Deaf Animals Awareness Week: Sept. 16-20th

MARLEY AND MURRAY

Prior to my first deaf dogs, for many years, I thought Dalmatians were the only dog breed that may be deaf. I had even bought a Dalmatian statute a long time ago as a symbol. It turns out there are other dog breeds that are deaf. Marley and Murray are Jack Russell Terriers and they were the love of my life. Murray was an easier dog than Marley but I love them both just as much. They have lived and and enjoyed being with other dogs I have fostered. My deaf dogs were the reason I started the Deaf Animals facebook, twitter and website. They were the reason of my eventual interest in adopting other deaf pets such as a deaf cat and ferret. Being deaf myself, I saw that not enough members of Deaf community are aware of deaf pets being in need of a home, I felt it is important to help raise awareness within the deaf community as well as hearing community. It is not only for deaf cats, deaf dogs or deaf ferrets but also for every kind of deaf animal that exists.

YUKI

Having fostered countless of hearing cats and some deaf cats, Yuki was the first deaf cat I decided to stay with me for good after he was briefly fostered. He was 10 years old and surrendered by a family. I saw how confused, frightened and traumatized he was that I can't imagine placing him elsewhere and subject him any further grief. He was getting comfortable at my home. Unfortunately, within a year or so, it was discovered from x ray that he had untreatable cancer that the only option was euthanasia. The picture of him was on the property of the vet office, to allow him to enjoy the fresh air and be relaxed, before it was time. It was a few months after Marley had crossed the bridge so it was very hard to lose both within a few months as I was a long way from getting over the grief of losing Marley.

HOPPY

Hoppy is my first deaf ferret. So full of energy that other ferrets can't keep up with him! Instead of sleeping many hours a day like ferrets do, he opens his eyes from time to time to see if you're around and if you are, up he is, wanting to get out of the cage to have some fun. He never has it enough. He's truly comical. 

This is Deaf Animals Awareness Week - every single one of them is to be appreciated, cherished and valued. Because of my deaf pets, I have vowed to always have deaf pets as well as foster deaf animals other than the hearing ones. Also, to be deaf animals' advocate. They are as equally important as the hearing animals. I encourage the public's consideration of giving deaf pets a wonderful home. They are a joy. 

If you have a deaf pet(s), do post them on the wall of Deaf Animals Facebook for all others to see!