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deaf dogs atlas

These lucky dogs all have homes. If you are looking to adopt, visit the Adoption pages at DDEAF

Illinois Deaf Dogs

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Blanca
Blanca
Town: St. Charles, Illinois
Deaf dog: Blanca is a double merle Australian Shepherd. Her mom fosters for Collie Rescue Of Greater IL, and says that they would be willing to foster a deaf dog of a herding breed.
Human companions: Vicki Wilder, her husband Dave, daughters Alison and Bridget, and granddaughter baby Kiya.
Other pets: Cooper, a Sable Rough Collie; Winston, a Blue Merle Rough Collie; three cats.
Email: colieluv@aol.com
Photo of Czar
C-Zar Ice Man
Ice Man
Town: Steger, Illinois
Deaf dogs: C-Zar & Ice Man
C-Zar is a Harlequin Great Dane puppy who was born deaf. Sweet and funny, C-Zar is a joy.
Ice Man is an 8 month old congenitally deaf Great Dane. Ice Man was dumped at animal control by his uncaring breeder. He came to me with mange, whip, round and tape worms and a terrible case of kennel cough. He is very underweight and also has a hygroma (fluid filled sack) on his elbow from being crated on a hard surface 24 hours a day! But, despite all of this, he is the most loving and well behaved little boy a mama could ask for. He is grateful to have me as much as I him.
Human companions: Sara Lex Haddon and her husband
Other pets: We have a whole house full here. We rescue and find homes for Danes and Dals, so there is always a herd.
Email: fancydals@ameritech.net
Angus Elmo
Angus Elmo
Town: Forest Park, Illinois
Deaf dog: Angus is my 4 year old Dalmatian angel. He was sent to me by God & is my personal blessing everyday. He is a card-carrying goofball who loves to play.
Human companions: Martha Ragsdale
Other pets: Sebastian, Weber and Nicollette, barn cats from Wisconsin, of various weights and ages and temperaments. Angus lost his best buddy, Cassi Lou the Rottie, to cancer in May of 2001.
Email: ragsarooni@juno.com
Photo of Max (left) and LadyBug
LadyBug (right) and Max
Town: Plainfield, Illinois
Deaf dog: LadyBug is a very lovable terrier mix puppy. She was born deaf.
Human companions: Lynn Owens, husband Allen, and sons Matthew and Joshua
Other pets: Max, a four year old Springer Spaniel mix.
Email: pursemom@westerncom.net
Camera Shy
Town: Chicago, Illinois
Deaf dog: Dingo is a 2 year old Australian Cattle Dog. He has a huge personality and he is extremely smart. He learned sign language very quickly and he always minds his commands. He runs off leash in safe areas and he never lets me out of his sight outside or inside. He is the first deaf dog and also the first Cattle Dog I have ever owned. His funny ways have made me laugh since the day I brought him home from the shelter. He has taught me that raising a deaf dog is not a problem but a joy.
Human companions: Ute and Joe Rowley
Other pets: Schatzi, our wonderful hearing Shepherd/Doberman mix. She has been a great help in training Dingo and deserves a lot of credit for her patience and tolerance. We also have Bell, a black lab mix, and Sky, a blue-eyed Heinz 57.
Email: uterowley@msn.com
Camera Shy
Town: Grant Park, Illinois
Deaf dog: Tex is a one year old Blue Heeler. He is a very good dog.
Human companions: Andy L. Frahm, father Kevin, mother Brenda, brother Adam
Other pets: Two horses, another dog, and a small herd of cattle.
Email: baby_frahm@yahoo.com
Camera Shy
Town: Streamwood, Illinois
Deaf dog: Aries is an 18 month old American Bulldog/ Dogo Argentino. We recently adopted Aries after fostering him. We fell in love with his sweet personality, and his bumbling way.
Human companions: Nina M. Simonello & David Abbinante
Other pets: Beau, a one year old pit x, and Bella, another 1 year old pit x , 2 fat orange and white tabby cats, Sam and Clyde
Email: Swimcuti2@aol.com
Lexi & Lizzi
Lexi & Lizzi Lu
Town: Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Deaf dogs: Lexi & Lizzi Lu
Lexi is an Australian Shepherd, born 9/00. Her family says "Lexi chose us to be her family! She is extremely intelligent, was first in her obedience class and has earned her Canine Good Citizenship. She can catch just about all the frisbees we throw, and no tennis ball can escape her. Goose and duck herding at the local park is a favorite past time for Lexi."
Lizzi Lu is also an Australian Shepherd, born 6/01. Her family says "Lizzi Lu came to us through Aussie Rescue. After Lexi adopted us, we knew we would add a playmate. Another deaf Aussie was our first and only choice. Lizzi Lu is the family clown. She can brighten the gloomiest of days. I think her daily goal is to give as many puppy kisses as possible and to be the receiver of at least 100 daily hugs/pets/pats. Lizzi and Lexi are the best of friends!"
These 'girls' have enriched our lives and continue to teach us on a daily basis. We are blessed to have them in our lives. Our 'girls' have taught us deaf dogs can do ANYTHING hearing dogs can do.
Human companions: Kevin and Monica Robinson and the 3 skin siblings, Chelsea, Zac and Abbi.
Email: mrob515@aol.com
Camera Shy
Town: Plainfield, Illinois
Deaf dog: Petey is an 11 month old Australian Shepherd who is a sweetheart and very playful.
Human companions: Melissa A. Bohac and my husband Bob
Other pets: Our hearing dog Bear (Aussie mix) and our 4 cats (Jodi, Moses, Romeo, and Gus). We are going to be adopting a deaf blue merle Australian Shepherd puppy in 2 weeks.
Email: tink13@mindspring.com
Camera Shy
Town: Tolono, Illinois
Deaf dog: Rangoon is a four year old German Shepherd/Akita mix. He is smart and learn quick fast. he loves people and animals. He knows deaf signs like sit, cookie, rollover, outside,walk etc. His face color is white on right side and brown on left side and body is white and brown. The office where they have lots of animals and called my daughter and told me they have a deaf dog when he was born if I want to look at him and took him with us to home.
Human companions: Larry Timm, wife Pamela (who are also deaf), and stepson Tom
Other pets: We have a black cat . Both like each other and family too
Email: horseplayerlt@webtv.net
Camera Shy
Town: Des Plaines, Illinois
Deaf dog: Soprano is a 10 month old English Bulldog with congenital deafness.
Human companions: Tim & Diane Bishop ... and lots of love from family and friends
Other pets: 2 Rottweilers and 1 Cocker Spaniel
Email: dibishop@aol.com
Camera Shy
Town: New Lenox, Illinois
Deaf dog: Blu is a 4-year-old Old English Sheepdog. She was born deaf, and we got her from a breeder who couldn't sell her and didn't want to put her down due to her handicap. Blu knows about ten hand commands, including speak (and once she starts "talking" to us, she never shuts up). When she's not lazing around the house, she's probably out in the backyard catching Frisbees. We love her to death.
Human companions: Ray, Rose Ellen, Heath and Erin Hunter
Other pets: Washington (11, black cat). To our dogs who are no longer with us, Hinkley and Raggs, we miss you...
Email: Alljazzedup80@hotmail.com
Camera Shy
Town: Quincy, Illinois
Deaf dog: Gracie is a Boxer, who is deaf from unknown causes. She is probably around 5 years old, and was a shelter rescue (her new family knew that she was deaf when she came to live with them).
Human companions: Mary J. Holt
Email: holtfam@adams.net
Camera Shy
Town: Downers Grove, Illinois
Deaf dog: Luckytown's Pal Joey is an adult Dalmatian. "He is a wonderful friend. He gets along with everyone, and is an attention grabber in the obedience ring, making the hearing dogs and their handlers scramble for the other placements. Joey is a knock-out demonstration dog for 4-H obedience classes. He makes full use of his off days to go out on therapy visits. Joey is very popular with disadvantaged people who appreciate him even more because of his audible challenge. Joey is a very political dog, refusing to join the Dalmatian Club of America because of their ethical guideline requiring breeder/members to euthanize deaf puppies. In this same area, he is working on a plan to convince the AKC to change their rules and allow deaf dogs, as well as other disabilities such as only having 3 legs, to compete in performance events. Joey is a busy dog. Whenever you're in Chicagoland, look for Joey, because he'll be looking for you."
Human companions: Francis and Thelma Soresi
Other pets: 4 Dalmatians; Lucky, Madison, Abby and Bandit
Email: NCE1988@Aol.com
Camera Shy
Town: Loves Park, Illinois
Deaf dog: Sugar Baby is a 6 month old Australian Cattle Dog. She was supposed to be a show dog, but to everyone's surprise, she flatlined her BAER test. Her "now" mommy, Tracy, was going to help the breeder find a home for her and guess what? You know what comes next.
SB is in private training now, but you'd hardly know it from the way she "listens." ACDs are often a tough breed to raise, and this girl is no exception. Unless you really know what to expect, please PASS UP that cute litte fuzzball you see in the pet store or on the neighbor's farm. But if you don't mind having a baby shark on speed, read up on the breed, batton the hatches, get a stout crate and leash and go for it!
We hope that someday our little girl will do agility and also some performing on stage and maybe in commercials. But for now, she's too busy destroying our furniture, zooming around the house and having temper tantrums in training sessions to even think about such advanced work. Sigh.
But she is a cutie, and we love her dearly.
Human companions: Tracy Doyle (mommy) & Dick (daddy)
Other pets:
Email: ddatlas@rag-time.com
Camera Shy
Town: Cave-In-Rock, Illinois
Deaf dog: Little Critter is a 3 month old Shih Tzu. Her family says "Two weeks ago we purchased a Shih Tzu puppy. Five days later, the breeder called and asked if we would be interested in a littermate for half price. The catch was, she was deaf. The breeder had sold her, but she had been returned when it was discovered that she was deaf. When we saw the puppy we fell in love! At first she was scared and shy, but she is already discovering that she is adored! It's only been five days, but she is learning fast and loves attention."
Human companions: Sara, David, Dava, Shawna, and Gran Walker
Other pets: Lollipop (Shih Tzu, her sister), Snobby (Pug), Sweetie (Pug), Prissy (Pug), and Munchkin (Chihuahua)
Email: saralynnwalker@hotmail.com
Camera Shy
Town: Peoria, Illinois
Deaf dog: Deafanie is a 6 1/2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier. Her family says "Had been looking for a Deaf Dog for many months, when Blizzard (now Deafanie) was spotted at an Animal Shelter. She was at a no-kill shelter for 2 1/2 years. It was just meant to be. She now lives in a home with her hearing sister dog."
Human companions: Ter
Other pets: Sadie T. - Brittany Spaniel & Sgt. Chapman Gallaudet - Cat
Email: juster@bwsys.net
Skye
Skye
Town: Rockford, Illinois
Deaf dog: Skye is a 1 year old Border Collie. Her family says "We fostered Skye for Wisconsin Border Collie Rescue and then adopted her when we fell for her. She is the littermate of Glory Bea in Wisconsin. The rescue got these two great dogs from a breeder who did not want them. She is one of the most intelligent, gentle, loving dogs we've ever been with."
Human companions: Dean Kurth, Wife Amy, 4 Children 6yrs to 14 yrs old
Other pets: Jasmine 11 yr old Lab - Sadie 1 yr old Lab
Email: Dkurth4x2@yahoo.com
Suzie Q
Suzie Q and Josie
Town: Kings, Illinois
Deaf dog: Suzie Q is a 2 year old Australian Cattle Dog. "We got Suzie from a guy who had a litter of pups out in the country. She was only 6 weeks old when we got her. Nobody knew she was deaf. After a few weeks at our house we finally realized she couldn't hear! Suzie is my big golden bear! We love her so much and she is so sweet and loving."
Human companions: Jeff and Kristi Rhodes
Other pets: Josie the blue heeler, Lucy the big cat, Maisy the cat who thinks she's a dog, and Stanley the cockatiel.
Email: krhodes@niu.edu
Camera Shy
Town: Frankfort, Illinois
Deaf dog: Hercules is a 1 year old Dogo Argentino. "He is a constant joy and makes our family laugh 100 times a day. He is very visual and looks to every family member for his signals. He was easier to train than our hearing dog. I am a devoted deaf dog owner and will never own anything but deaf dogs again. The advantages of a deaf dog are too long to list but this past 4th of july we enjoyed the fireworks together."
Human companions: Roberta DeFrank, her husband and 5 children.
Other pets: A Rat Terrier and 4 cats.
Email: rdefrank40@aol.com
Jack
Jack
Town: Galesburg, Illinois
Deaf dog: Jack is one of 3 pups from our other two Toy Fox Terriors, Molly and Spanky. We realized he was deaf after about 2 months. We sold the other 2 pups and ended up keeping Jack as part of the family. Problem is that I have no idea how to train a deaf pup. We are having a few challenges. If any one could help us (Me) please email me.. thank you... His Mom says: "I love my dogs so much and they teach me about life daily!"
Human companions: Tracy L. Kissler
Other pets: Spanky and Molly
Email: kissler@grics.net
Camera Shy
Town: Orland Park, Illinois
Deaf dog: "We rescued Tucker from a dog breeder that was going to put him to sleep because he was not a perfect double merle.We have a normal toy Collie who is 13yrs.old.There was a note at the vets office about the puppy.We went to see him and fell in love with him as soon as we saw him.He is a very handsome double merle Sheltie(or toy collie).We thought Shelties were smart because of Lindsey our older dog,but Tucker far surpasses her.Was house broken in 2-weeks and knows how to sit, lay down, speak, and roll-over all by hand commands.He has a zest for life and loves people.We didn't know what to expect because we never had a deaf dog before,but it has been the best reward for us and its awesome to see how much love he has for us.Deaf dogs make up for there deafness by heightening their other senses and ours seems to be especially smart and easy to train.We would encourage anyone who loves dogs to give a deaf dog a chance!Having Lindsey helps with his training and he watches everything she does.Also we have a cat and its funny because when she hisses at him he can't hear her so he is not afraid of her.She swats at him and he swats her back it's hysterical."
Human companions: Steve,Julie,Nicky,Matt,Laura and Jessica
Other pets: Lindsey(toy-collie), Button(house cat)
Email: BSIXERS@aol.com
Camera Shy
Town: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Deaf dog: Gracie is a 3 year old Lab/Shepard Mix. Her Mom says, "Gracie has been a member of our family for only two months. We adopted her from Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter in Grayslake, Illinois where she had been for 7 months. She was originally found as a stray. The cause of her deafness if unknown. We were attracted to her because despite her deafness, she is a very happy, playful loving dog. We just started obedience school with Gracie but I think she'll do extremely well. In addition to her deafness, she has a balance problem apparently coming from an inner ear problem and tends to walk in circles and tilt her head. All of her "problems" should make her cuter to us!"
Human companions: Mary Ann and John Hetreed
Other pets: We have two other dogs, one is a 16 year old Brittany and the other is a 6 year old Irish Wolfhound mix.
Email: johnhetreed@msn.com
Camera Shy
Town: Washington, Illinois
Deaf dog: True Blue is a 4-month-old Catahoula. His mom says: "Blue also has eye defects, but he is really no different than any other dog. I have to communicate differently with him, but that makes our bond even stronger.
"He is such a happy, loving, playful, intelligent boy. He loves treats and snuggling.
"I had expected training to take longer, but it hasn't. Infact, he learned the sit sign in 15 minutes, the down in 15 minutes, come sign after a few times (less than 15 min), and all when he was less than 11 weeks old! He has already learned all I know, so I'm brushing up on more signs.
"Deaf dogs are wonderful!!"
Human companions: Connie Melaga, her boyfriend and two children (ages 4 and 11)
Other pets: Longhaired Whippet(Gracie) and Guinea Pigs.
Email: StarGaze_Cavy@hotmail.com
Camera Shy
Town: Lombard, Illinois
Deaf dog: Otis is a 7 week old congenitally deaf Boston Terrier.
Human companions: Diane Fischer
Other pets: Two German Shorthaired Pointers.
Email: diane5054@comcast.net
Rennie
Rennie
Town: Carpentersville, Illinois
Deaf dog: Rennie is a 6 month old double merle Sheltie. "Hi, my name is Rennie. I think I am God's gift to Earth. I LOVE EVERY ONE: dogs, cats, people, moving vehicles, you name it. In fact, I get offended when people don't stop to pet me or annoyed that my owner doesn't let me play with all the 80+ lb. dogs I see! My owner plucked me out of the depths of Red Rock, Texas. This is probably a good thing since I was sent without food or medical papers and had to go through a lot of unnecessary tests to make sure I was OK. I love to snatch the toilet paper from the roll or steal shoes. I am lucky that my owner plays with me constantly and takes me for lots of walks even though I live in a townhouse. For the most part, I have free reign in the house although I do get into trouble once in awhile. We train everyday when we go for walks. My owner worked with a deaf person once so has some experience with sign language. She also has a coworker who participates in agility so I've learned obedience skills too. Overall I am a good boy with lots of love to give. Everyone who meets me thinks I am cute...and I am."
Human companion: Gwen Plogman
Email: gprs@save-net.com
Camera Shy
Town: Rochelle, Illinois
Deaf dog: Sugar is a 9 month old Boxer. "Sugar was born to my female. She was 1 of 8. At 6 weeks we thought, boy what a brave little girl. At 8 weeks as she chased lawnmovers, weed eaters and tractors, we realized this pup can't hear! We then realized this was the one we would keep. We live in the country but had to build a fence. At 12 weeks she learned how to open the gate! she is all ears and eyes! house broke at 9 weeks. Sugar is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. She knows many tricks that alot of friends can't get their hearing dogs to do. She does not like being alone. she is always with her mommy or her human family. She likes to touch us when she's sleeping. She thinks she's a great watch dog, she barks at the door with her mommy. She loves to groom everyone. She hold her mom's head down and licks ears, head, even the inside of her mouth! She does not like doors shut with anybody behind them. She can open all of our doors except the round door knob type. The only time we think about her being deaf is when we want to yell to her to get off the counter! Her deafness is not a handicap, it makes her who she is - which is our sweet little angel butt. Her sense of smell and sight is unbelievable. She can smell a candy bar from the back room and be on your lap before the wrapper is all the way off!"
Human companions: Kim Snow, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Bob, Aunts Sara and Summer.
Other pets: Shadow, Shepherd mix, Midnite, collie mix, Girlie, her mom Boxer, 8 barn cats and 1 parrot.
Email: tommyf63@lycos.com
Camera Shy
Town: West Chicago, Illinois
Deaf dog: Cowboy is a 14 week old Border Collie. "We accepted Cowboy from our daughter's friend at 7 weeks old. he is very bright and we are training him. Getting him back when he escapes is a challenge, he thinks it's a game! He did come back and ask to be let into the back yard. I'll take that as a sign that we are starting to get him to come. He is very affectinate and is beautiful. He does seem to see things that we don't, I think he has a sixth sense."
Human companions: Mark, Deb, Danielle, Caitlin, and Kylie Riermaier
Other pets: Morgan, Australian Cattle Dog; Rajaah, 11 yr cat who likes the pup; Twinkie, cat who also likes the pup; and Suger, cat who hates all the dogs - she is a princess!
Email: debbieriermaier@yahoo.com
Camera Shy
Town: Lockport, Illinois
Deaf dog: Divina is a 2 year old Boston Terrier. "I'm a veterinary assistant. Divina's breeder came in to put her to sleep when she was only 5 weeks old. I tried talking to her about rescues and she refused. So I told her I would take the puppy. She agreed. We've been learning signs since she was 5 weeks old and 3 pounds! She's extremely intelligent and never ceases to amaze me. We've begun agility and she is one of the best in her class! I plan on starting therapy work soon!"
Human companions: Melissa Dimmick, her mom, dad and brother.
Other pets: Horses, cats, fish and another dog.
Email: DrDimVet19@hotmail.com
Titan
Titan
Town: Mendota, Illinois
Deaf dog: Titan is a Great Dane. "Titan is now almost five months and has just graduated junior puppy obedience classes where he learned 10 signs. He is just as smart (if not smarter) than the rest of the puppies in his class and impressed everyone on graduation day."
Human companions: Dixie Otterbach
Other pets: A Lab mix, and farm animals: horse, pony, goat, donkey, cow, sheep, chickens.
Email: dixieland_22@hotmail.com
Boo
Boo
Town: Gillespie, Illinois
Deaf dog: "Our family has a purebred white Boxer named "Boo". He will be 2 years on on 12-16-04. We got him right after he was weaned from a family that just had a litter of 8 pups. We didn't know he was deaf until the car ride on the way home, but didn't care cause we weren't taking him back! He's very smart and incredibly spoiled and has slept with my husband and I since the day we brought him home. You really wouldn't know he's deaf because he's so observant. He stays very close by both my husband and I and follows us everywhere and does not like to be alone. He does two really funny things. If you don't pay enough attention to him after you have been gone he will put his head up in the air and howl at you! He also does what I call the "psycho run" when you let him back in the house sometimes. He will run like crazy from one room to another and jumping off the sofa, etc. It's truly a hilarious thing to watch! You just need to plaster yourself against the wall and let him go.LOL He's the sweetest and most calm dog I have ever had before and is so loved and spoiled. I would take another deaf dog in a minute! I am so partial to white Boxers now, and that is all I want from now on. I'd take another baby right now! :-)"
Human companions: Ann, Richard, Andy and Stephen
Other pets: 1 Guinea Pig
Email: patneil01@dtnspeed.net
Daisy Jane
Daisy Jane
Town: Springfield, Illinois
Deaf dog: Daisy Jane is a 1-1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog. "I adopted Daisy from the adoption pages on DDEAF from a champion breeder, so she's AKC (limited). She is both a joy and a pain at times! She is very smart, and is constantly learning new signs and she is a shadow, never leaving my sight. I cherish her very much!"
Human companions: Rachel Herrin
Other pets: A hamster named Prince.
Email: Rachelb823@hotmail.com
Camera Shy
Town: Springfield, Illinois
Deaf dog: Minnie is a 1-1/2 year old Australian Shepherd. "We got Minnie from Waggin' Tales Shelter, run by the Animal Protective League here. She was a New Hope doggie, which meant that she was removed from the county animal shelter by APL, saving her from euthanasia. Her deafness comes from being a double merle. She has only been with us a few short weeks, but is smart as a whip. She has already learned signs for sit, lie down, stay, and come. We are also using a vibrating collar to get her attention at times. She is a sweet and funny dog who fits in well and adds a lot to our lives."
Human companions: Julie and Ross Hulvey
Other pets: Wiggy, hearing dog; Ike, turtle; Lucy, Iguana.
Email: jhulvey@ameritech.net
Apollo
Apollo
Town: Decatur, Illinois
Deaf dog: Apollo is a 3 month old Boxer. "We got Apollo when he was 8 weeks old. We didn't know he was deaf until we got him home. We couldn't give him back we fell in love with him in the three days we found out. He's the best dog we have ever had!! We got him at a breeder here in Illinois in Mt. Pulaski."
Human companions: Brooke Alleman
Email: brooklyn5966@yahoo.com
Camera Shy
Town: Granite City, Illinois
Deaf dog: Mikey is a 2 year old Dalmatian. "Mikey is a clown who loves to snuggle and has a tendency to bite backsides if he thinks he is being ignored. We found him on a rescue website and fell in love with him. We adopted Mikey in June of 2003 when he was 1 years old. Although he can be a challenge the love he gives us make all the challenges worthwhile."
Human companions: Denise & Matthew Burris
Other pets: Oliver
Email: deniseburris@hotmail.com
Camera Shy
Town: Glenview, Illinois
Deaf dog: Pippen is an Australian Shepherd. "We were privileged to get Pippen at the end of Aug. 2004. I didn't think he would find a home easily, and I thought he would fit in very well. I can't imagine life without him. He is the happiest dog I have ever had. He brings so much joy to our lives."
Human companions: Lori & Tom Holloway and three daughters, ages 21, 18, and 14.
Other pets: a Samoyed, Golden Retriever, St. Bernard, and a Miniature Schnauzer
Email: lholloa@comcast.net

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