What a Spoiled Princess Angel is!

Rebecca and her St. Patty's Angel

Angel, who is deaf and approximately 4 years old, was brought in as a stray and saved from a shelter near Newhall, CA by Lisa Tipton at AngelDogs Foundation. She was not a stray, but rather, a free dog when she was captured. Her owners finally located her and showed up at the shelter demanding release with no fines or fees required! Angel was scheduled for euthanasia and her owners were at the shelter just MINUTES before her death, still arguing the fees and refusing to pay! 

Luckily, Lisa Tipton stepped in after getting word that there was an amazing deaf dog was in urgent need of rescue, and she did so just in the nick of time! Angel, actually named Corto(a) at the time (I think...), thankfully left in the safe company of Lisa!  Lisa said Angel just sat in the car just staring at her, while Lisa kept her face covered for protection with an arm and elbow just in case this strange dog decided to go crazy!  After a few minutes of Angel getting closer to Lisa's face while she stared, she gently licked her in thanks and the rest is history!

Lisa gave Angel her name after deciding she was special enough to bear the name of her non-profit rescue foundation!  Angel is the first pit bull, and the first deaf dog ever rescued by the foundation, so I guess she made quite an impression! (well- I happen to KNOW she did!)  The amazing training she received while in foster care was done by Lisa's husband, professional dog trainer, Mark Tipton. He is an extremely gentle and patient man and any time I observe Angel around him, she acts like she has the biggest crush in the world!  He taught her basic hand signals for commands, which he then taught me, and Angel and I have come up with many others of our own from there!

I first saw Angel on Petfinder.com. It was my first search on the sight and it was a few months after the passing of my first pit bull and soulmate, 15 year old Cayenne.  I didn't know how to live without her, but I did know that I didn't want to live without a dog!  I had the time, love and patience to give to dog and decided I wanted to adopt a special needs dog!  I remembered an advertisement I saw in a Pennysaver magazine 15+ years ago when Cayenne was a puppy...  It always stuck with me- it was a black and white piicture of a bunch of Dalmatian pups with the caption, "Perfect Puppies available to a good home. God only forgot to give us hearing!"  I NEVER forgot that (probably because I never knew of a deaf pet's plight) and vowed I would help deaf dogs one day!  I faxed my adoption application within minutes after seeing Angel's profile on Petfinder.com.  I don't know how or why she was the one I was drawn to out of all those dogs that needed a home, but I know that it was meant to be!  I desperately needed an Angel at such a low point in my life.

Lisa replied almost immediately after receipt of the application to schedule a meeting and home visit.  She said she was actually sold on me as a candidate when she read on the paperwork that I'd prefer to have my dog sleep in bed with me!  Well- Angel does share my bed with me every night!  My first impression of her and the best word I can use to describe her is MATERNAL!  She conveys so much emotion through her eyes and that beautiful green-eyed stare, and when she looked into my eyes the first time after standing up on her hind legs to get closer to my face, she conveyed that she simply just wanted to take care of me!  (and I thought I was the one the was doing the adopting! HaHa!)

Angel has been with me for almost 2 years, and she teaches me something new all the time!  She does not have a disability due to lack of hearing- she has an ABILITY!  She studies everything a human does around her like there will be an exam on it later!  If you have a project, she's your assistant!  She reads body language and facial expressions better than any living creature I've seen, and I SWEAR she reads lips now!  She even knows the differences in my wardrobe- if she sees me take out some jeans or sweatpants... FORGET ABOUT IT!!  She jumps up and down like a ping-pong ball and barks her high, shrill, excited bark and "Roo-Roo"!  

But if she sees me dressing in a skirt and heels, the depression sets in and she mopes around because she knows those aren't walking clothes!  A friend who was in the Navy put on his white uniform one day and she was completely enthralled and enamored with him like I've never seen act around another person before!  She had a human dressed just like her! She even speaks up and demands her beauty products when I apply face lotion and make-up!  If I'm putting the nice smelling stuff on me, she knows it's good enough for her!  (spoiled little diva!)  She wont stop barking and nudging me until I mimic what I do to my own face on her!  I think she really enjoys the nurturing aspect of it because when she first came to live with me, it was summertime and I had to apply baby sunblock to her to prevent sunburn while she'd sun herself.  I know she loved how the cool lotion felt on her hot skin and has been addicted ever since!

Oh, she LOVES to wear girlie satin dresses with bows (thanks again to Lisa Tipton for giving us her first "dress-up" dress!) and her favorite wardrobe accessory for herself is a pair of wings!  Well- actually, many, many pairs of wings!!  She has little girls' dress-up wings that she loves to wear because of all the extra attention she gets from everyone that sees!  I bought her angel wings, fairy wings, light-up wings, christmas elf wings, ladybug wings.

She loves to dip in the pool after her daily 2 mile walks, but only on the first step in the pool... I call it her "nipple dip"!  She doesn't want to get her hair wet and mess it up!  Haha!  I swear- I couldn't give birth to my own genetic child who would be as similar to me as Angel is!!

She has helped me with temporary foster dogs, and although a little jealous sometimes, she is always loving and patient at the core.  She has inspired me, rehabilitated me, and changed my life for the better in every way!

Rebecca Mary and Angel Mary

May DeafDoggies Lead with Your Vote!

Lottie Dot and Dora

Lottie Dot was rescued off the highway. No one wanted her when they found out she was deaf. Now she visits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, grief camps etc. She has a chapter in a book that is being promoted on the Pet Finder blog. If you look closely, you can see her picture at the bottom of the heart. Go here. Dora just got registered to become a therapy dog. She visits special needs kids in schools as a Reading Education Assistance Dog. They do Dog Safety and Fire Safety Programs and Relay for Life. The possibilities are endless. Why? Because I gave them a chance at life. They have quite a story to tell!

There is the link to vote for Lottie Dot and Dora to travel to Atlanta to share their special story. They are in second place and have over 12,800 votes! The one leading now is an AKC dog -- AKC is an organization that discriminates against deaf dogs.

Let’s put Lottie Dot and Dora in first place and get their story out there. They set a great example of what deaf dogs can accomplish. Please click on the link below, then vote “10.” We only have 2 days left to vote. You can vote hourly if able.

http://www.atlantamagazine.com/petcovercontest/semifinals/View.aspx?ID=158369

Thanks,
Patricia

What a Hurdle of Obstacle for Daisy!

One day when we were buying food for our other dog Olivia, we found Daisy's picture. Daisy was born blind and deaf and was passed through three homes before finding us. She was only 3 months old and scared. She bonded instantly with Olivia but refused to bond with us. Daisy was up all hours of the night pacing and barking, which we later learned was normal for blind and deaf dogs. Within 48 hrs we knew we needed to call a trainer. Fortunately one was willing to volunteer his services.

The first step was for us to understand Daisy’s need for a strict schedule; this would be her life force. And next was for Daisy to accept our touch. It took eight months for Daisy to bond with us, working with her day and night. In one sense the job was simple, hold Daisy until she succumbed to us, or fell asleep, but not for Daisy. We spent the first three months with many bites and scratches; we didn’t have the typical dog with the wagging tail running to greet us. I spent many nights in tears feeling as if somehow I was failing as a pet parent. As much as Daisy’s rejection stung, it was also a constant reminder that this was not about me, this was about Daisy’s growth and trust in us and I was not about to give up trying.

I will never forget the first break through when she no longer fought me but rather collapsed and fell asleep in my arms, this time I cried happy tears, the bond was made and would only grow stronger from here. Since then Daisy has learned how to climb stairs, visit new locations and even learn how to swim! And even though we always find ourselves asking, what about Daisy? Daisy’s strength, joy for life and perseverance is something I would never trade for the world.

Maryam
http://whataboutdaisy.com

Living Proof of Boo's Rehabilitation

Boo the Bull Terrier

Boo is a 2 year old Bull Terrier, and is completely deaf. Boo was surrendered to us by her breeder in October of 2008 at the age of 6 months. By then she had been placed in 5 or 6 homes before we took her. She had been repeatedly returned to her breeder because she was out of control and no one knew how to handle her, which was only compounded by her deafness. When we were able to take possession of her, her health was quickly declining due to neglect. She had a severe case of kennel cough which was going into pneumonia, severe digestive issues, and her legs and tail were covered with ring worm. She also had cuts on her face from the breeders' other dogs constantly attacking her. It took over three months of intensive veterinary treatment just to get her well enough to safely be spayed. Mentally she was also a wreck. Boo had one of the worst cases of separation anxiety that we have ever seen, causing her to panic if someone was not in her direct line of vision at all times. She had no structure at all in her life up to that point, and had no idea how to take direction from a person. She had lived her first 6 months in some very tense environments. It took weeks before we were even able to see her just relax. Boo has now made a complete turn around, both physically and mentally. She is now one of the most balanced dogs either of us have ever been around, and is the best dog for us to use in rehabilitating other problem dogs. The fact that she is deaf has made her into one of the best teachers for people that don't understand what internal energy is or how it is used.

Boo has become the poster child for why dogs with seemingly impossible to overcome problems should not be euthanized, as there is always hope.

Felicia Chesser
Misfit Dog Psychology and Rehabilitation
636-332-5044 or 314-956-2793
www.freewebs.com/misfittraining
Misfit Dog Psychology and Rehabilitation

Help Deaf Pup in Afghanistan Come to USA

We are currently trying to raise money to bring home (to the United States) a puppy my husband (an EOD tech in the USMC) rescued after an explosion. Her name is "Spike" and she is an Anatolian Shepherd, there are pics on her website as well as the story if you would rather just read it there. We really need help, even if people can't help if they could forward her story to someone who can that wuld be great! We currently have $425 raised, our goal is $3000 by next month. Thanks to everyone who has the heart to help at least to pass the story on. She is a very special puppy!

Website: http://helpbringhomeahero.weebly.com/index.html

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/horse.training?ref=nf#!/group.php?gid=402252426240

Spike's Story

"Spike" is a vivacious and fun loving young Anatolian Shepherd puppy rescued by Neil Kulik and the infantry platoon with which he is serving in Marjah Afghanistan. Many of you may have seen the News coverage of "Operation Moshtarak" throughout February and into this month. SSGT Kulik an EOD tech attached to an infantry company found tiny Spike alone and frightened after the building she was living in was blown up. SSGT Kulik and his team went to clear the building after blowing it up and he came upon her in a corner, she was shaking and let out a fearful grown as he pet her. SSGT Kulik promised Spike he would return to her and gave her some water until the next time he could see her. He returned as soon as he was able honoring his promise to the young little puppy. It was a day later and he brought her food and more water. Spike recognized him and wagged her tail. She grew fond of this human and his many friends who brought her food and water and even played with her. She soon became one of them, going with them when she could and bringing as much joy to the Marines as they brought to her. Spike who suffered hearing loss in the explosion that she survived has taken no notice to her injury, she is just happy to be alive. She has become so fond of Neil and his friends that she protects them, growling at people who are out of place and keeping all of the Marines safe. Her favorite human, SSGT Kulik, is to leave Marjah and return to the United States soon and he has told her he wants her to come with. All of the Marines who have had the joy of playing with her during such a daunting time for them want to help to get Spike home as well. The financial cost of getting Spike into the United States is a huge burden and SSGT Kulik is hoping that enough kind people will step forward to make this possible for Spike. He fears that if left behind she will die with her hearing loss making her vulnerable to predators, other dogs, and military vehicles . Many dogs in Afghanistan are shot at and murdered. Dog fighting is prominent and Spike wants to be honored for her service to our countries Marines and the men have told her they don't leave anyone behind, Spike certainly hopes that they will honor their promise when it comes to her as well, that she will come home as one of them, as she deserves to, as a hero.

The cost to bring Spike to the United States is approximately $3,000.00. This includes her flights and quarantine in Pakistan. I do not have more than several hundred dollars myself so Spike is counting on the generosity of caring humans to help her. If enough money isn't raised in the next few weeks to allow for Spike to be brought home with her new family the full amount of the money raised will be donated to the ASPCA. Please, any little bit helps, don't let Spike's humans suffer any more loss, don't allow the Marines who love her to be forced to leave one of their own behind. Every little bit helps.

Lauren Kulik

Happy Ending for the Lost Deaf Dog, Luna!

On January 4th, it was posted here about Luna -- a deaf dog -- who escaped from the vet clinic and was lost. A plea was sent out to bring Luna home. Fortunately for Luna, she was found after one week in the freezing weather the Upstate is known for. Luna was on the news: Click here and here

Click here if you want to read about how Luna's owner wouldn't give up on finding Luna. He truly cares about his fur-member as well as the community involved in searching for her.

Meet Brein and his Deaf Dog!

Brein, who is deaf himself, gave deaf dogs a chance by adopting his own deaf dog and share the importance of giving deaf dogs what we take for granted in the Deaf community and that is the use of ASL and some aspects of its culture. Here is his vlog in ASL:

http://signcasts.com/node/202

Dakota in Dog Fancy Magazine!

Dakota and Kimberly

Allow me to introduce Kimberly Mockler, who I had the pleasure of getting to know. Not only is she an ally of the Deaf community but also her hearing dog, Mocha, and they live with another dog, Dakota, who is deaf and now blind. She uses touch signals with Dakota (taps on different parts of her body to mean different things). What I found admirable about her is she didn't give up easily on Dakota, given that Dakota wasn't an easy dog. Not because she's deaf or blind but she just is! She gave her blood, sweat and tears to get Dakota where she is today. Click on the picture above to enlarge and read with enthusiasm!

On another note, Kimberly is awaiting for a deaf/blind pup, Kelen, to get to her home to be fostered. With Kimberly's experience and how much she achieved with Dakota, Kelen will be in good hands. Kelen will be available for adoption in the NYC metro area. Contact Kimberly if you are interested.

More recently, Dakota along with her buddy, Mocha, won third place for a heartwarming story by petfinder. Give Kimberly's dogs a round of applause!

http://blog.petfinder.com/petfinder/2008/12/17/read-these-heartwarming-happy/

To learn more about the unfortunate merle-to-merle breeding that often results in deaf and blind dogs by irresponsible breeders, go to:

http://www.aussielads.com/merle_to_merle.htm

Deaf/Blind Great Dane Shot & Beheaded in NY

Humphrey

Check this link about this innocent and sweet Deaf Great Dane who was brutally killed:

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6578559

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2008/12/30/news/doc4959898a48017750780877.txt

Please send a letter by snail mail or email to the judge at the address given below. Please share with others to also take action and be this dog's voice. What Humphrey has to go through is appalling and heartbreaking. The suspect is only charged with a misdemeanor and hope that with enough noise, the charge will be upgraded or at least the penalty will be severe enough.

DUTCHESS COUNTY
Hon. William V. Grady
Dutchess County District Attorney
236 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845- 486- 2300
845- 486- 6506 (fax)
wgrady@co.dutchess.ny.us@co.dutchess.ny.us

Where is Cooper and Gus Now?

The Loving Deaf Boston Terrier Duo!

The search for a perfect home for dogs like Cooper and Gus, especially with Gus's dog aggression issue, almost seems fruitless until this family came along. Other families who have shown interest did not meet the criterias in ensuring the dogs would be appropriately placed together forever. This new family of Cooper and Gus had no other pets after losing their two Boston Terrier siblings, named Max and Mindy, of an old age.

We brought Cooper and Gus over to the family to do home visit and let them interact with the dogs. Upon entry, the first thing Gus did, before entertaining the hosts, was attacking a life sized Boston Terrier statue by their fireplace and it was hilarious. It was a sight embedded in our memory. The visit in September went so well that the family is set on adopting them. We can't be any more happier with the outcome as they are an ideal family for any dogs in need of a home. From reading the updates by Cheryl, you'll agree that these boys will have a life of luxury and privilege!

Because these dogs need some training, Rosemary has recommended a professional trainer, Lisa, who I have met and liked, if the family decides to get one.

Here is an update from Cooper and Gus's new family that was sent to Lisa, Rosemary and myself:

October 24, 2008

Hello to all!

I thought you would all be wondering how “the boys” are doing, so I thought I would write you this update! They are TERRIFIC!!!! They have come such a long way in these past 3 weeks I cannot even believe it! As Lisa can attest, they were like laser beams bouncing off all 4 walls at the same time when she came to visit them on 10/13/08! The only time their feet were on the ground was when they needed to propel themselves to another perch!

Lisa quickly saw that these little guys needed some positive diversions apart from fighting with each other as soon as their eyes were open! This was getting me NUTS! Dave commented that this is what happens when you get all of that “testosterone” going in adolescents! They were acting just like 14 year old boys! (Good thing I had a daughter…either I or my sons would not have survived that stage!) So, I went right to the Amish market here in town & bought them marrow bones as Lisa had suggested. They were already frozen, so I just warmed them up a tad in the microwave & then gave them to them outside. It was a really nice day on Tuesday, 10/14/08, so they could be outside. We installed a 12’ X 24’ fence right off of the patio & have fencing on either side of the deck that acts as a chute from the kitchen door right into the fenced in area. They love rough-housing out there with each other! These bones kept them occupied for 3 hours! By then they were so tired of chewing & sucking the marrow out of the bones that they came inside & went to sleep in my office with me for another hour! The Amish butcher loves these little guys & they love him! I buy them 6, 2” marrow bones each week & that keeps them busy!

We also have them in a routine that every morning when they get up, I feed them their breakfast & then I either take them for a walk if it’s not too cold (they’re not overly fond of their sweaters that we bought for them, but they keep them warm as toast in these chilly mornings) or I play ball with them in the family room! I do something with them to wear them out & then they go outside & take care of business! Then they usually come back inside & chew on their bones that are now all over the house!

They will even lay down like good boys on the couch with us at night while we watch TV! This is truly AMAZING! Before, if I sat down they were both all over me! So again, Lisa said that when they do this, stand up & ignore them & they will learn that if they do this to obtain attention, they won’t get any! It took a couple of days, but they got the picture! Now, if any of us sit down, they come running over to the couch & wait to be invited up with us! Once they’re on the couch they know they must sit down or lay down or GET OFF! Don’t even think about bothering Mommy during baseball playoffs, much less the World Series! Now the TV goes on & they come over to the couch, wait to be invited up & then lay right down! Good Boys!

Sleeping at night is another interesting event! They sleep with Becky. Both Cooper & Gus want to be in bed with her (she has a single bed so this is interesting!). She’s OK with that, but Gus gets up on the bed, lays in the crook of Becky’s legs & goes to sleep. Cooper, on the other hand, has to be pacing & jumping back & forth on the bed so that within a couple of minutes Gus lets out this big bark at Cooper & throws him off of the bed! Poor Cooper! There is a brand new, fleece bed on the floor for them, but of course the “prime real estate” is up in bed with Becky! Becky also has a portable nylon kennel in her room for the boys to get used to for when we take them on vacation. Gus likes this, too, so Cooper can’t be in there if Gus wants to be in there! Gus pretty much sets the tone for everything where Cooper is concerned, except for when they eat! I have to put Gus on the other side of the island in the kitchen or Cooper growls the entire time (like Gus can hear him!) letting Gus know to stay away from his food! He does the same thing with the marrow bones, until Cooper extracts all of the marrow! They are a hoot together! After they get finished beating up on each other, Gus will lay & lick Cooper’s face! I guess that’s what you call “tough love!”

Potty training is coming along as well! There does not appear to be any more “anxiety tinkles” in the laundry room, when they have to be in there, like when we’re not home. With me being home all day again, I have them going outside quite frequently to the point where they will strain a little drop of tinkle out, just so they can get a treat! I have an “eight-legged” shadow following me wherever I go! Mommy’s Boys!

In the 3 weeks that they have been with us, I have lost 13 pounds from all of the walks that they go on! For little guys who weren’t really fond of a leash, much less going for a walk, they have sure done a “180° turn” on this issue! I guess I’ll have to buy them snow shoes for the winter!

Well, I guess this is all for now! Please let me know that each of you received this e-mail!

Thanks so very much to all of you for your part in this wonderful saga about our 2 wonderful boys! I know Max & Mindy are glad that we have found yet 2 more Bostons to shower with our love.

Thanks again,
Cheryl

More update below:

November 16, 2008

Hello to all!

I thought you would all like to know how the boys are doing & they are FABULOUS!!! I cannot believe the difference in their behavior & in their demeanor in just 6 weeks! Cooper has made remarkable progress in his anxiety laced behavior! He is actually taking up his part when “Little Man” (our nickname for Gus) thinks he is going to run the show! I am so happy that Cooper is no longer going to play the victim all of the time!

We installed a 12 foot by 24 foot by 4 foot high wrought iron fence in the back yard right off of the deck. We have other fencing acting as a chute from the back door to the fenced in area. This way the boys can run around & play or fight, as they like to do, (boys will be boys I guess) outside! They love to be outside!

We have bought a ton of toys for them & they have learned to play with pretty much all of them! Gus just loves these semi-hard rubber balls that bounce like crazy, yet he can chew on them & they do not shred! Cooper, of course, is not interested in playing ball…he would rather sit in my lap than run after a ball! In the morning after they have their breakfast, I play with them in the family room for about 30 minutes. Gus plays ball, tug-of-war with his many different colored nylon ropes that he has, chews his bones, etc. & Cooper sits in my lap while I’m on the floor playing with Gus! Cooper just loves attention & this 30 minute ritual is right up his alley! Cooper likes to chew his bones & chew on the “busy-body” with the raw hide circles at the ends. I bought them each small ones & they like these things! Gus will give me his paw when I play with him…Cooper will wash my face with his kisses no matter what we’re doing!

About the only bad habit that they still have that I cannot seem to break them of is this getting me up at 4AM to go outside! I don’t know if their last owner routinely got up at that un-Godly hour or what, but this is getting old! They should certainly be able to hold their bladder from 11PM to at least 6AM at their age! So, I don’t know what this is all about, but I would appreciate any suggestions that you might have about this!

I was in Chicago all last week at a conference & I sure missed them! When I came home last night, you would have thought I had been away for a month the way they carried on with me! They love Becky & Dave, but they’re not “Mom!” They woke Dave up every 2 hours last week to go outside! I told him they were really pushing his buttons! I think they just like to go outside!

Gus is really a little imp with Cooper! If Cooper is asleep & Gus wakes up, Cooper has to be awake! So, Gus will go over to Cooper & bark at him & of course Cooper doesn’t hear Gus, so Gus will stare at Cooper until Cooper opens his eyes! Then Cooper is so startled that he lets out this really loud howling bark, which of course Gus doesn’t hear, but he scares the crap out of all of us! Gus immediately starts pouncing on Cooper & poor Cooper is trying to figure out where he even is, since he was awakened out of a deep sleep! They’re like two little kids! I love them both to death & yes, they are both spoiled rotten, just like all of my other Bostons!

Well, I guess this is all for now! I just thought you would all like to know how the boys have really progressed! Thanks again to all of you for making this all happen!

Cheryl

Below are snapshots of Cooper and Gus as puppies and a bit older that their previous family sent me that I'm going to share. I am waiting for new pictures of them in a new home so keep a lookout!

Deaf Yorkshire Terrier Set on Fire in Colorado

UPDATE: BOBO DIDN'T MAKE IT. HE DIED PEACEFULLY THIS AM. CHECK ARTICLE

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/23/bobo-yorkshire-terrier-burned-his-owner-dies/

Bobo

This is so heartbreaking. How can anyone do that to such a furry creature? Tanya Martin, the owner, will be charged in court. His owner tied him up and put him on the stove. Someone came to Bobo's rescue with over 50 percent of severe burn on his body. He is currently being hospitalized while everyone awaits on whether or not he'll make it.

Here is the latest article on Bobo:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_10763633

To view more images of Bobo:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/17757533/detail.html

and

http://www.9news.com/9slideshows/Bobo%20the%20dog%20-%20Oct.%2020%2C%202008/Default.aspx?N=0

To see video of the news with Bobo on it:

http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=102231

Here are several articles about Bobo's prognosis since last Sunday:

http://search.denverpost.com/sp?keywords=bobo&aff=3&searchbutton.x=0&searchbutton.y=0&searchbutton=Search

Check more about Bobo on the Yorkie Talk Forum that is for and about Yorkshire Terriers:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yorkie-news-site-announcements/149891-owner-burns-her-yorkie-stove-2.html

With the severity of Bobo's injury and the length of hospitalization, I am sure donations would be greatly appreciated. You can write a check payable to "Bobo's Care" and mail to Table Mountain Animal Center Foundation, P.O. Box 270587, Louisville, CO 80027 or do it via online by going to this site at https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/online_sales/nonprofit_donation.cfm?id=1313 and remember to put in "Bobo's Care."

Fortinbras is in His New Home in DC!

I was contacted by a lady named Carla to inquire about a deaf cat because their previous deaf cat, Hamlet, passed away of old age. Hamlet was adored by Carla and her partner. Here is a picture of Hamlet on his last day and according to Carla, "...but still looking stunningly handsome if you ask me."

Hamlet

While I have two deaf cats available, which the second one hasn't been posted yet, that are out of state in the midwest and west and safe in a foster home, I want to see if there's a deaf cat in her area that needs a home first. It turns out there was a deaf cat in Virginia that needs a home that I referred Carla to get in touch with. That, Carla is in agreement with. I am happy to report that it all worked out and Carla sent me an email about the new deaf cat along with a picture below:

Fortinbras

According to Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia, Fortinbras is... "a man of action, unlike the introspective Hamlet, Fortinbras has planned to invade Denmark but, deterred by his uncle and Claudius, marches on Poland instead. When Hamlet dies, Fortinbras arrives to claim the Danish throne and restore order to the kingdom."

Announcing the arrival of Fortinbras, our new deaf kitten, adopted this weekend in memory of Hamlet. Given the above, we are slightly alarmed by the name we have given this kitten. Hamlet it should be noted, kept order in his kingdom through unconditional acceptance and love of all species (or at least a grudging tolerance). We hope Fortinbras (or "Forty" as he is now known) will follow suit.

On a more serious note, the visit did go very well. It's a bit of a sad story, the cat was rescued by the family's younger daughter who subsequently passed away in April. So they are pretty broken up and in not the best financial circumstances. Nonetheless they took care of the neutering and shots to make the kitten more adoptable. Although they wouldn't accept money from us, we'll send them a check regardless in the hopes that it will help them out somewhat. The other daughter was too upset to be there in person so we just met the mom, but I did e-mail her last night when we got home to send our thanks and let her know how excited we were; she seemed to appreciate that.

So now "Forty" is settled in his own room for a while; the cats seemed not as freaked out as we anticipated and our dog is her usual calm self. But Forty will clearly need some time to acclimate. We're giving him the run of the house while the cats and dog are on the patio; I think that will help him a bit. But while they're inside he's kept in his own room with the door slightly propped ajar so that they can at least sniff one another. He is incredibly affectionate!

Thank you so, so much for helping us find him. I can't begin to tell you how helpful it has been to "do" something about Hamlet's death that honors his memory.

Speaking of which, please let me know if there's anything we can do to help with deafanimalrow. Our time is tight (we're working on getting pregnant) but we can always offer financial support.

Best,

Carla

A Deaf Great Dane Pup Needs Your Donation

Katie

It is heartbreaking, not because she is deaf but because how her bones in her one leg was broken and the nerve in the other leg was damaged intentionally and was left malnourished to die by a human who lacks the understanding of nor the empathy for animal welfare and humanity. Katie had her first brush of abuse in the hands of a person not long after her birth. She was rescued at 8 weeks old or so. For more details about Katie, for pictures of Katie in the condition she is in and how you can help donate , go to the link below:

http://web.me.com/tendogs/Baby_Angel_Dane/Welcome.html

Blu's History Prior to Adoption by New Family

Below is an email sent to the new adoptive family of Blu about Blu's history by the foster mom:

Blu did get adopted when he was a young puppy. A lady, who worked with the local MHMR, adopted him, thinking that he would be a wonderful therapy dog for the folks that lived at the facility, but after a couple of weeks she brought him back saying that the patients at the hospital were a little too rough with him and she thought at the time he was too small. That is when he came to me. I asked her why she didn't take Blu home with her until he got a little older and bigger, and that dang woman said she would not have a dog at her home because she paid 2000 dollars for her couch. I don't understand people. So I guess he was about 8 or 10 weeks old when he came to live with us.

When he came home with me, for the first couple of weeks he would get disoriented and fall and have a lot of trouble getting back up, I would pick him up and stand him upright and hold him until he got his bearings.. And after a while, he stopped having so much trouble. I don't know if it was the difference in food, or care or what, but when I would take him for adoption days at the humane society, he kept growing bigger and had much better balance, and disposition that his siblings. One of them was a lovely tiger stripped puppy, it never did learn even how to stand, and somehow it caught parvo at its foster home and was put to sleep. It was all just such a sad story, and I promised myself that Blu would live a long happy life.

Up until he was about six months I would take him up to adoption day, lots of people fell in love with him, but no one ever wanted to adopt him after they found out he was deaf, and I always thought that if they felt that way, they probably didn't need to have a pet at all. About the time he was six months, I've had been told by some people that I should have him put to sleep because he would not be able to live a normal happy life. I told them over my dead body. So, Blu spent the last year or so with us,. He would play with Olivia, my rottie mix and Gwennie (we aren't sure what she is other than a bundle of love) and he would come in with me when the weather was too hot or too cold. I went back to school after my daughter joined the army and my grandmother passed away. School has taken so much of my time (but I knew that physics would be a demanding field) I haven't gotten to spend the kind of time with Blu that he needs and deserves, but I have tried to help him be a happy guy.

I got several email about him, but no one until you guys that seemed willing to devote themselves to him the way you have. I'm going to attach pictures of his canine brothers and sisters here so that the names will have furry faces.

Thanks so much,
Gwen

P.S. The pic a place in the shade is Gwennie (for some reason, my hubby named her after me)
and Sandi was my ancient red heeler mix, she was 20 this spring.

Sandi

Van Gogh

Olivia

Gwennie

Blu's Journey from Texas to Massachusetts

If anyone asks me when has been my busiest when it comes to animals. I have to say this past weekend during Memorial! I have kept for overnight, a 1.5 year old deaf dog, Blu.

On Saturday, I took Blu with me to this cafe -- dog friendly place -- for my breakfast. There I spotted a bird right off the sidewalk by the busy road and it didn't fly off when I approached. Hoping that someone else would take care of it as I have enough on my plate to no avail. I put it in the box and went on to eat my breakfast. Afterward, I walked Blu and carried the box back to my home. I put the box with towel over it on the table while awaiting for a transporter who was due to pick up Blu to meet the next transporter in NJ then again in CT where a member of the new family came to get him. As soon as Blu got picked up, I took the box with the bird and drove off to Schuykill Wildlife Clinic to drop off the bird in their care. Then off to someone's alley to help trap feral cats to be brought to Sunday's clinic to be fixed before they're released.

Sunday morning came, I went to the PSPCA Feral Clinic with the feral cats. While there, a 5-7 pound senior dog was on her way to a city shelter because her elderly human companion has gone into a nursing home and no one in the family could keep her. It became clear that this senior dog's life is at stake if I didn't take her home with me to foster. I bought her a jacket, collar and plush eco/recycable bed. I took her to grooming as she doesn't seem well cared for -- matted coat, dirty eyes and long nails on top of rotten teeth. A big deaf black dog left and a tiny white hearing dog came :) My dogs are protective of her. I'm attaching a picture of my dogs with her.

Marley, Muffy and Murray: The M's Gang!

Here's the story about Blu. I received an email from Cheryl, a volunteer transport coordinator, -- who I have used in the past with two rescued cats going into a different home from one state to another -- on a list of transport legs and I saw that a transporter for NJ close to Philadelphia is needed. I let Cheryl know that I'll be able to fill that leg that and even foster Blu temporarily until next transporter becomes available.

I drove about 45 minutes to meet the trucker, who just dropped off a blind dog, Harry, to a new home in Illinois before continuing on to NJ with Blu. On the way, it was rainy then sunny then rainy on it goes. When I was just about to make my left onto the parking of Petro Stopping Center where I am to meet the trucker, I was met with a beautiful rainbow.

I drove slow to take the picture of the rainbow

I text messaged the trucker to let him know I am here because I can't go in the area where all truckers go to park their trucks. He said he'll get ready to bring Blu to me. I waited about 5 minutes for his and Blu's presence. When he finally came with Blu and I didn't expect a huge dog. He's a sweetheart. I thanked the trucker for all he does and not first time he has brought animals with him to somewhere they need to be to help save their lives.

That's me, Blu!

Here's the pictures I took of Blu on that day below. Isn't he photogenic?

Ready to hit the road...

Where am I heading now?

Making myself comfortable and feeling sleepy

Some eye shut time!

Hanging out at Penn Treaty Park by the river

Lily's Story

Been waiting for a home that I yawn!

Lily became my friend when I first met her last year. She was my landlady's cat, and she was sweet. She used to try and play with me every time I came home from school. I though it was cute that she was on a leash, and it wasn't until Bev, her owner told me she was deaf, and that's why she could only go outside on a leash. I used to bring her treats, and she would play with me and purr up a storm.

Because Lily liked me so much, whenever Bev would leave for a few days, she would deputize me to watch her, which was a great job! In January, Bev wasn't feeling well and went to the hospital for some tests. It was determined that she had some stomach issues which were probably in line for a person of her age (she was 84), but they asked her to come in overnight for some more tests. Bev asked if I would watch Lily, which I agreed to, and went to the hospital. It turned out that she had a cancer which had metasticized.

The doctors thought they could remove the cancerous tissue and that she woulod be fine, but she called me anyway, and asked me to watch out for Lily if anything happened to her. I said she would be fine, and left it at that. Three days later Bev died, and I was now Lily's sole provider. I thought that I would able to find a home for her no problem! Who wouldn't want a cat that was clean, had all of its shots, complete up to date medical records, was de-clawed and could be put on a leash! Boy did I get wrong number.

After a couple of weeks, I realized no one wanted her! I couldn't keep her, because I am in school full time and have a job as well. The only life she could have with me would be an incredibly lonely one. I made a poster for her that I distributed on Campus at Western Oregon University because "Western Oregon University's College of Education contains an American Sign Language program and an ASL/English Interpreting program. Many deaf/hard of hearing students attend Western; a high percentage of students can sign." The only calls I received were incredibly naive, one person wanting her because he needed a "good outdoor mouser." Needles to say, I didn't even bother to respond to his call.

Finally, I found someone who wanted her. She was deaf herself and wanted a companion. The problem was, her landlord didn't want her to acquire another pet. I resolved the issue by promising to mow and do upkeep on her apartments ground. It was a difficult commitment, but I did it because I love Lily, and it afforded me the chance to see her every once in a while. After 2 months, the lady who took her got a job offer, and she had to move quickly. Since no one else would take her, Lily reverted back to me. So the kitty I promised to take care of for a few days was now responsibility, regardless of my inability to care for her properly. I made as much time as possible to play with her, keep her entertained, and keep her filled with her favorite thing ever, "Whiskas Temptations."

My aunt said she would take her and care for her, but I was worried because my aunt is 79, and I was afraid the same thing would happen to Lily all over again, and it broke my heart to think that she might go through another bout of separation anxiety over the death of an owner. However, Katherine came through when someone on campus at Western Oregon University saw the advertisement poster of Lily and emailed to this site address to notify about Lily. Now Lily is with a very nice lady named Tracey and will be joining her other deaf cat, Leo, who is now 10 years old. Tracey is my new hero! She came today from Portland and I asked one of the tenants upstairs from me, who happens to be an ASL interpreter, to be there for Tracey's arrival.

Oh yippee, the door's open for me!

Don't I love being outside and petted...

Tracey with Peter, ASL Interpreter

Tracey with Eldon and of course, Lily!

As a result, I am confident that Lily now has the right person to love her and pamper her like the princess she is! I would like to add that DeafAnimalRow is one of the most caring sites I have ever encountered. It is ethical, safe, and sane and operates in a completely professional manner. I would not hesitate to utilize this help source again in the future. I am also aware now of the tribulations deaf animals must endure when orphaned. I will definitely pass along DeafAnimalRow information to others who are searching for a resource in placement and also to people who may be interested in extending a helping hand to those who wish to adopt a deaf animal.

Sincerely

Eldon Hardenbrook

A New Beginning for Ayla (Formerly Rajah)

Hi, remember me???

When Rajah was first posted on here, I had two people, interested in her. Both were in Maryland but one of them, whose daughters fell in love with Rajah and asked their mother if they could adopt her, learned that her landlord told her pets are fine as long as it's not a pit bull when she hasn't told them what kind of dog it is yet and the other's landlord is uncomfortable about having a pit bull. Blame the deed, not breed and I feel sad for all of pit bulls out there, who do not deserve it for the bad reputation some mean people created for them.

Four months or so had passed by since Rajah was dropped off, to make a long story short, Rajah needed to get out of the shelter at PSPCA and into a foster home. Things happen for a reason and a cross-post about Elvy, a deaf pit bull puppy, put me in touch with Rosemary of Faith's Hope, a special needs dog rescue in Philadelphia. Otherwise, I'll never have had a clue about her. I owe Elvy a biscuit!

After getting to know Rosemary, I've found her to be the kind of person who puts animals needs above and beyond what one should do for animals, without the thought of self-benefit. She is someone I want to emulate. She appreciates the experience and knowledge I have with deaf dogs. I told her about Rajah and asked for her help. We agreed to visit the PSPCA and for her to observe Rajah because I trust her expertise. She asked me to show her things I have done with Rajah. She thought Rajah was a wonderful dog, overall speaking.

The next thing I know, we were going on a road trip to Hamburg, Pennsylvania, to Rajah's new foster home. Donna, the foster mom, has 30 years of experience with dog training and lives on a 12 acres of land. During the last weekend of Passover, Rosemary picked up Rajah at the PSPCA, then picked me up and off we went with her two other fosters, Elvy and Asa, in the back. Rajah sat with me in the front all the way.

The scenic view out in the country is breathtaking and a nice break away from the city. There were cows, horses, chickens, goats around on the way and Rajah noticed the horses that she had to position herself, with her wet nose pressed against the window, to be able to see the horses until they are no longer in her sight. She kept moving around, probably uncomfortable, and wouldn't stay still that I decided to put her back on my lap with four paws up like I'm cradling her and petting her, she finally stayed right there the rest of the way to Donna's. She is a lovey-dovey kind of dog and thinks she's a human -- well, in her previous life, she may have been :)

Rosemary introduced me to Donna and Rick. They are good people and truly care about animals. Watching them was enough to convince me that Rajah will be in good hands. What I really like about Donna is she keeps an open mind about learning as deaf dogs is a new experience for her. This is what makes these people the best candidate to be with deaf dogs, be it deaf or hearing person, rather than people who are arrogant and think they know when they really don't.

I showed Donna what Rajah already learned such as sit, lay down, friends, come, stay, off, leave it and gave her some tips. Rajah learned "leave it" for ASL within matters of seconds when I took her to class with me for the 2nd time. What impresses me about Donna is that all on her own, she decided to learn more American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with her. New ASL vocabularies that Donna has added since Rajah's arrival are "food" and "toilet" and have started using them with her. ASL can be used with deaf dogs and even deaf cats. I have no problem with hand signals and am fine with it if Donna chose it since Rajah already knows some.

It has been for more than a week since Rajah went to her foster home and she continues to do very well there. As I expected, Donna said Rajah is very, very smart and learns quickly even to a point of doing it before she is asked! Rajah and their pit bull puppy, Trex, hit it off and wouldn't stop playing. There's more pictures of them on the very bottom. When Donna signed "sit" that's intended for Rajah, Trex sat! Nevertheless, he understood just like my family's late hearing dog. Below is a picture of Rajah enjoying the flavor of peanut butter.

Human-like sitting and lick cleaning the jar!

Rosemary suggested a new name for Rajah for a new beginning. Besides, Rajah is a male name. A few of us brainstormed different names. It's Donna whose name suggestion that we all liked and agreed on. It's Ayla. Donna explained that Ayla is a very fair little girl from a novel, Clan of the Cave Bear, who was abandoned and nearly killed by a lion and then was raised by a group who used sign language. According to Donna, it also means "moon rose" or "moonlight" in Turkish. Now, I am going to work on coming up a name sign for Ayla so Donna can sign the name to Ayla.

I am grateful Rosemary asked me to come along even though she didn't have to. It was nice to spend quality time with Ayla on the road. Anyone interested in adopting Ayla as she would love to have a home of her own with a great family, go to:

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10710902

Ayla smiling brightly & lovingly

P.S. The pictures of Ayla on top and bottom are the last pictures I took of her a week before she went to a foster home.

P.S.S. Scroll down for more pictures of Ayla for your own entertainment! Photos made available by Donna.

Oh, Trex, you want to play with me?

Let's begin wrestling, pal!

Aren't I tickling you enough!?!?

Ayla, more playtime, come on!

Let's appreciate the nature that's in front of us, Trex.

Trex has worn me out!

I am taking a deep breath of fresh air...

After a long day, I am resting in my indoor/outdoor kennel