Our Teki, 3rd Generation Deaf

After reading about “Where is Deaf Community for many Peter Pans?,” I had to write this. My heart goes out to Peter Pan and I too hope he was not euthanized. Our Deaf dog Teki is an Australian Shepherd cross too.

Teki

I had promised Katherine a video of our ASL-Deaf dog Teki, but many incidents came up since our conversation on VP a few months ago. I decided to write this instead and then will post a video of Teki at a later date.

We will soon celebrate our first anniversary with Teki, on December 7^th. When we decided to get a dog, we knew we would get a dog from a shelter. We then decided it would be a Deaf dog. The reason for that is that my husband and I are both ASL-Deaf, and our two daughters are ASL-Deaf, so a Deaf dog would fit in beautifully with our family.

We searched for a deaf dog on Deafdogs.org and in the “Special Needs” section of Petfinder.com. We finally found 11-month-old Teki in a shelter in Florida. He had been a stray, so we have no idea where he had been before he arrived at the shelter. After a few weeks of emailing back and forth with the lady from the shelter, she prepared Teki for his flight (yes he experienced flying on a plane successfully) from Florida to Buffalo. Our family was excited about the arrival of our "new baby." My husband drove from our home in Ontario, Canada to Buffalo to pick up the adorable dog we had only seen in a picture.

We named our new Deaf dog Mostekken. I had become fascinated with the definition of Mosdeux from the Mosdeux blog and decided to take “Mos” (meaning Deaf) and searched other languages for a suitable spelling to mean “Sign”. I found “Tekken” which means “Sign” in an online dictionary from the Dutch language. When I put these two words together we liked it, but it was too long to spell, so we shortened it to “Teki.”

When Teki arrived at our home, he had no eye contact with us. He focused mostly on the floor and playing with toys. His first ASL word is, of course, “SIT”. He picked up on it so fast so that we knew he is very intelligent. He learned WALK, BATHROOM, CAR, FOOD, BED that first week. Since then, he has learned many more words. Now, almost one year later, he has eye contact with all of us, and has amazing eyesight! I have lots of stories about Teki, but I will save them until we can tell them in ASL in video.

It’s so much fun to have a Deaf dog, and so easy to train when you already have ASL as your language, and you just teach him the words. If you are considering adopting a dog or even a cat, please remember those deaf dogs and deaf cats sitting and waiting somewhere in a shelter, possibly waiting to die. Please do not waste their lives, simply because they are deaf. Adopt them from DeafAnimalRow or www.deafdogs.org.

Since we got Teki, we have had the desire to get another Deaf dog, but I think we will wait till we have a larger backyard for 2 dogs. One day we shall….

Linda

Where is Deaf Community for Many Peter Pans??

Peter Pan has been waiting forever to be adopted and now I couldn't get anyone to answer me what happened to him. I pray he was not quietly euthanized. I am still waiting to hear back.

Dead or alive, I find this disturbing where it says that adopters are passing him by because he is deaf. This brings me to this question. Where is the Deaf community to do their part to help deaf animals in need, be it dogs, cats, etc? I like to believe that there has to be some people in the Deaf community who are able to do this or are there really none? Only few have done their part. Those few can't be expected to do everything for all of the states where deaf animals are in.

Many of members in the Deaf community wouldn't allow to be treated like this because they are deaf or hard of hearing, but why are not many in our own community extending our hands to adopt, foster or rescue to buy time for a deaf animal in need? These animals can't take a stand like we could for ourselves. How do you expect the hearing world to listen to us about various issues if we turn our own back on deaf animals -- our very own? This is our opportunity to educate and show the hearing world about deaf animals by having them. Many of them in the hearing world do the adopting, fostering and rescuing of mostly hearing animals in need. I am almost certain they would appreciate the help and involvement of the Deaf community for deaf animals in need as the number pales in comparison to hearing animals in need.

Here is what is being said in the homepage:

Adopters are passing Peter Pan by because he is deaf. But deaf dogs make great companions with just a few minor modifications to their training and your interaction with them! If you are an experienced dog owner willing to work with a deaf dog, won’t you give this special guy a chance?

Peter Pan is a two-year-old male Australian Shepherd. Check out all of his good qualities:

* Kennel trained
* Learning hand signals for “sit,” “wait” and other commands with volunteers
* Smart, attentive and wants to please
* A fast learner
* Sweet and loving
* Happy and friendly
* Likes to give and receive affection

You can learn more about living with a deaf dog at www.deafdogs.org.

Come meet Peter Pan at the Sacramento SPCA!
6201 Florin-Perkins Road • (916) 383-7387 • www.sspca.org

Home Urgently Needed for Scarlett in FL

UPDATE: ADOPTED!

Scarlett, Jack Russell Terrier

Female born 3/3/06 -- she has been spayed (we have her medical records and the info)
My ex daughter in law got her as a birthday present for my son -- they just divorced prompting their move to a small apartment. (no room and not able to have pets)

Reminder-- she is hearing impaired --- but highly intelligent. Housebroken.... very good with children--- but not small ones as she plays with my two grandchildren 13 and 8 and they play rough with her...She is a typical terrier.. but very sweet. She sleeps with my son... is used to being kenneled during the day. Is taken on walks daily... She has never bitten or growled at anyone-- will bark when strangers come to door. She is very healthy--- barks for attention. She responds to you.. loves to pay ball-- sit in your lap and want attention, familiar with a few hand signals.. This puppy dog is so very loved.. and it is breaking the heart of my son and grandchildren to not be able to keep her. Financially and because of their having to move-- we must find a good home for her.. NO ONE we have talked to has passed the test to adopt her. We are so worried that she will be mistreated or put to sleep so we are coming to you for help.

We wish you would just meet her... we will be willing to let anyone come see her-- meet someone or whatever it takes to find her a good home. Time is so critical. We have no one to take her and my son must be out of this home in the next few days.

Paula Lowhorn --cell-- 813-390-4651 and Randy Boone- Owner= cell-- 813-340-0746

Contact Paula at plowhorn@hunterwarfield.com or MaryLu Kinlaw at 941-704-4765

Save Gabe Before His Life is Terminated in GA!

UPDATE: RESCUED!

Gabe, Pitbull

Gabe was was found wandering in a bad area of Atlanta. He is approximately 1 year old. Gabe has been neutered and had all his vaccinations. He has been tested NEG for heartworm. He appears to be very healthy. Gabe is extremely happy, outgoing and friendly. He has not been put with other dogs as yet but is in a kennel next to another male. They have fence access and there has been no controversy.












My contact info is as follows: bryantdrywall@comcast.net or call me at 404-422-4710

Michele Bryant
Clayton Co. Humane

Ash's Journey to a New Deaf Friendly Household

The one and only Ash: Look at my new collar and tag!

Originally, Charles and I planned to fly to Virginia for a friend's wedding and then rent a car to drive to Philadelphia to pick up the deaf cat, Ash, who was in need of a home, before hitting the road to home in Colorado. It all changed when Charles unexpectedly got a job offer. We had to cancel the attendance to a friend's wedding in order to fly in Philadelphia and rent a car to bring Ash back home with us before Charles's first day of work.

Katherine, from DeafAnimalRow brought Ash to this Petsmart where we met so we can shop a few things for her. Prior to that, we have been communicating on videophone and pager to get all of this worked out for September 19th.

Ash with Charles and me at Petsmart...

We went on a journey for a several days with stops to the motel. Here's a few pictures before arriving Colorado.

Ash is asleep soundly in a vibrating car.

Sleepy Ash looks at you with eyes shut and wishes not to be disturbed!

Ash hides on the bottom of the car to get uninterrupted sleep.

Ash rests comfortably in Charles arms.

Curious and receptive Ash in my arms.

Ash thought she caught something!

Ash is trying to get some beauty sleep on a motel bed!

Our children were escastic and can't wait to meet her and introduce her to our cat, Reese. We have been communicating with them via pager while on the road. It was a long trip and Ash did very well in the car -- a natural traveller! We took Ash to our lovely home in Lakewood, Colorado to join the entire Mayhew family. Ash is so happy and playful with a lot of new toys. We are so grateful to have Ash and provide her with all she needs for the rest of her life. My kids are so happy and excited to have Ash in their life along with other cat named is Reeses.

At last, Ash with our children, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Charles Jr.

Ash with her feline companion, Reese, who do not look happy about sharing the cat tree!

This is the bed Ash mostly sleeps on that belongs to her deaf mommy and daddy. Sweet home sweet!

Ash wants to say this Friday is her birthday and she'll be 2. The Mayhews have given me the best present -- spending their $$ on flight and car rental all because of me.

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! :)

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