Two Deaf Feline Brothers in MA -- Harpo and Zeppo!

UPDATE: ADOPTED!

Here's the duo! *drum rolls* Harpo and Zeppo...



We, the lovable brothers, are located in Marlborough, MA.

About Harpo:



My brother Zeppo and I are about 11-12 months old, and are deaf. We sleep very deeply, so if you want to wake us up, do so gently, since we startle easily! Also, we (well, really just me) meow very loudly when I see you, when I am hungry, when I want attention, just about anytime! We are active boys, especially me. I like to keep an eye on all activity around me. And I really love playing with the foster kittens in my house. I'm not so keen on other adult cats though. I like my own territory. If you really want to be entertained, shine a laser light for us and we will chase it together. You'll think you are seeing double! We were in danger of being put to sleep in the municipal shelter we were at, but the folks there wanted to give us a chance, so we came to Metrowest Animal Awareness Society, and we're ready for you!

About Zeppo:



My brother Harpo and I are about 11-12 months old. I like to live the life of leisure, lounging in baskets, windowsills, bookshelves, cat carriers and just about anyplace cozy. I adapt well to new situations and am very laid back. Why exert myself when there are others around to do the hard work? I will however, rouse myself from a deep sleep if you open a can of cat food...that smell permeates even my deepest sleep. (I do meow on occasion, and when I do, I am loud!) I don't need to move to a new home with my brother, but if you adopt us both, we will reward you with hours of entertainment by chasing a laser light. I'm sure I can catch that thing! You'll think you are seeing double, as we run side by side. We were in danger of being put to sleep in the municipal shelter we were at, but the folks there wanted to give us a chance, so we came to Metrowest Animal Awareness Society, and we're ready for you!

All of our cats are tested for FeLV/FIV, up to date on vaccinations, and spay/neutered before adoption. The adoption fee for each cat is $125. If the adopters have a record of veterinary care, we'd consider out of state adoptions. And, the adoption fee is negotiable, if the vet reference is great, and we know they'll have a good home, that's what we want for any of our cats. Although the boys love each other, they also seem to do just fine apart - first preference would be for them to go together. Serious inquiries from those who will provide a forever home and be ready to be screened or ask for more information, send email to deafanimalrow@gmail.com.

Pregnant Deaf Mini Pinscher in MO Needs Help!

UPDATE: ADOPTED!



AKYERA
Special Needs

* Breed: Miniature Pinscher
* Sex: Female
* Age: Adult
* Size: Small
* ID: 314310-3702


More About Akyera 3702

This girl is very calm and friendly. She is about 3 years old. She is deaf and pregnant. The sire of her puppies is a terrier. She needs a very special home to care for her conditions. If you feel you can provide care for her, please let us know. For more information about owning a deaf dog, please visit www.deafdogs.org.

This pet is up to date with routine shots.

My Contact Info:
Linn County Humane Society
Brookfield, MO
Phone: 660-258-3322

Click here for the link on Akyera from petfinder

Dogs (and Cats): Deaf Awareness Week at Petfinder!

Petfinder has made this announcement on their site to recognize the existence of deaf cats and dogs. It is great that even deaf animals are honored during the Deaf Awareness Week.

This person, I will leave the name out, who sent the original link and made this comment, "My only objection is using George Strain as an expert. While his information about deafness in dogs, per se, is excellent, his commentary on deaf dogs themselves is NOT. He is not sure they should be allowed to survive. He is sort of in league with the Dal Club." Why she mentioned George in the same league as The Dalmatian Club of America (DCA)? Here is their horrifying position on deaf Dalmatians. What's even great is this person is hearing and doesn't agree with George nor DCA. I do not want any of deaf animals to fall in his or anyone's hands for labatory purpose. Let's hope for a better expert on deaf animals in the future where pathological view is absent.

What a great irony about Petfinder's, who has no affiliation with the Deaf community, recognizance of deaf pets as part of the Deaf Awareness Week is that our own Deaf community has not recognizes deaf pets as a part of our community. Here's something for you to ponder: How many of you folks in the Deaf community, deaf or hearing, have a deaf pet? Something for you to think about :)

Clinic Volunteerism Led Me to Two Deaf Kittens

UPDATE: ADOPTED!

Before I go on, I want to give a little background information on what Feral Clinic here in Philadelphia involves.

Feral Clinic hosts every other weekend on a Sunday to have feral and stray cats brought in to be spayed and neutered. The day begins at 8 am and ends around 5 or 6 pm. However, some volunteers have to come around 4 am or so to get everything set up and ready for the day to go. The clinic is staffed by volunteers, including vets and vet students, who dedicated their time to control the population and minimize suffering the less are born. Average of 200 or so cats/kittens go through surgery and get vaccinations each month. Female cats, if wild, are taken care of until she fully recovers while male cats take quicker to heal, at least a day. The low cost is funded by The Spayed Club to support the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) philosophy.

I went there last Sunday to bring in 3 cats and 4 kittens. The 5 weeks old kittens only got their first distemper shot and will get their 2nd and final in two weeks as well as vaccinations, I believe. Their mother was brought in to be fixed. After the cats were dropped off, I drove the three kittens and two other kittens, who needs a foster home as well, 40 minutes away to drop them off to this lady. There were two other set of kittens (5 litters at 3 weeks old and other 4 litters at 5 weeks old) still needing a foster home at this clinic until at the very end of the day. Two different people, one from a rescue organization, took them to foster.

I came back to help with bringing cats, post surgery, on the tables while the more experienced volunteers give them their vaccinations, their temperatures checked, have their ears cleaned (those who will be released will have its ear clipped), nails trimmed, give flea treatment all while they are still under anesthesia before transporting them in a carrier or trapper to make room for incoming cats to be put on the tables for their routine. A volunteer showed me how to check its temperature and clean its ear. I am still inexperienced though and with due time, I may be doing more! :) For now, I'll help with filling out paperwork for each cat and setting up recycling for plastics, glasses and paper. No one did as they are overwhelmed due to not enough volunteers so I offered to set it up. If you are interested in being a part of Alley Cat Allies community in your area, do not hesitate to join!

While moving one of the cats, I noticed this one was all white and I opened its eyes to check the color. The eyes were sky blue and I checked the paperwork and saw that this cat gave birth to kittens last July 7, 2007. I informed one of the volunteers that it's possible this one is deaf and asked her to introduce me to who brought this cat over as I want to know if any of her babies are deaf. I couldn't test this cat's hearing because she was under anesthesia! :)

Few hours later, she showed up and it turns out she was the one who brought approximately 7 or so cats that she trapped. Admirable! Someone told her to see me. She told me two of her four litters are deaf but she is not sure if the mother is deaf yet. She said to let me know.

We continued talking via email. This lady seems to appreciate my input about how deaf cats/dogs rely on touching more and visual commands or they'll become needy. Hearing cats/dogs can hear the soothing of human's voice. She said it makes sense but never thought of it until I mentioned it. She explained that the deaf kittens appear to show they want to be held but she didn't get it until our conversation. She felt so guilty that she promised to touch them a lot when she gets home. She laughed when I told her deaf cats usually meow loud because it is what one of her deaf kittens is doing. Out of curiosity, I asked how she found out two of those kittens were deaf. She said she was vacuuming and they were the only ones not to run away and when she touched them from the back, they would flinch.

Here is what she told me how they were found. Her friend's mother passed away and she had to go over to clean the house. Her friend saw the mother cat, Skye, in the yard just giving birth to a litter on July 7, 2007. Her friend brought them to her to take care of. She named one of the deaf kittens Lucky because of that 7/7/07 :) She would like these deaf kittens adopted together and if possible the mother as well.

Here is the pictures of both kittens. I am waiting for a picture of the mother.

Toys Accessible for Deaf Cats and Dogs

The thought of toys that would be accessible for deaf dogs/cats have not crossed my mind until I adopted 2 deaf dogs. It is when I realize most of the toys are sound based, mostly for dogs, where toys are made of squeaky or any other sound. At night time, they couldn't hear the bounce of a ball to trace it and go after it or play with it. What I found and bought at the stores are one that glows at night and the other would flash when the ball makes an impact. These are a few that are accessible to both deaf and hearing dogs. Here is a few of them but you can do search for more:

Powzer Flash n' Dash

Powzer Glow Ball

Toys for cats appear to be more visual than found among toys for dogs although many do come with sound. One of my deaf dogs loves cat toys as they are highly visual but they are destructible by a dog. For instance, feather, strings or anything movable. He prefers them over dog toys any day/time. If I am to let him play with cat toys, it has to be under my supervision where I play with him. Wish there are more highly visual toys made for dogs and I'm sure not only deaf dogs will enjoy them but also hearing dogs.

Eventhough I do not have cats, I was curious about toys for deaf cats. I went food shopping and ended up in pets aisle. I decided to look at what they have, I found a small ball that glows at night and another one where it flashes that also comes with bird sound (good for a household that have deaf and hearing cats) or one that only flashes. These are something deaf cats can enjoy at nighttime as it's when they are at their wildest selves :) Here are a few of them but you can do search for more:

Nite Play

Sight and Sound

Motion Activated Rainbow Ball

Laser or Booda Light Chaser

I encourage owners to consider getting these kind of toys for their deaf pets along with whatever else toys they have.

Not To Let These Urgent Deaf Dogs Be Forgotten In Vain

There is a list of urgent dogs posted on www.deafdogs.org found here. Do also check it periodically because some new dogs come on there that are urgent. If you find one of them in your area, please crosspost and share with as many people as you know in your deaf community. Remember they are us, we are them. Some of the people with these dogs will take care of transporting the deaf animal to the person interested of adopting or fostering. Don't be afraid to send an email about one of these dogs you see and ask questions.

International Deaf Dogs Among Other Animals

Above video is to inform the international deaf community. I thought about sharing this video will enable those in the deaf community in a particular country to help spread the word to adopt a deaf dog close to home who needs a home. It looks like they are available in England and Ireland. A few are still in need of a home and those who do, you'll see a link of them for adoption. Those that don't have a link, it means they have found a home. The links are available to check out on the video. Not something the American deaf community can do for these deaf animals as they're overseas! That's when the international deaf community need to step in :) Spread the words, our international friends! :) It was inspiring to watch this video.

To Be Put To Sleep 9/18/07 In Hartford, CT

UPDATE: ADOPTED!



#104 12 years old female pitbull (black/white) found abandoned in an apartment. She is very sweet, mellow and sleeps a lot. She would be a great couch potato. Please give this dog a chance to enjoy life before its time as it only has about a couple of years left. If you can help this dog, please email Sherry at pizon67@yahoo.com or call 860-305-6764

This dog is located in Newington, CT. $50 dollar fee for in state and $5 dollar fee for out of state.

Deaf Cat In Louisana To Be Euthanized. Hurry!

UPDATE: RESCUED!



My heart is broken! I am about 4 years old, and I had a home of my own with a loving human. We were very happy, even though they say I am deaf, but something terrible happened: my older human friend had a heart attack, and her children brought me here,where I am on death row! Please hurry, pets are euthanized every Tuesday...

Not sure yet? THIS PET CAN BE FOSTERED which is a wonderful program where you provide the love and care and the rest of the basics are provided for you. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the pet before adoption, or to keep it safe and healthy while it waits for a permanent home. Foster homes give many rescued animals another chance for life. Or consider even the smallest donation to this shelter. Since funding is limited, every dollar really does contribute to a longer stay for our animals. And a longer stay means a better chance for finding a home.



http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9137031&mtf=1

My Contact Info
St. Martin Parish Animal Control
St. Martinville, LA

Phone: (337) 394-1220
stmartinhumane@gmail.com

Vlog: Blind Dog and Deaf-Blind Dog Play Together!

Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched this video of a deaf-blind dog, Baron, and blind dog, Widget. It is fascinating to observe how Baron relies on touch to respond and sometimes Widget touches with its nose or paw to get the blind-deaf dog’s attention. When it doesn’t do that and barks instead, Baron wasn’t responsive. Widget appears not to realize Baron was deaf. Baron seems to rely on the movement of the doggy bed to get a feel of what Widget is trying to do. You’ll see how they’re just like any other dogs. Just that they had no slightest idea how lucky they are to be adopted by loving owner who sees them as no different from any other animal :)

With all good intention by the owner, let's explore how the title is worded on title,

"Blind Widget plays with Blind-and-Deaf Baron."

It is as if the deaf-blind dog is not capable of playing. 'Play with' implies directionality, and it seems the deaf-blind dog needed the blind dog to play with him. From this title and how deaf animals are unwanted by most because of its inability to hear, it seems deaf animals are not immune from audism as well, thus supporting our argument that deaf animals should be considered part of the deaf community.

Instead, we should word it so that both dogs are put on an equal footing, for instance,

"Blind Dog and Deaf-Blind Dog Play Together."

Think about it. This also spawns another discussion. When we (the deaf community) turn our cheek and not do our part when it comes to adopting, fostering or rescuing and advocating for deaf animals, are we being audists?

Did you realize that DeafRead.com does not post the majority of our posts about deaf animals (specifically when it comes to deaf animals on death row), because they say that deaf animals are not part of the deaf community. See the publishing guideline, #1) Deaf Related Posts.

Deaf animals are not a part of this guideline, therefore Human Editors reject any posts about deaf animals unless deaf people are part of it, for example: People share experience about adopting, fostering, rescuing deaf animal, articles/information about deaf animals, etc. These will get posted on DeafRead.

If we post about a deaf animal about to die this week if it is not adopted, fostered or rescued, DeafRead does not usually publish this. Share your thoughts about this... Are deaf animals part of the deaf community? Or not?

Neutered Deaf Blue Heeler In NM

UPDATE: ADOPTED!



Tater is at the Animal Control at risk of euthansia. Please spread the word.

C07-1685 Tater

Breed: Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler
Sex: Male
Age: Baby
Size: Medium

From: Rio Rancho Animal Control
Email the adoption organization
All About Tater, his ID# C07-1685
This pet has been fixed.

My Contact Info:

Rio Rancho Animal Control
Rio Rancho, NM

Phone: 505-891-7237
Email: cjohns@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

What Is Mikey, The Deaf Cat, Up To?

Mikey, the deaf cat, from this blog

Mikey got lucky when, rather than giving up hope, Susan decided to browse on the internet and stumbled upon www.deafanimalrow.blogspot.com and got in touch with me. Not only is the rest history but also a coincidence. Someone from old deaf school emailed me about Mikey and she had no idea it was me until I revealed who I am behind this blog email address. It turns out someone deaf she knows has adopted Mikey. You'll notice that Mikey has lost some coat since that first picture on the other blog. The hair loss can be attributed to the stress he has gone through.


Here's Esther's story:

When I saw a picture of Mikey and his sister from Long Island, NY, on the blog, I just knew that he must have another chance to live. Once I got a hold of the former owner's daughter, she said Mikey is available. Former owner's daughter mentioned that after her mother passed away, she got all of five other cats, two dogs and one bird adopted except for Mikey. It seems like that he is being unwanted and I thought about giving Mikey a chance.

Susan said that her boss is willing to drive and drop Mikey off at my place since he plans to visit his family who happens to live in the same town. I was so excited and it was hard to wait until August 8th. I was nervous and wondered what would it be like to have deaf cat. When the time came, the boss arrived with Mikey in the cage. He was very calm from the medicine that the vet gave to him for the road trip. A card from Susan was attached and it reads:

"Dear Esther,

Just wanted to send this note with Mikey. I have enclosed a little treat and his medical records. When my mother passed away and left the cats, I sort of made a promise to myself (and her) that I would do my best to place all of her cats. You wouldn't believe how many people told me that it would be impossible but now with Mikey finding a home and I can have peace of mind to know that ALL of the cats have home. Please let me know how things work out. If there is any problems, please contact me. I am very glad that you are giving Mikey a chance.

Susan"

It has been about a month since Mikey has joined me and my 5 other cats. Mikey is still shy and likes to hang out in my bedroom under my bed. He only let me touch him when he is under bed. He and my other five cats are still learning to get along. He did have an incident with one of my cats, which tells me that he still need more time to adjust the new owner, environment and five new cats. I am still working on developing a relationship with him even though it'll take a while. It has only been four weeks since Mikey lived with us.



I want to thank Mikey's deceased owner's daughter, Susan, for giving me a chance to have a deaf cat. I hope to adopt more deaf cats in the future. I have informed other people from deaf community about www.deafanimalrow.blogspot.com and to consider adopting deaf cats or dogs.

Thank you,
Esther and 6 furballs...

Dallas, Texas -- A Deaf Dog Euthanized End of Week

UPDATE: RESCUED THEN ADOPTED!

P.S. The person who has this deaf pitbull said he already has 2 dogs and lives in a small condo. He took this deaf pitbull from a terrible home. Now, a pitbull rescue group has a custody of him and the rescue group said they have a list of approved applicants who want to adopt a pitbull. The deaf pitbull went home to one of the approved applicants. The person at rescue group said this deaf dog is now in a good home, will be loved and spoiled, given the care he needs.



I have a friend that has the greatest dog. It is a 1 year old white pit bull who is really sweet. The only draw back is that the dog is deaf. My friend can't keep the dog anymore and can't find anyone to take him. He said that by the end of the week he is going to take him to the SPCA and pay $35 to have him put to sleep. Please, if anyone out there has the room and the love for this dog please let me know. I live in an apartment and can't keep him. Please call me ASAP (214)603-3154!!! No fees at all he just needs a home!!!!



P.S. Katherine here: I once fostered a pitbull (hearing) that I rescued from the street and it is the most lovable dog I've ever met. It is now placed in a very loving home through the help of a rescue group. Don't think all pitbulls are vicious and those that are vicious are because of human's training, not the pitbull breed itself. I know some people with deaf pitbulls and they're a wonderful pet. Did you know that this famous dog on "The Little Rascal" TV show is a pitbull?

Meet Van Gogh in Florida ASAP

UPDATE: ADOPTED! By one of firefighters when a group of them came to the shelter for a tour and decided to come back to adopt Van Gogh.

Seminole County Animal Services
Sanford, FL
407-665-5208
dgagliano@seminolecountyfl.gov
Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Gender: Male
ID: a184054

Notes: Van Gogh is a sweet 1 year old male. This special little guy is deaf and will need an owner who can give him a little extra attention and training. He is a very smart boy and will surely learn hand signals quickly. Van Gogh will be neutered before going to his new forever home.

Adoption fee: $60 - includes neuter surgery and microchip. Seminole County residents add $6 for County License. For more information about adopting from Seminole County Animal Services click here and scroll down to "Adopting A Friend"

For Cat Lovers Out There -- What is TNR?

TNR is an abbreviation known as Trap, Neuter and Release. It is a program dedicated to reduce overpopulation of feral (wild) cats. Some are semi tame or tame enough to try finding a home for while most are released back with volunteers providing them food, shelter and water for the rest of their lives. For a male cat, it only requires 24 hours to stay indoor to recover after surgery and it takes a female cat several days.

TNR is strictly for feral cats, but the clinic also welcomes stray cats if needed. The overpopulation of feral cats has gotten out of control. Sadly, feral cats were originated from domestic cats where irresponsible owners do not spay/neuter their cat(s) and let them roam freely outside. Unneutered male cats are the worst as they can impregnate several female cats outside. Nevertheless, both sexes need to be spayed and neutered. It is the hands of many humans that caused the suffering of cats, be it they starve, freeze, get disease, are neglected, tortured and/or be killed.

For one cat that you do a TNR, you are saving about 12 thousands offsprings in 7 years and multiply that with several cats you help do a TNR. You'll be making a world of difference in the lives of these cats. There are volunteers involved in TNR and there's always need for more volunteers. The goal is to see less and less feral cats. It is more cost-effective and humane than having them euthanized.

If you are interested to help or get involved in your community, go to this alleycat website I am involved in this in my area and I've met these volunteers. They're caring and wonderful people. I have dropped off a feral cats I trapped to be fixed (spayed or neutered). It is inspiring to witness many volunteers with feral kittens/cats in their trapper(s) or carrier(s) to be fixed. They have about 100 or so lined up to be fixed. Since my dogs are not cat-friendly, this is the least I can do for these cats and will house them in a closed door room on a temporary basis.

Ash: A Deaf Orange Tabby

UPDATE: ADOPTED



I found out that there's this deaf orange tabby living in my state, Pennsylvania. The foster mom, Alicia, hasn't had any luck finding a home for her. I made an arrangement to go over the foster mom's home to meet Ash and take pictures of her on my digital camera. I spent quality time with her and asked the foster mom some questions.



At first, I was doubtful she was deaf after Alicia told me she is an orange tabby. I told her I would like to meet her and see it for myself before I post about her on this blog. When I was there, I banged on a pot with a top, screamed behind her, clapped, you name it. Stone deaf! Her behavior indicates that of a deaf cat, which is responding unexpectedly to touch from the behind, being visual around her and according to Alicia, she has a deaf voice -- louder than usual.

Here is what I can make out from Alicia without writing down. She said that she found her in her backyard still covered with fetal membranes in the area filled with ash. She had ashes all over her, hence her name, Ash. Ash's brother couldn't be saved as he was already dead. She took Ash inside to clean her off and hand raised her.



Ash is ok with other cats as she lives with one other cat. They play a lot and hard. The funniest thing is when she plays, she growls and hisses. At first Alicia thought Ash was being aggressive, but she isn't as she was simply playing. That reminds me of my two deaf dogs who growl when they play with each other. Others have said of the same thing because they can't hear themselves to distinguish between what is ok, what is not. I know when they're playing or not. Ash does like to play alone a lot. She has trouble jumping up on anything high, so her way to the litter pan needs to be free of any obstacles. Oddly enough, if you put her on something high, she can jump down. She loves to be petted and sit on your lap. I can vouch for Alicia that Ash is affectionate. There are kids in Alicia's house all the time and Ash is fine with them. If she has enough, she will go somewhere to get out of the way. She has never bit or scratched anyone. She is fine with Alicia's two dogs, but they are little dogs. One is 5 lbs and the other is about 8 lbs, so Alicia doesn't know how she would be with a big dog. I saw Ash chasing after one of the dogs with one of her front paws up in the air in a playful way. So cute. She appears to love to groom herself that I lost count :)



The last picture above is of Alicia with her two dogs and Ash. When I was in the process of taking a picture before it happened, Ash playfully clawed the dog on the right then licked the other dog on the left. You'll see how her right paw is still directed at the dog and how this dog is watching carefully, ha! If you look closely, you'll see the dog on the right squints its right eye, guarding herself from Ash's paw. Ash is looking up at Alicia and is obviously grateful to her for saving her life. What a darling!

Ash is spayed and updated with current shots, but her annual shots are due in October. If you can provide Ash with a forever home, please send an email to deafanimalrow@gmail.com and be ready to be screened.