Monday, October 15, 2007

An Old Life as a Deaf Herder on Farm

Blue, a deaf dog in VA who was on the deathrow. Someone asked me if I could go down to Virginia to get Blue and foster him for a month before he is transported to out of state.

I asked the volunteer there if she could arrange to bring Blue closer as Amelia, VA, is about a little over 5 hours away, she obliged. She had someone bring Blue to this lady, Cindy, who runs a Beagle Rescue. She had about 10-15 beagles in crates in her van to head to Manassas Petco for adoption day. She has a room to transport Blue in it. It is where I met her and Blue. Blue enjoyed being in beagles's surrounding and it could be a result of his herding instinct! These people who work with the beagles at Petco were wonderful and good to Blue.

He's an Australian Cattle Dog (also known as a heeler. I learned that he used to live on the farm until now and was surrendered after owner got rid of his goats. This upsets me about some people, objectifying animals and disposing of them whenever they feel like. Blue knows no commands or anything except his skills in herding and being lovey-dovey, lickety-lick and touchy-feely!!! I am not worried about him learning visual commands as older deaf dogs in the past have achieved. A very intelligent dog and in fact, heeler is in the top 10 for most intelligent dogs.

Blue wasn't a good match for a city life where I am! He has been trying to herd people and dogs he see around him. My dogs, being terriers, do not appreciate being herded :) While asleep, he herded me until I got up and let him go out for potty or to get some affection or attention from me! His herding makes it hard to ignore him. Otherwise he sleeps nearby me. When I leave him unattended, he barks, thinking I'm a sheep who must be in his sight all the times!!! So, arrangement was made to bring him to another temporary foster home in the mountains, after a several days with me, to a family who does Akita Rescue. I took my dogs and Blue on a road trip for 2 hours each way. Yes, each one of them was in their own seatbelt harness with windows down -- All fresh air going through their nostrils and out of their mouth or vice versa! :)

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Deaf and Old in Kentucky

UPDATE: RESCUED!

Is there someone out there in Kentucky deaf community who can help? Maybe KCDHH can adopt him as a mascot? Or even a Deaf Senior Home can adopt him :)



He appears to be a Cocker Spaniel/Beagle/Bassett mix. When I was walking the row of kennels I spotted that his kennel tag read "Senior Dog". Intrigued, I bent down to get a better look at him. He was on the other side of the kennel wall where I couldn't see him and he obviously couldn't see me. I made several noises to try to get his attention. After several attempts I stood up and was about to walk away when he must have spotted me. When he came around where I could see him, my heart melted. Looking into those pathetic eyes I became overwhelmed with sadness that he would be in this place.

When we got him out of this kennel two things were very apparent, first this old man is deaf. Secondly, he is probably in excruciating pain due to severe yeast infections in both ears. The pungent smell of this fungus was the first thing I noticed when I was inches away from his head. When I lifted his thick, heavy ears all I could say, is "You poor, poor boy." The staff informed me that he will only eat soft food, that he won't touch dry food. I believe part of that might be because his ears hurt so badly. I recall when I had a severe ear infection several years ago the pain was so intense that I couldn't stand to chew. There's no telling how long his ears have gone untreated and more than likely that's what has caused his deafness.



He's been neutered and could stand to lose a little bit of weight. It also appears that he has some cataracts in his eyes. If only he could tell us his story of how
he ended up in this county operated dog pound...

Sadly, he has no name. He was found as a stray and no one has came forward to claim him.

He's impound #6.

We estimate he's at least 9 years old.

His adoption fee is $65.

This shelter is rescue friendly and does not charge a pull fee for reputable rescue organizatons. Please keep in mind that the receiving rescue MUST make all transport arrangements.

This is county operated shelter. Though they try very hard to place all their animals in rescue or through adoption, they do have to euthanize. It's the sad reality of county operated dog pounds. Too many animals, not enough responsible pet owners. So...our old man is sitting on a cold concrete floor at this very moment waiting for someone to save him before it's too late..........please, if you can't help forward this on to others.

If you can help this old man, please contact the shelter ASAP at 502-633-0009.

Sabrina S.
Animal Rescue Volunteer

Saturday, October 6, 2007

How Adorable a Deaf Dog Can be!

CLICK ON MY PICTURES TO ENLARGE AND SEE ME BETTER!

I hate cold weather, including snow, even if I got this warm fleece coat!

Waiting for mommy to put away her camera so I can go under the blanket and snuggle!

There's a liabliity to playing with another dog 5 times bigger than you. Look at my arm!

Mommy spoiled me with a lot of toys!

A Princess, I am!

I am in my pajamas by the fireplace to keep me warm in a freezing weather. So cozy!

Don't I look like a Cruella but sweeter? A lot sweeter, really, because Cruella would perfectly describe those on the Board of Governors of Dalmatian Club of America, for ordering everyone to have deaf dalmatian pup or dog in their custody killed!

Coming up of me with my brother, Murray, when he joined the family. Neither one of us have backed down and given up our alpha status!

Deaf Networking: Important Cultural Value

This is one example of how a member of the Deaf community has used his network to reach out to someone else to help increase visibility for deaf animals. Networking in our Deaf community is a cultural value that has been honored among ourselves for decades. The hearing world rescues often have their hands full and we owe it to them for the lives they have saved, which some are deaf. Deaf Animal Row hopes for one day when all deaf people step up to the plate and offer to rescue a deaf animal and educate the public about deaf animals that we have in our custody. There is hope for the Deaf community to enhance the lives of deaf animals by doing their part.

DeafAnimalRow would like to thank Ron Popowski for sharing with his co-worker and friend, Stephanie Egger, who happens to be a rep for the state of Pennsylania for Best Friends Animal Society as well as Stephanie for keeping an open minded and be receptive. Stephanie has posted a story about deaf animals with our link on their website.

First of all, to get a better idea of what Best Friends Animal Society is about. Here is what Stephanie has to share:

"Best Friends Animal Society headquarters and Sanctuary is located in Utah. However, each state has their own network community under the direction of a State team leader and county representatives (all volunteer). I personally handle Bucks and Montgomery Counties for the Pennsylvania Network Community. We do most of our coordination on-line within the State and with the Utah office. We do get to meet up for events, or during phone meetings."

Stephanie emailed and what struck me about what she said is, "I am involved with many animal projects but had not thought about the number of animals euthanized because they are deaf. I am a county rep for Best Friends Animal Society. I would like to post a newsstory about Deaf Animal Row. If you have any specific events, special adoptions or a press release you would like reposted please let me know. I'll be happy to help in any way I can."

I responded to her email,

"Stephanie:

There are currently 3 deaf dogs on deathrow from my blog. One in VA, one in GA and one in CA. They could be euthanized anytime and they're sweet dogs. Can you share with each state about them through Best Friends Animal Society and have them spread word?

Right now, I'm worried sick about them and once they are saved, I'll talk with you more about networking with Best Friends Animal Society and how we can work together about Deaf Animal Row and to improve the chance for deaf animals."


The next thing I know, I received her email late last night:

"Just wanted to let you know that we posted a story today on the Best Friends PA network about Deaf Animal Row. My team leader has contacted the VA and CA teams to see if they will post as well. She even contacted the headquarters to request this article be posted on the homepage! I hope this really helps your site and the deaf pets too!"

http://network.bestfriends.org/pennsylvania/news/19389.html

None of this would have been possible without Ron and big thanks to Stephanie for her willingness to bring visibility to deaf animals. A round of *UPplause to them! Deaf Animal Row hopes to have deaf and hearing members of the Deaf community do their rescue in each state for deaf animals and act as a rep under the branch of Deaf Animal Row in the future when it expands and is run by deaf people.

*A deaf version of applause. Wave their hands above their heads.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

ASL Vlog: Sign Language Not Only Benefit Humans

Lauren Ridloff explains about how chimps blossom through sign language vs. voice. It shows that people involved with the usage of sign language to make it accessible and possible for chimps have a better understanding of their needs and are sensitive. I would like to see more people with a similiar attitude towards deaf dogs and cats or any other deaf animals that rely on sign language and visual cues as they need it.

Here's Lauren's wonderful vlog:

Chimps and Sign Language

Deaf Blue Heeler Time is Up in VA. Save Him!

UPDATE: RESCUED!



Hi:

We have a Blue Heeler whose time is up. He is deaf. He has been in the kennel by himself so not sure how he is with other dogs and cats. I know he appears to love me! Will find out more about him around cats and dogs. UPDATE: We just took Blue out to test with the shelter kitties. He wanted to chase one of them when it ran. One the cats smacked at him and he turned and walked away. He was in with a dog when he first came in and got along with it.

If you can help or know of someone who can, please let me know. My email address is:

ameliaanimalshelter@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Cindy Case

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Deaf Dalmatian Pup In a Kill Shelter in Los Angeles, CA!

UPDATE: RESCUED! If you are interested to adopt this dog, contact the Dalmatian Rescue at 310 488 9190.



Sandra (ID # A887285) is 5 months of puppy love.

She was originally adopted on 7/19/07 from the South Los Angeles Shelter. She has one blue eye and is deaf.

She was returned by her adopters because she is deaf, although they were notified of that possibility prior to adoption.

Please help this darling find a permanent home!

Tomika Johnson
New Hope Coordinator
South Los Angeles Animal Care Center
Hours: Tues & Thurs 12 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wed, Fri, & Sat 8am - 5pm

Work: 213-485-0117/0119
Cell: 213-792-5653

http://images.craigslist.org/01010901020101030220070926399fb797477558b88b009521.jpg

Deaf Border Collie in GA Have to Get Out of This Pound Now!

UPDATE: RESCUED!



Panda 5642

* Breed: Australian Shepherd [Mix]
* Sex: Female
* Age: Adult
* Size: Large
* ID: 5642

Panda is approximately 1 year old. She has been an outside dog and is very nervous on a leash. She is deaf but such a sweetheart. She needs a patient and knowledgeable owner who could show her how to embrace life. Could you be her special person?



For information on adoption please call the Douglas County Animal Shelter at 770-942-5961. All adopted dogs of appropriate age will receive a microchip. The new owners are required to get their new dogs a rabies vaccination and to have them spayed/neutered at the appropriate age.

More About Panda 5642
Douglas County Animal Control
Douglasville, GA

DeafAnimalRow here: Please consider fostering. Do not expect those people who already have several or too many dogs they are fostering or rescuing to take over. Cathy, one of very few deaf people who already has 5 or 6 deaf dogs she is fostering, lives near the kill shelter where this deaf border collie is. She is happy to pull her and bring her to you only if you are interested to adopt, foster or rescue. It doesn't matter where you are as the dog can be transported by a group of volunteers. Her email address is crazypaws@tmail.com. Serious inquiries please.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

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.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

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