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

Golden Retriever Mix in GA to be Gassed by Monday!

FURTHER UPDATE: I was informed that someone pulled Tanya out of there. We do not know whether she was adopted, rescued or moved elsewhere to be humanely euthanized to avoid the gas chamber.

UPDATE: What they said a rescue is supposed to get her anytime this week but decided not. Tanya has until this Friday (May 16) to be gassed.

Correction: Tanya is NOT deaf/blind but possibly hard of hearing. I do not know why this person said she was.

TANYA

A08-806
GOLDEN RETRIEVER MIX
ADULT FEMALE ? 5-7 Y.O.
THIS DOG IS ULTRA SWEET
ADOPTER BAILED OUT.
LAST DAY NOW MAY 13 (WAS APRIL 28)

Tanya can be found at http://spaldingdogs.startlogic.com/page2.html by scrolling to the very bottom.

ADOPTION AND RESCUE AGREEMENT BELOW YOU NEED TO FAX.

http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/adoption-agreement.htm

SPALDING IS A GASSING FACILITY.

ADOPTERS AS WELL AS RESCUES CAN USE THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO ADOPT OR RESCUE ONLINE.

THE SHELTER IS ADOPTER AND RESCUE FRIENDLY.

SPALDING PHONE NUMBERS:
PHONE: 770 - 467- 4772
FAX: 770 - 467- 4771

ADOPTION AGREEMENT LINK:

http://www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com/adoption-agreement.htm

PLEASE FAX YOUR PAPERWORK 24 HOURS A DAY.

FAX: 770 - 467- 4771

RESCUES MUST FAX THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT FOR THE PETS. THE 2 PAGE ADOPTION AGREEMENT IS NECESSARY, NOT JUST A PLAIN PAPER FAX.

BE SURE TO CALL THE SHELTER TO SEE THAT YOUR FAX HAS ARRIVED, ALSO TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE THE RESCUE FOR THE DOGS/PUPS OR CATS/KITTENS.

DOGS NORMALLY HAVE UNTIL 4:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME.

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

Deaf White German Shepherd in Ohio Needs a Home!

UPDATE: RESCUED BY HOGAN'S HUSKY HEROES in TN! CONTACT THEM TO ADOPT: 901-644-8270 or freireich@poochies.org

Contact Denise Beery by phone: 614-288-7804 or by email: recon0309@yahoo.com if you can help.

Moroco is a 1 year old blue eyed German Shepherd in Lancaster, Ohio. He was left at grandma and grandpa's house because he didn't like dad's girlfriend. Grandpa doesn't like him because he is deaf and has some problems understanding. Moroco tries to get along with Grandpa's boxer but there are some issues there as well. No one wants to pay for any training to help him learn to behave and communicate. He is not neutered and neither is the boxer male these people have and the two do not get along so they are going to dump the deaf dog at the pound instead of the boxer. Grandpa is taking Moroco to the pound in two (2) weeks if a home, foster or placement is not found. Please pass the word to all you know who might be able to help.

Thank you,
Denise Beery
recon0309@yahoo.com
614-288-7804

Deaf Pittie Needs a New Home ASAP in OK

REPLY TO: remembering_oddball@yahoo.com
Subject: OKLAHOMA...DEAF STAFFORDSHIER TERRIER NEEDS HELP

IF YOU CAN HELP WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL BOY, PLEASE LET ME KNOW...WE CAN ARRANGE TRANSPORT...

THANK YOU,

TERRY LYNN

Please help us! We rescued Nitro from the local shelter because we did not want him to fall into the wrong hands...you see, not only is he a American Pit Bull Terrier but he is DEAF too! He needs to be with someone that can teach him sign language! He needs to be with a person that will love him and stick right by him...he needs that and wants that so much! Poor Nitro has just developed pneumonia and is at the vet. We really need a foster home or forever home for him soon! The rescue kennel environment is just not the one for this big baby!

Nitro is a very specical boy...he is Deaf. Nitro is a Staffordshier Bull Terrier. Sweet, loving and very smart. He needs someone to take the time to teach him sign language. He learns fast! Nitro really needs a home and out of the rescue kennel environment! He is a dream boat...all white, with tan speckles on his ears and green eyes! About 2 years old, 65 pounds.

Deaf/Hearing Sisters Need a Home in TX!

Deaf sister

Hearing sister

Reply to: comm-658222617@ craigslist. org
Date: 2008-04-27, 12:12PM CDT

Beautiful, smart and loving girl needs a home before we just can't keep her any more. She was raised with small children and farm animals and is great, but her owners got rid of her because she couldn't hear. She is what is called a "Lethal White" where two Merle dogs were bred together and produced her. She is deaf, and while that is not good with a lot of traffic, it is great for a calm family life because she will be a home-body and very devoted. She is good with other animals too and playful. $20 to pay for food costs and she has had her puppy vaccines. Her sister in the other photo is available also. She is not deaf and a great girl, also.

P.S. They are located in Lone Oak.

Angel is Floating in Heaven!

Who is the fairest of all?

We are proud and excited to say that we adopted a deaf kitty this weekend! We began to talk about adopting a second cat to keep our hearing cat company several months ago. We talked about the idea of adopting a deaf kitty and we had no idea how difficult it is for deaf pets to find homes until I learned about www.deafanimalrow.blogspot.com and visited with Katherine via email. It made me want to try even harder to look for a deaf kitty to adopt. We looked for a deaf kitty to adopt for many months and it was worth the wait! Angel had waited for a year and half until now to be adopted when all of her hearing siblings got adopted a long time ago.

My husband and I are deaf. We have a daughter who will be 4 this summer and she is hearing. We explained to her many months ago about the idea of adopting a deaf kitty. We talked about it every day so she would become familiar with how to be around a deaf kitty such as letting the deaf kitty know that you are in the room by gently patting on its head or waving in front of its face.

She loves me like she does her mommy and daddy!

We found a deaf kitty available for adoption, who was in a foster home, in a small town few miles from where we live. When we first met Angel (deaf kitty), we fell in love with her! She is adjusting to her new forever home very well. She loves to be with people and follows us everywhere we go in the house.

Checking out what intrigues Angel

If you want a new pet, I encourage you to consider adopting a deaf pet and do not give up until you find one or check this blog. Katherine is very good at answering any questions that you may have about adopting a deaf pet.

Thank you, Katherine, for having your awesome blog website that educates us so many things about deaf pets that need a home all over the United States. It got me so motivated to adopt a deaf kitty! I will continue to share this blog website with other people.

-Kari

Taking a break from the mirror, oops I mean window