Oregon Deaf Dogs
 Felix (left) and Oscar |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Felix is a two-year-old Boxer. According to his mom, Felix is "friendly to the point of being obnoxious. Oscar and Felix really are like the Odd Couple, very opposite from each other and quite a spectacle when I take them walking." Human companions: Denise K Marychild and her 20-year-old foster son Carlos Other pets: Oscar, a 7-year-old Dachshund, who is "unfriendly to the point of being obnoxious." Email: deafelix@aol.com |
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Town: Klamath Falls, Oregon Deaf dog: Wally is a 3 year old (guess) Chow. Only he is so cute to see him that he has big head and big paws ... in fact, he is shorter than my two other chows. When I sign to him then he tilted his head to figure out what I was signing. So cute to see his face expressions. He does play with two chows and two mixed dogs from time to time at our yards. Also,funny to watch Wally playing and romping around in snow that was his first time to see snow in few weeks ago and again recently, here, too Human companions: Debbie Tochen (who is deaf), 2 teenagers and 3 young boys plus hubby Other pets: 3 rabbits, 5 cats and 2 horses but belong to our friend. Email: EMat174120@aol.com |
 Honey |
Town: Oregon City, Oregon Deaf dog: Honey Rose is a 1 1/2 year old Coton DeTulear. We love our little Honey. She is a new challenge, but well worth it. Haveing a deaf dog is new to us so we are going to be learning a whole new process of training. Human companions: Carl Thompson, his wife and two boys nine and three Other pets: We have two Black Labs, Lady(8) and Buddy(6) Email: norske27@aol.com |
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Town: Lebanon, Oregon Deaf dog: My Boston Terrier Buddy is 17 months old now and doing fine. He is totally dedicated to me and is such a joy. He has learned some sign language and some obedience. Although its been quite a challenge I wouldn't give him up for anything. He and my son's Smooth Fox Terrier, Baylee, are quite a pair. Human companions: Dorothy Nicholson Other pets: Baylee, a smooth Fox Terrier. Email: den27@proaxis.com |
 Jabronee and Buddee |
Town: McMinnville, Oregon Deaf dog: Jabronee is a 2 year-old Dalmatian. His family says "We rescued Jabronee when he was 8 weeks old. Along with Jabronee, we also rescued a hearing dal, Buddee, about 2 years old(now 4). Buddee has protected his 'baby' and they are best of friends. Jabronee is quite a character. He has the most wonderful personality. I feel that his incredible personality is due to his deafness. He has learned many signs and is happy to please if he is in the mood." Human companions: Fritz McDonald Other pets: hearing dog and one cat Email: fritziebaby@yahoo.com |
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Town: Salem, Oregon Deaf dog: Dominic is a two-year old Dalmatian. Human companions: Sandra Loucka Other pets: Boxer/Great Dane mix - female Email: impishred@aol.com |
 Lila  Violet |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dogs: Lila is a 10 month old Aussie/BC mix. Her family writes: "I got Lila at 5wks from a lady outside a grocery store and I figured out the "deafness" on the second day. Lila is my first dog ever and it's been amazing learning about training deaf dogs. I love to show her off and explain to people that loving a deaf dog is very enriching. I wouldn't have it any other way." Violet (also a mix of Aussie and Border Collie) was going to be put down due to her deafness and I just couldn't let that happen. She's very sweet and a joy to have around. I've also discovered that she can hear a bit. Human companions: Jodie L. Edmeier Other pets: 2 cats and a visually impaired tri-pod ACD, "Mica". Email: jodiedmeier@yahoo.com |
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Town: Oregon City, Oregon Deaf dog: Chance is an 8 month old Great Dane. He is the typical Great Dane...a big lover, but he is very intelligent...at 3 mos. he could open doors with his nose/mouth. He is also turning into a great watch dog! He really is normal, other than he's been a little harder to train. Human companions: Lori Milner and her 14 year old son Other pets: I have another Great Dane, a St. Bernard, 4 Chihuahuas & 4 parrots! Email: rosebuds812@msn.com |
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Town: Klamath Falls, Oregon Deaf dog: Snow (Australian Shepherd) is an absolute sweetheart.She is a quick learner and great watch dog, literally. She won't go to her bed until we do. I guess it is the Aussie nature to guard her flock.We adopted her from a local shelter, nobody wanted her because of her deafness. I could not see why. Her blue eyes seem to know all that is going on. Snow doesn't know she is deaf. Most people that meet her can't tell either and most of the time I forget as well. Human companions: Jerrym and Alyceann Silverman Other pets: Arrow,retired greyhound. Email: KFMAINTENENCE@aquaglass.com |
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Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Deaf dog: Maggie YamYam is a 6 month old Boxer. "Maggie is my first boxer, and also my first deaf dog. Though it came as a suprise, it never once crossed my mind to do anything other than love her and train her right. She has tested my patience as I am sure I have done to her. But the love that exists between us far exceeds sound." Human companions: Heather Fawcett Other pets: Onya, a 9 year old German Shepherd Email: heatherinpdx@yahoo.com |
 Delilah (lower frame:with friend Gracie) |
Town: Springfield, Oregon Deaf dog: Delilah was supposed to be the first dog in our new deaf Dane rescue program, however the people who were supposed to take her backed out. My wife and I decided to keep her because we had become so attached to her, and she to us and our other dogs. She is a stable, sweet natured, very secure dog who learned her signs as fast as any dog I'd ever worked with. She now works as our Ambassador for the deaf Dane rescue. Delilah's webpage is athttp://gracieland.org/deafdogs/ Human companions: Marc and Carole Sayer Other pets: Two other Great Danes,Tank , who is 1 year old, and Gracie, who is 7 yrs old and was the inspiration for our domain name, Gracieland.org. Plus a retired racing Greyhound name PJ Email: marc@gracieland.org |
 Oasis |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Oasis is a Dalmatian. We recently adopted Oasis (formerly "Sparky") from the Oregon Humane Society. I saw him sitting in his kennel wearing one of those funnel things on his head, and looking around with the most sadly intelligent look on his face. I came back and got him the next day. He's the sweetest thing, and loves to go on runs with me. He and I both have arthritis, and we each match the other's stamina quite well! He tolerates our cats, and we're working on the cats tolerating him! He sleeps in our bedroom with us and loves everyone just to death. The neighborhood kids call him the "movie dog" (just another indicator of what 101 Dalmatians did to the breed) and love to pet him. We're working on finding a deaf-friendly obedience school in our area to further his training, which has proven to be tough on us without help. What a wonderful dog! Human companions: Anna, who is vision and hearing impaired herself, and Asriel, who puts up with her adoptions every time and then falls hopelessly in love with the adoptee. Other pets: two cats, Somber and Patches. Patches lost an eye at the hands of some neighborhood kids years ago when she was a stray. She came streaking into Asriel's house to find safety and has found a doting home there ever since. 3 Rosy boas, two of which are a Rosario pair, and one Mexican locality. 1 Black Mexican Kingsnake who was adopted from a family, and currently one very grumpy iguana named Psyche who was rescued from a neglectful owner. Email: swingcat99@yahoo.com |
 Piggo |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Franky Malloon (Piggo) is a mini Australian Cattle Dog. "We got him from a rescue group called All Terriers Rescue. They were at PETCO one day showing a bunch of perfect purebred dogs, and he was the cutest because he was different. They told us that he came from a breeder, and when they found out he was deaf, they were going to kill him. So we had to take him home with us! We were curious about what having a deaf dog would be like. It's definitely harder than we thought, especially getting his attention. We can't just yell from across the room like other dog owners do! Piggo is full of energy, likes to play with his dog friends, and he looks like a pig. He doesn't see very well and has mange on his snout. We are happy to have saved him and given him a good home." Human companions: Scott and Tammi Other pets: Vito and Jojo, kitties. |
 Keller |
Town: Tillamook, Oregon Deaf dog: I had been watching petfinder.com for a dog for a time and kept seeing this one little guy listed. He was adopted out from under me, but returned 2 weeks later, even though they knew he was deaf. I felt someone had to do something, he has been there for months. I found the deafdogs website and that helped convince me. I've only had him three days, but he already taught me his sign for come, is getting house broken and leash trained. He is visually impaired as well. Keller was probably born in 2002 and he appears to be part whippet and part sheltie?? Human companions: Judy Anderson Email: uniqua1@msn.com |
 Runamuck Hugh White |
Town: Azalea, Oregon Deaf dog: Runamuck Hugh White is an 8 month old Jack Russell Terrier; "Hue's mother, Heidi, suffered from Uterine Inertia. She had a very hard birth and the vet felt that his hearing was affected as a result of being in the birth canal too long. We first noticed that he could not hear because the other dogs would be barking and carrying on and he would be sound asleep on the couch or bed. He is a friendly, happy little boy that loves playing with the puppies. And we call him the "garbage disposal" as there is almost nothing he will not eat, including peas and asparagus!" Human companions: Vangi Jimenez and her daughter, Felicia Other pets: 9 other Jack Russells, a Lab/Hound mix, Baby Kitty, 3 horses and 2 ponies. Email: RunamuckV@aol.com |
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Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Lily is a one year old Jack Russell Terrier. "I would like people to know that owning a deaf dog is one of the most rewarding and wonderful experiences a person could hope to have. The bond that develops between dog and owner is so special. My husband and I acquired Lily from the pet store where I work. We discovered her deafness at the store and the company received credit from the breeder. We took her home with hardly any qualms at all -her deafness did not matter to us. We knew we could work through it. We loved her from the start. Lily has become the best dog I've ever had. She has disproved every myth and theory on deaf dog behavior I've ever read or heard of. She is incredibly smart, training her was easier than training a hearing dog. She knows about 15 hand signs, including toy, roll over, play dead, and drop. She loves learning new tricks! She is very gentle and has shown no aggressive signs at all. She loves all people, dogs, cats, birds, anything! She never snaps when startled, and she is certainly not crazy or unhealthy in any way. She is not yet involved in any dog activities, although she would definitely excel at agility. Her favorite toy is the fishing pole cat toy-she'll go forever! She will do flips in the air and leap and twist to get at the mouse on the end. She is as quick and sure-footed as any cat! She understands the game, and whenever she catches the mouse she does her little happy dance and immediately lets go! Life without Lily now seems unimaginable. She has brightened our life, and we plan on rescuing more deaf dogs during our lifetime. I strongly recommend adopting a deaf dog to any person with the room in their heart and life, the rewards are well worth the effort!" Human companions: Megan and Derek Crook Other pets: Two cats, Griffin and Rosie; tropical fish; and a hermit crab. Email: waterfalls9282002@yahoo.com |
 Lucy |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Lucy is a 9 month old Staffordshire/Pit Bull Terrier mix. " I found Lucy on Petfinder.com. I knew that I wanted a female Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. After looking for months, I finally found her....the only thing was that she was deaf. After emailing the rescue and asking many, many questions, I decided that she was the one for me. Of course, I got the standard question from friends and family...."Why do you want a deaf dog?". But now EVERYONE loves her so much....all of those people who had their doubts about deaf dogs have definitely changed their minds. We have completed puppy training and have now started basic training. We have a wonderful trainer who feels that Lucy would do great as a therapy dog. So that is our goal. She loves people and gets along great with other dogs. Lucy goes to doggie day care 1-2 times a week and is doing wonderful with all of the other dogs. She is so worn out after chasing and wrestling with her buddies all day that she passes out as soon as she gets into the car. Lucy is a great dog and a wonderful companion! I am so glad that I got her." Human companions: Cari Blank Other pets: A kitty named Boo. Email: CariSue123@yahoo.com |
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Town: Monroe, Oregon Deaf dog: Heart is a 4 year old Fox Terrier. "This little dog was born the day I had my bi-pass surgery and she looked like she had a little black heart shape on her side so we got her." Human companions: James Long, his wife and two sons, ages 11 & 10. Other pets: 3 horses, 1 llama, 2 goats, 5 cats, 6 other dogs, pigeons, peacocks, and doves. Email: long4j@99webstreet.com |
 Biscuit |
Town: Eugene, Oregon Deaf dog: Biscuit is a 21 month old Greyhound/Husky mix. "Biscuit is a great buddy. I have had a major health issue since he was about 2 months old, and he takes really good care of me. He is quite the snuggler. He started out as a "foster dog" for the humane society. He was found at 3 weeks old wandering in a parking lot, and we had just helped our previous foster dog find her permanent home. So, the humane society asked us to foster him until he was old enough to be adopted. Biscuit is a new member to the canine deafness club. He had a fox tail in his right ear, and some other debris in his left ear. At his annual physical the vet found it and strongly recommended removing each. Shortly afterwards, we figured out the Biscuit's odd behaviors were because he had gone completely deaf. His new "specialist" vet guesses that he had an alergic reaction to medicine that made it into his inner ear. Since Biscuit has not always been deaf, this has been a challenge. We are not the only ones use to talking to Biscuit. Scooby has always vocalized his commands to Biscuit. Afterall, he is an Akita and an older dog, and does not always want to play. Biscuit has always obeyed Scooby's subtle grunts or groans and known what his behavior was to be. It's different now, and we're all learning to adjust. I think we're all doing pretty well - Biscuit appears to be watching everything a little more closely. When we come home, Scooby greets us, then goes to the bed to wake Biscuit up so he can greet us too (sooo sweet). We are learning some sign language (that I think will work if we can keep Biscuit's attention); and people seem to be even more drawn to our crooked headed doggie." Human companions: Robert and Janet Faris Other pets: Scooby Doo, an Akita, age 7ish, Biscuit's older brother and companion; Baggy, Biscuit's Best Friend, a black cat; and Pumpkin, Aloof with Biscuit, orange cat. Email: divajanet@juno.com |
 Buddy |
Town: Dexter, Oregon Deaf dog: Buddy is a 3 year old Mini Australian Shepherd. "We rescued Buddy from the local pound. He is so sweet and loving. Buddy is part of our family. It's like he has always been with us." Human companions: Jill and Dan Barlow Other pets: Kallie, a 5 year old Chihuahua; Coal, a 4 month old Manx kitten. Email: oreweb1b@msn.com |
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Town: Keizer, Oregon Deaf dog: Patch is a 2 year old Husky mix. "Patch and his Mom Jan work at the Oregon School for the Deaf. In October of 2003, Project Pooch of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn,Oregon contacted our school because they had a Deaf dog that was graduating from their program. They wanted to know if the school wanted to adopt him for our residential program. To make a long story short- and here we are today both working at OSD. He knew 3 signs-basic dog obeience signs when we got him. The students and I taught him ASL. He knows about twenty signs. The worst part of his job is staff meetings-when he gets very bored and vocal. The best part of his job is night time hall checks with the flash lights- he goes nuts after the spots of light. He is a very visual boy. His best friend and playmate is his baby sister Page. Sometimes he takes her to work with him. His favorite toy is a light weight bowling ball that he chases around in his own little private soccer game and when anyone tries to take it he picks it up and runs away. He is a perfect dog in a perfect place." Human companions: Mom-Jan Sykes, Dad-Mark Sykes, Sisters-Alicia and Ashley & brother Mark jr. Other pets: Nala, 9 yr old Chow Chow, Page; 1 yr old Pitbull mix; Pouncer 3yr gray cat; Charlie 3yr old Orange and white cat; 2 chinchillas -Chilly and Flurry; and Lexy is Pomeranian cousin that lives across the street. Email: jan.sykes@osd.k12.or.us |
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Town: Corvallis, Oregon Deaf dog: Sitka is a 15 year old Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler. "Sitka has titled in obedience and agility. I have helped many other people with deaf dogs and am happy to conduct private lessons for people with deaf dogs. I have included some hints for training a deaf dog on Sitka's webpage." Human companions: Lauren Henry Email: topmal@hotmail.com |
 Crystal Marie |
Town: Portland, Oregon Deaf dog: Crystal Marie is a 4 month old Dachshund. "Crystal is a double dapple longhaired dachshund female and is just wonderful and sweet. Super smart and a fast learner too!" Human companions: Jessica and Linda Other pets: 2 Pugs, 1 smooth male Dachshund - all are shelter or rescue Email: smatchell@hei.net |
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Town: Roseburg, Oregon Deaf dog: Abby is a 6 year old Dalmatian. "I adopted Abby from the Humane Society in Portland Oregon. She is the sweetest dog and loves being with humans. She shares her home with 3 other dogs but she doesn't care too much about sharing her "human" that much. She is learning sign language and is very smart." Human companions: Marva and Brian Culberson Other pets: 13 year old German Shepherd and 2 Miniature Pinchers; and 12 horses. Email: marva_@yahoo.com |