went off on me and I went off on her and the kid! I got a $10.00 ticket which the judge said I should have followed "appropriate" channels to teach the boy a lesson. (I thought I did!) The mom got 2 tickets totaling $500.00. One for animal cruelty and the other for not controlling her kid."

UPDATED: EUTHANIZED. It is with regret that the owner didn't want to wait for 24-48 hours as requested by Kim when owner asked her to find him a home and instead, she went ahead to her vet to have Gus euthanized. Gus paid the consequences when the owner allowed the kids to be mean to Gus. That is why we need to do our part because there are rescuers like Kim who have too many dogs.

I work in a grooming shop. I received a call from an older woman. She has a 4 years old deaf and housebroken JRT. He is updated on his shots, but he is not neutered. She got him from a breeder who got him back because of his deafness. I guess things were going fairly well until she became a guardian of 2 small children. The children have not been very nice & he has bit & snapped at them. Everyone in her family says the dog has to go. I know rescues are full. I do miniature schnauzer rescue and I have 9 dogs in my house at present and they are small dogs. I have no room, but I want Gus to have a chance. Poor Gus is to be euthanized in 24 to 48 hrs. It's not fair he has to die due to human stupidity. Can you help please? I hope to hear back from you soon. Time is of the essence. Thank you for hearing me out and contact me either
via phone or email.

Name: Kim Livingston
Phone: 3094323334
Email: living37@aol.com
City: Minonk
State: IL

In Honor of Deaf Dolphin and Memory of Its Calf

Here is the movie clips of Castaway and its calf to remember the calf:

http://video.msn.com/v/us/fv/fv.htm??g=ce155baf-024d-4ce8-a49c-3cb7f261a64f&f=05&fg=rss

http://player.clipsyndicate.com/main/player?playlist_id=7&wpid=47&clip_id=811368&cpt=8&

I tried to make post after posting the movie clips on Saturday but as soon as I was about to post, my internet was down.

From my observation of the movie clips, I am disturbed by the fact there is too much involvement by different people since the birth of the calf, Wilson. It led me to believe that too much of human interference is a potentially contributing factor.

First, knowing deaf animals, their sense of smell is sharper than their hearing animal counterpart due to their loss of another sense. I can only imagine it is the same for the mammals. Castaway would have sensed it and feels she is not valued as a mother and being allowed to do it her way. It was reported that Wilson was born healthy and doing well for several days, so what's the point of human interference?

Secondly, what struck me as odd is all the fuss these people did with this calf and the sound machines that imitated the vocalizations when in fact Castaway did alright without people involved or without any vocalization ability when it was born in the wild. It was cared for by its mother and it's obvious that Castaway managed to survive into adulthood. If Castaway did, Wilson would have and even if he failed to properly vocalize, he'll always be safe in the sanctuary like his mother. It bothered me a great deal in one of the pictures or movie clips that the humans would bring Wilson closer to other hearing dolphins to be exposed for vocalization purpose. All different things humans did to Wilson and away from its mother in short 4 days must be too much. I wish Castaway and Wilson are allowed to bond and progress naturally without any interference from humans. It is reported that the calf was born healthy. One of the

Lastly, no one knows for sure, but it is possible that Castaway stayed close with a group of dolphins for as long as she can until she got distracted or something happened in the ocean that separated them.

Deaf Dolphin's Baby Calf Dies

A time for mourning along with the deaf dolphin who lost her beloved calf. Like any mothers, it must be tough. I wish the calf is left alone by the humans because the deaf dolphin is capable of looking after her calf. Testing will be done to determine why calf died.

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/06/15/784171-deaf-dolphins-calf-dies-at-florida-lab


Here are two beautiful pictures of the calf:

Deaf Dog Learns Our Language!

Dog Learns Sign Language To Charm New Owner



The staff at Dogs Trust West Calder are appealing for a new home for Johnny, an eight year old Collie who is deaf.

Johnny does not let his deafness hinder him and he has been taught how to respond to hand signals. He loves people and is very affectionate. He simply loves to play; enjoys being in the car, and has lived with cats.

Johnny came to Dogs Trust after his previous owner sadly died. They were very close and were always out walking together; Johnny even slept by his masters bed. As he has spent so long in such a close, loving environment, the staff at Dogs Trust are keen to find him a home soon as he loves his home comforts.

Susan Tonner, Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager, said:

Johnny is an absolutely fantastic dog. His deafness does mean that he will need a quieter home where he can establish a routine. He would be perfectly suited to an older, perhaps retired, couple who can really get to know this great canine companion.

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity, caring for over 13,500 stray or abandoned dogs every year through its network of 16 Rehoming Centres across the UK. Dogs Trust is urging anyone interested in rehoming Johnny or any of the other rescue dogs at Dogs Trust West Calder to call the Rehoming Centre directly on 01506 873459.

http://www.k9magazine.com/viewarticle.php?sid=12&aid=1315&vid=0&npage=&PHPSESSID=badf3cee55ec6bf9e5eba63102bc57ff

1 1/2 yr old Deaf Boxer in Arkansas Needs Home!

UPDATED: ADOPTED!


Meet Lucky!!!

Lucky is a DEAF Boxer, located in Arkansas. Homeward Trails has helped to rescue several dogs from that part of the country and hope to rescue Lucky soon too!
Notice that Lucky is sticking his tongue out in his photo! - That is Lucky's response to his former owners who wouldn't “post bail” for him when he ended up at a shelter in Arkansas. They knew he was at the shelter but wouldn't pay the fine to take him home! Can you imagine?! He's okay with that now though, because he has been told that he will now find a true forever home - a home that won't allow him to wander again. This boy is a year and a half old, heartworm negative, neutered and all shots are up to date. He also has the most beautiful eyes and a smile that never quits. A true clown looking for a home that has a sense of humor - he loves everybody and everything that he comes into contact with. Are you looking for a bright and happy dog that will keep you laughing? Then Lucky might be the one for you. He is deaf but he doesn't care, actually he has never noticed, and neither will you. He will watch you with those gorgeous eyes and wait until you tell him what to do. Lucky is a really good find for the right home. He is moderately active, so if you like to exercise outdoors (walks, jogs, etc), Lucky would love that! Lucky must be an indoor dog – and he should never be outside unsupervised or unattended – that’s probably how he wound up at the shelter in the first place! He is wonderful with people and children – very friendly and sweet. He would love a new home with people who will love him and treasure him…and make him feel…LUCKY!! Whoever adopts him is sure to feel that way! If you are interested in adopting Lucky, please go to www.homewardtrails.org, complete the adoption questionnaire and email it to: sarahcapalbo@hotmail.com – thank you for your interest in this handsome boy!

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Inc.
sarahcapalbo@hotmail.com

Boxer
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Gender: Male
ID: BOXAR

Name: Lucky Status: Available for Adoption Species: Dog Breed: Boxer Sex: Male Age: 1 Year 6 Months (best estimate) Activity Level: Moderately Active Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Only Good with People: Very Friendly Good for Inexperienced Caregivers: Yes Good with Dogs: Yes Good with Kids: Yes

The adoption fee for this dog is $175, which covers the cost of routine vet care, as well as spay/neuter surgery.
If you would like to fill out an adoption questionnaire for this dog, please go here http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8592977 and e-mail the questionnaire to sarahcapalbo@hotmail.com .

Notes: Can't adopt but want to help? Please contact sarahcapalbo@hotmail.com to find out about sponsorship, fostering, and other ways you can help this animal! Please note that financial sponsorship will be applied to the specific animal you indicate unless it is not needed, at which time we will let you designate it for another HT animal of your choice.

Foster Home or Adoption for 4 months old Deaf/Blind Sibling Pups in CO

Tommy & Helen
4 Months, Neutered Male and Spayed Female, Australian Shepherds

Tommy & Helen

Hello happy world! We are two spectacular pups who were rescued from Alamosa. We are silly, funny, friendly, and happy -- just like most pups! What is different about us? We were both born blind and deaf. While some folks see this as a huge issue, we don't think about it at all!

We've never known sight or hearing so we are just very content with our other 4 senses: taste, smell, touch, and especially LOVE. (Not technically a sense, but we think so!) Having a blind/deaf pup means that we will need special training and considerations. MaxFund has all the resources available to help you understand how to train us with love, care, and success! There are plenty of blind/deaf doggies in this world who greatly enjoy life with their knowlegable families!

Care to learn more? We may need a need a family that has an extra-large heart, but trust us, we're worth it. We are also available for foster care while we're "learning the ropes" of this great new world!

Feel free to call MaxFund for more information. If you are interested in fostering us, please contact Anne at fosters@maxfundvolunteers.org We're fuzzy-cute and SWEET.

http://www.maxfund.org/Pages/Dogs-Pages/Individual%20Pics/Pages/TommyHelen-Dog.htm

Deaf Mom Gives Birth to Baby Dolphin!

As reported by www.marinemammalconservancy.org, on June 11th, at approximately 3:00 pm Castaway delivered a healthy calf. The birth was amazingly quick and at this hour, both mother and calf seem to have bonded and are doing well. Baby is approximately 42 inches long and probably weighs about 30 to 40 pounds.



Mon Jun 11, 9:46 PM ET

KEY LARGO, Fla. - A stranded deaf Atlantic bottlenose dolphin delivered her calf Monday at a marine mammal rehabilitation center in the Florida Keys. The unnamed calf is approximately 42 inches long and weighs about 30 pounds, according to officials at the Marine Mammal Conservancy.

"The calf looks great. It's swimming real well and breathing normally," said MMC president Robert Lingenfelser

The calf's mother, Castaway, has been vocalizing to the calf and the baby has answered back, said Lingenfelser.

But Lingenfelser said he is certain that Castaway cannot process the calf's return sounds.

"Castaway's vocalizations are not normal," Lingenfelser said. "She speaks in a monotone, similar to the way that people who cannot hear speak."

Because Castaway can't hear, MMC officials installed a dolphin "chat line" of sorts, electronically connecting Castaway's habitat with a lagoon at Dolphins Plus, a research and interactive educational facility a few miles away. Underwater speakers and microphones were installed at both locations and connected via phone lines donated by AT&T Florida.

Officials hope the calf will develop communications' skills by speaking to dolphins at Dolphins Plus when the system is fully turned on soon.

Mother and calf are to remain at the Conservancy for at least six months before relocating to a more permanent facility. Castaway can't be released because a dolphin needs to hear to utilize echo localization, or dolphin sonar, to survive.

The calf is not a candidate for release either, Lingenfesler said, because the first few months of a dolphin's development in the wild is the most critical time for it to learn about self-preservation.

Castaway stranded off Vero Beach in November, but was initially deemed healthy enough for release after convalescing for more than two months at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. But instead of swimming offshore, she returned to the beach three times and was then transported to the Keys.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070612/ap_on_sc/stranded_dolphin

8 Weeks Old Deaf Kitten in Tennessee

UPDATE: Unfortunately, this kitten died unexpectedly after being rushed to the vet with some fungal thing. She appeared to get better when receiving IV only to die the next morning. Before her final death, she was with her cat mother.



Deaf kitty is in a temporary foster home in a local area to stay away from shelter, which the foster mom don't want to see this newborn kitty catch germs. She is in a great health. She was 6 weeks old, but now she is about 8 weeks old. Kitty is very active and sweet. If you are interested to adopt, do not hesitate to contact Cathy at crazypaws@tmail.com or deafpaws@yahoo.com.

A Home For This 14 Weeks Old Deaf Pup in Tennessee

UPDATED: ADOPTED!



This deaf pup was in a kill shelter for a pretty long time, which a deaf dog rescuer couldn't stand to do nothing and let her life to end. Luckily, a nice lady volunteers to foster this pup temporarily until transportation is set up and brought to me. The pup is now about 12 to 14 weeks old. She is spayed with updated shots. Her foster mom said the deaf pup is doing good and is very sweet. She is more laid back now that she is out of the shelter. She doesn't seem to bark as much as she did in the shelter. We think she is Lab/Dal mix but we are not sure because she is still young. If you are interested to adopt, do not hesitate to email Cathy at crazypaws@tmail.com or deafpaws@yahoo.com

12-week old Deaf Pit Puppy needs Rescue!!!

UPDATED: RESCUED and FOSTERED!

Snowflake (II) - Posted June 4th

Placer County Animal Services-Auburn, CA

Adopt Snowflake!

Meet Snowflake, a playful 12 week old pitty puppy with a zest for life! Snowflake loves life and doesn't realize that she's got a disability. Little Snowflake is deaf and will need a home who can train her with hand signals! She's so responsive and eager to learn. Her world may be quiet, but she's a shining spirit in ours! Please call Lynn at 916 652 4164 if you can provide a home for Snowflake! email: Loomisgal@cs.com [mailto:Loomisgal@cs.com]

Karl Cobler-Webmaster

Chow Chow Rescue of the Sierra Foothills
Mystery Mutts - Wee Wonders
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation
(530) 277-0476 cell

Deaf Pup Euthanized on June 8, 2007!!

FURTHER UPDATE: RESCUED AND FOSTERED!

UPDATED: This pup is expected to be picked up tomorrow by a foster mom after this wonderful rescue 501c3 and her connection had him pulled from harm's way. Will confirm tomorrow.

Someone is now crossposting this with rescue groups in California to see if anyone can pull this deaf pup out of the kill shelter. But, if one of you can volunteer to foster, please let us know at deafanimalrow@gmail.com asap so we can inform this to someone to encourage a rescue group to come forward and help this deaf pup before June 8th or this pup will die. Thanks!



At the Sacramento SPCA:
probably a Fox Terrier
only 7 months old
deaf
neutered
micro-chipped
neg heartworm
all vaccinations
will be euth'd Friday, 6/8 @ 6pm
can only be rescued by a 501c3 rescue group
call Liz @ 916-383-7387 ext. 9108 leave msg.

UPDATE: Check www.sspca.org. The deaf puppy isn't on the Sacramento SPCA adoption list online, but it's still scheduled for euthansia this Friday! Also, on the adoption list, you will find a deaf Australian Shepherd, Peter Pan, in need of a home and please consider adopting this dog as well.

Time Is Running Out For Loki In Tennessee

FURTHER UPDATE: ADOPTED! Prince, formerly Loki, has found a permanent home by the same individual who has fostered him.

UPDATE: RESCUED!



This is a 3 year old deaf JRT mix, named Loki, in a kill shelter. He is a nice, quiet, calm dog. He was let loose to run in the neighborhood, being mischevious and the owner decided to give him up. He needs to be rescued from the kill shelter. Anyone nearby or neighboring state who can pull him and foster him until a home is found, please volunteer your time.

UPDATED INFORMATION: Loki will be transported from Tennessee to Maryland under the care of a foster home by a deaf individual.

Contact Lidia at DeafJRT@aol.com or Misty at MMS1222@aol.com about Loki. Originally, he was planning to go into a rescue but this rescuer has personal issues that she needs to get everything together. So, Loki needs a rescue or foster or even better be adopted.

Missouri School for the Deaf Adopts Deaf Puppy Mascot!

By MARCUS WILKINS
The Fulton Sun


Cowgirl (left) and Lucky (right) patiently await treats as Jennifer Dignan, a teacher at MSD, trains the two, well-behaved friends. Lucky is deaf and Cowgirl is hearing, but both dogs respond to hand signals like sit, bathroom and no. They are learning to shake hands with the American Sign Language sign for friend. (Contributed photo)

Most educational institutions try to stick to one mascot at a time when deciding on a representative character.

For visitors at the Missouri School for the Deaf, it's hard to deny the beauty of the majestic eagle adorning uniforms and emblems.

But that's just because they haven't met Lucky.

Lucky is a 4-month-old boxer who has recently become very comfortable at MSD. Like many of the other young ones on campus, he learns signs, plays with companions, eats and sleeps.

Lucky is also deaf.

Originally owned by a family in Jefferson City, the pure-bred pup has a snow white coat and a mellow disposition. According to MSD superintendent Barbara Garrison, the original owners chose to donate him to MSD.

Now Lucky has found a home with MSD middle school instructor, Jennifer Dignan, and her other beloved puppy, a German shepherd named Cowgirl. Dignan has taught the boxer several signs, and Cowgirl, who is hearing, has been a helpful companion.

“She obviously knows Lucky is deaf because she physically touches, pushes or bites him when she knows I want his attention,” said Dignan. “He is very mischievous ... he is such a sweetie.”

Cowgirl and Lucky have bonded and are now an inseparable duo.

“Training is the same as it is with a hearing dog ... you just feed them treats when they do it right,” said Dignan.

Dignan is comfortable with the behaviors of the animals having grown up around another pair of dogs - one deaf, one hearing. She is also deaf herself.

“The deaf dog I had when I was little did not know how to bark until he met my parents' other dog,” she said. “He noticed my other dog barking, felt the vibration on the wooden floor and started barking, only he didn't sound normal. It was really funny.”

Dignan must grab Lucky to make sure he is focused and make sure he sees her hands - and smells the treat.

“Eye contact is very important when training a deaf dog,” she said. “Some people are afraid to train a deaf dog because they don't know American Sign Language, but you can make up any sign you want.”

She also explained that, although a deaf animal isn't distracted by surrounding sounds, they can't hear their master when they're lost. This can be troublesome.

“He's been outside when it has been dark and I've been worried, but usually not for long,” said Dignan.

Lucky and Cowgirl are now regular guests in the classroom where they playfully wrestle and nap. The middle school students sign to the dogs and give them plenty of affection.

Soon, the dogs will be too big to spend as much time at school as they do now. They are already, occasionally, too distracting.

“Our students love him,” said Garrison. “Sometimes they call him ‘D.D.' for deaf dog.”

“They'll even argue over who gets to clean it up when they have an accident,” said Dignan with a laugh.

http://www.fultonsun.com/articles/2007/05/30/news/215news13furry.txt

Deaf Dog Budha in Top 10 Cutest Puppies Contest!

PUPPY LOVE REVIEW | Chicago's most adorable young canines go tail-to-tail in We's contest to determine who's the cutest of the cute

June 1, 2007
BY DOUG ELFMAN Television Critic

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww. Puppieeeeeeeeeeeeeeees. If you think your puppy is the most adorable little scamp in town, you've missed your chance to enter it in We's "America's Cutest Puppies" contest. The winner is ... I won't spoil the surprise.

But in Saturday night's Chicago-based episode, three local judges pet and play with scores of local pooches --and get peed on, naturally -- before crowning the city's cutest dog between 4 and 8 months old. The champ goes on to take a bow-wow-wow in dog-eat-dog national finals.



Gary Leibovitz and Spirit, a Golden Retriever (left) appear on the Chicago episode of "America's Cutest Puppies" as well as Budha, a deaf Lab mix.

Every pup is cute, and that's all the show needs to trot along as canine eye candy.

Doggies face three female judges, no males. Dozens and dozens of dogs vie for affection. It's like "The Bachelorette" with actual animals instead of metaphorical beasts.

You can tell a lot about the judges by how they describe their favorite doggy traits. DJ Erin Carman of the Loop (WLUP-FM, 97.9) has a crush on one English bulldog; when she expresses an interest in his self-assurance, it sounds like a dogmatic confession from "Sex and the City."

"I think the attraction to Sweet Bea is the fact that here's this confident dog," Carman says. "We're looking at it like, 'Whoa, this dog has no idea how crazy it looks.' It doesn't care. And that's cute. That's absolutely adorable."

Carman also takes a shine to a pug because it "gave me a few kisses, so, big bonus."

When the pooches don't please them, the judges sound pretty Chicago-y. They're hard-bitten, hard-to-please critics. Charisa Antigua, a fashion designer, grumbles, "I don't like dumb dogs." She's looking for a cutie who's sweet, loving, kind and gentle yet playful.

"He wasn't playing with his toys," Antigua says of a pup. "So I don't know. He just didn't do it for me."

Ruff comments! The judges' barks are bigger than their bites, though. They all succumb to "awww"ing and take it in stride when a puppy tinkles on them.

It appears these are everyday pets, not super-trained show dogs. Even owners whose dogs lose shake it off. No one gets in a catfight. "America's Cutest Puppies" isn't that kind of best-in-show. In fact, the winning human cries like a big baby at the end.

If the show is any indication, Chicago has a lot of puggles, bulldogs and golden retrievers, plus Boston terriers, Chinese charpiers and chowchows.

Owners named their tail-wagging loved ones Hefner, Dolly, M&M (not Eminem), Budha, Bruzer, Briskett Blues, Bocephus and Miss Gina Marie. One dog wears a tuxedo shirt complemented by a Napoleon hat. Another, a one-piece, yellow chicken suit.

Puppies that make it into the top 10 are hot pooches like Budha, a deaf staff/Lab mix who wins over Carman the way dogs catch all the ladies' eyes: He's attractive and has character.

"He tells a story just by looking at him," Carman says. "And that sounds really stupid, but it's true. You just look at that dog and you get emotional!"

Awwwwwww. Now heel, Carman, heel.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/elfman/409607,CST-FTR-elf01.article

Marcel Marceau: A Love Story

I was made aware of Marcel by Catherine Brown while working on a massive dog rescue. This deaf pup was due to be put down within the week unless something was done. His owner was truly in love with him but was pregnant and had other children and could not keep one more dog as he would need special attention.

At the time I was training Rocky, my other dog, and her trainer was deaf, Eleanor. I told her about Marcel and she said she would take him. The morning I called the owner was the day he was to be put to sleep. She cried. So through a chain of events and fate, I picked him up and took him to Eleanor. Then she told me that her landlord refused another pet for her.

Now I am thinking I am stuck with this dog, but Eleanor said she would help. And help she did. Marcel's training was remarkable and he was and still is a sponge when it comes to learning. His first command was 'sit' and I think we were both as surpised at each other that he learned it. Then it snow balled. It just took patience and work EVERYDAY and he just couldn't get enough. I didn't bury him in commands. We went very slowly and he loved every minute of it.

As a hearing person, I thought this would be a huge challenge, but with the help of my nonhearing friend, Eleanor Carton (I SO wish she could see him now but we lost touch). I purchased an ASL book and had to make some of the 2 handed signs, one handed as I assumed I would always have a leash in my hand when I was with him. Oh he learned quickly.

Since the teachers in his obedience class called him a "garbage dog" (because the AKC won't accept challenged dogs), I had to show them just what this little guy could do. And we did. At my first JRTCA trial, I entered him in obedience and trailing and locating. I asked the obedience judge if Marcel could participate since he was deaf and he asked me if he could do it. I said yes. The judge said, "Then get in there!"
At the trailing and locating, all he managed to find was the food vendor, but he had fun.

He won many 1st place ribbons in obedience and people would gather to watch the deaf dog. I was so proud of him. I entered him in agility. He also won 1st place ribbons in that but we can do it on lead and let's just say, he was not that graceful. I am still working on his off lead agility.

He was used with child handlers since he does do conformation and all the other fun JRT things. He started winning for his handler, Angela. Then one day, Marcel was asked to be used for a youth handler class. The poor girl didn't know he was deaf and we did a crash course of training to work him in ONE day. THEY WON! The two became inseperable to the point he was spending time at her house on LI for a long span of time. WITHOUT me!

Ashley and Marcel worked together as a team for some 3 or 4 years. They won countles championships and ribbons together. I must say that everyone LOVES Marcel. Even my foster dogs too. He is the first dog they are introduced to. He has crawled into whelping boxes to sleep with newborn pups. He has gone to schools to teach kids about dog safety and nursing homes and hospitals as a therapy dog. He has been in 3 plays: Annie and twice in The Wizard of Oz.

I could go one forever about this wonderful dog who has brought so much into my life and introduced to so many new friends and activities. I can not imagine my life with out him. He is the JRTCA Deaf Dog poster child. He is 13 years old. I will adopt another deaf dog soon. Marcel's life has brought so much to so many. Just think of what the other deaf dogs can do if given the chance. Please give them a chance to make this happen.

Alison