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

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.