Virginia Deaf Dogs
 Sydney |
Town: Fairfax, Virginia Deaf dog: Sydney, is an Australian Cattle Dog. He has a big hard plastic ball, called his boomer ball, he herds it around the yard with his nose at full running speed! He gets so focused that he doesn't notice my hearing dog, Raz, chasing him and biting his tail. After 1/2 an hour he is wiped out. He loves it! Sydney has completed Basic obedience recieving 3 A's and a B on his "test." As the only deaf dog in the class he was a shining example of what they can accomplish. Everyone was very impressed with how well he did. It's almost like they think he should be slow to learn because he's deaf. NOT! Sydney and his siblings have their own web page. Human companions: Diane Other pets: Shiraz (Raz), a mix breed from the pound, and Chico, a horse. Email: ddow@ascrs.org |
 Halftone shares the couch  Halftone snuggles with a few friends |
Town: Richmond, Virginia Deaf dog: Halftone is a six year old Dalmatian. He knows about fifty different signs. He has become an excellent coaching dog and lives to go out for a ride with his horse, Blaze. He is absolutely the fastest dog around, but always comes when called. Halftone is also a very succesful pointer and retriever and even retrieves the skeet when we are out shooting targets. He was found at the Hoke/Raeford Humane Society in North Carolina. Human companions: Anne Argenzio Bucci Other pets: Three cats, Lefty. Tiger, Squrrielz; a Wire Fox Terrier, Peanut; and an American Quarterhourse, Blaze. Email: spodinielrio@comcast.net |
 Frank, Lilly and Pearl |
Town: Norfolk, Virginia Deaf dogs: Lilly and Pearl Lilly, a 4 year old Boxer who learned four ASL commands in two weeks. Quick! She is extremely smart and beautiful. Pearl is a 14 month old Boxer. Her family says "Pearl originally came to us as a foster after having been in 4-5 different homes. She was adopted and after 4 weeks with her new family she was returned to me. It was at that point we decided she had been moved around enough and adopted her. Two deaf dogs are as easy as one! She has learned the basic ASL commands quickly and gets along well with my other deaf Boxer Lilly and her hearing Boxer brother Frank." Human companions: Barbara and Carl Meyer Other pets: Frank, a three-year-old Boxer. Email: boxer911@cox.net |
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Town: Stafford, Virginia Deaf dog: Skeeter, a Terrier mix puppy who was born deaf. Skeeter is a little 8 pound package of love and affection. Skeeter is learning hand signals well and responds wonderfully to the blinking of lights to get his attention. Human companions: Mindy K Goodin, her husband George, and toddler Cydney Other pets: Jasmine, an 8-year-old Foxhound mix; a turtle; fish. Email: meand1mutt@aol.com |
 Max |
Town: Dale City, Virginia Deaf dog: Max, a 6 year old Border Collie cross, is totally devoted to me. He loves to chase butterflies and dust in sunbeams. He has made several visits to a local nursing home where he made all feel loved. He was very startled to see his reflection in a mirror in the physical therapy room, sometimes his behavior is erratic, so I don't think therapy work is safe for him. Human companions: Patty Abel; her husband, Mike; sons, Jason, Justin and Jared. Other pets: Jack, an 8 yr. old border collie/husky mix and Bob, a 5 yr. old border collie cross. Email: Unavailable |
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Town: Carrollton, Virginia Deaf dog: Lily is a 2 year old congenitally deaf Dalmatian. Lily is very independent and loving, and loves to play teatherball. Human companions: Grace A. Park and her husband Jeffrey Other pets: Sadie, a 7 year old Dalmatian; Stella, a 2 year old Border Collie. Email: gpark@cnu.edu |
 Diamond |
Town: Beaverdam, Virginia Deaf dog: Diamond is a Great Dane puppy. He was not any harder to train than any hearing dog we have had. He is very "sweet" and "lovable". I am so glad that we did not give up the opportunity to have this special pup!! Diamond and Cole have a web page it's at My Danes, My Kids Human companions: Karen, her husband Andy and their children, Amber 7, Justin 6, and Kristyn 2. Other pets: Cole 20 month old dane and Buttercup cat. Email: Sassystuff1970@aol.com |
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Town: Gloucester Point, Virginia Deaf dog: Shep (Australian Shepherd) is my closest, oldest and best friend. I love him more than anything or any person in the entire universe. He's the greatest friend ever! Shep was born with ocular dysgenesis complex. Shep passed away on June 4, 2001--he was a very young 11 years old. Human companions: Donald Hennig Other pets: 2 cats, Oedipus and Wicca. Email: Not Available |
 Sugar |
Town: Norfolk, Virginia Deaf dog: Sugar, a Great Dane, is almost 3 years old. "We have been blessed with a baby boy whom Sugar absolutely loves! She watches him intently and just wants to be close to him. Our other dogs hardly seem to care that he is there, but Sugar does. I think they will be best buddies!" Human companion: Susie Clark Other pets: Jade, a 3 years old Doberman Pinscher and Satin, an 8 years old Lab/Chow mix. Email: clarksinva@hotmail.com |
 Sebastian |
Town: Chesapeake, Virginia Deaf dog: Sebastian is a 5 month old Australian Shepherd mix. He is deaf and also sight impaired in one eye. We just adopted him from a shelter in South Carolina and have only had him a day-- already he has stolen our hearts. He is smart, alert and catches on to things you want from him very quickly. He will be starting obedience classes in a couple of weeks and we will begin to use a vibrator collar. I look forward to a long, happy life with Sebastian. As I have seen time and time again about deaf dogs--they can't hear, they're not dumb--this is so true. I have had a little experience with having a deaf dog when my elderly cocker lost her hearing a couple of years before she died--but this is the first time I have dealt with a puppy who was born deaf.I realize that having a deaf pet or a pet of any kind with special needs, requires a little more time, training and a little more work--but they are well worth it. They give so much in return. Human companions: Georgia and Bill Conrad. Other pets: Two rescued Irish Setters, Toby and Brady and 7 rescued cats. Email: Unavailable |
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Town: Palmyra, Virginia Deaf dog: Stevie is an Australian Shepherd who was a rescue from a kill shelter in Va. He is a double merle, which is the result of breeding two merle aussies. He is blind as well. I chose him because he was adorable and needed a chance at life, rather than being killed as the shelter would have done. He was supposed to be a short-term foster but we fell in love with him! :) Human companions: Heather, Scott, Kiersten, and Sheridan Parkinson. We taught our kids ASL, as Sheridan was a late talker and couldn't communicate effectively. Email: GiantCaninesNeedHomes@hotmail.com |
 Sweetie |
Town: Sterling, Virginia Deaf dog: Several years after the death of our black Cocker Spaniel, "Joey", we had the opportunity to adopt a "retired" show dog. We wanted a new puppy, but we agreed to meet with a breeder and her prized pup, AKC Scott's Bonnie Sweet Mocha Mix. "Sweetie" (her call name) was a chocolate Cocker Spaniel, who was on her way to becoming a champion with ribbons for Best of Breed and Obedience. However, at ten months old, she had a growth-spurt, and had grown an inch too tall to compete. Her cocoa color was incredibly beautiful; her calm temperament was phenomenal; her amber-colored eyes warmed our hearts. It was love at first sight! Two weeks later on her first birthday, we were able to bring her home, and surprisingly, "Sweetie's" transition between show dog and house pet went very well. At three years old, "Sweetie" was having chronic ear problems. Benign tumors had started growing in both of her ear canals. She had lateral ear canal resections, but this only allowed the growths to accelerate in size. In order to save her precious life, the tumors, eardrums, and middle ears had to be removed. Today, "Sweetie" is a healthy, rambunctious, spoiled, six-year-old sweetheart. And even though her world is silent, she feels the vibrations of sounds, such as crickets, the door bell, clapping hands, whistling, and of course, the garbage truck! Human companions: Susan and Steve (husband of 33 years). Email: susieg@megapipe.net |
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Town: Stafford, Virginia Deaf dog: Harvey the Boxer was adopted from another rescue and then released into my care. I am learning how to deal with him and his lack of training. He has more love to give then any dog I have ever fostered. Harvey has earned the ownership of the couch and the bed. Harvey has brought so much to our lives. Now I am back to learning sign laungage so I can learn more from him. Harvey is the most gentle and understanding dog I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I look forward to a long and loving life with him. Human companions: Charlie (me), and my daughter, Rachael. Other Pets: Essence, greenwing macaw, Angel, umbrella cockatoo, Nathaniel, lilac siamese, 7 other cats who own us all, 2 jack russels, Tee and Jada, Moriah, white hearing boxer, so many other rescues who never seem to find the right home. Email: c.snakelady@verizon.net |
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Town: Richmond, Virginia Deaf dog: Ananaki was adopted from Dogo Rescue. Will start Obedience Training. We adopted her brother, Argo. And we couldn't just leave her, so we brought her along. She is learning her signs very well. She loves to tease her big sister Mona Shep/Husky. Other Pets: Mona (Shep/Husky) 2 yrs old, qua-lingual. Argo, litter-mate, Dogo, 12 weeks old, male. Email: CubanGyrl1@aol.com |
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Town: Winchester, Virginia Deaf dog: Kimba is a one year old Great Dane. Her family says "I adopted Kimba from the Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue. She is my second adoption from the same organization and after getting my first Dane (she is all black), I decided I wanted a white Dane. My black Dane does not get along well with dogs her size so the coordinator from MADGRL suggested a puppy. When we finally found a white Dane, not only was she white, but also deaf. I debated a few days because of her deafness but I love the Danes and thought what the heck, I'll try her. This second Dane, in addition to the first Dane (Pepper), has brought so much joy to my life that alot of times I forget she is deaf. She has picked up a lot from my hearing dane and knows when I come home from work. Sometimes when she sees my finance's shawdow in the hallway, she barks, so I feel she also my protector. When she sleeps, she wakes often to make sure you are still in the room with her. But her favorite sleeping place is right up against you so she feels you right there at all time. I feel blessed that this deaf dog has come into my life." Human companions: Judy White and Vincent Allen, finance Other pets: Pepper, 4 year old black Great Dane, also adopted Email: va2grand@aol.com |
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Town: Woodbridge, Virginia Deaf dog: Bandit is a 1-1/2 year old Dalmatian. "Bandit is a young Dalmatian who is VERY active. He was rescued from the pound by us at 3 months. We did not know he was deaf, but discovered it soon after. He is our special "Buddy" and is loved by many. We are continuing to train him; he learns our own hand signals.He is a big part of our life since we do not have children. He is very dependent on us and we spend most of our time with him. " Human companions: Brian and Lauren Dunnington Email: laurenaird@aol.com |
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Town: Glade Spring, Virginia Deaf dog: Honey is a 14 year old Pomeranian. "I got Honey when she was 5 years old. At that time she could hear. She just recently lost her hearing due to old age, but she still gets along fine including bossing around my other dogs." Human companions: Melissa Rouse Other pets: One Pomeranian and three Shelties. Email: melissar1970@yahoo.com |
 Buddy |
Town: Richmond, Virginia Deaf dog: Buddy is a 5 month old Boxer. "I found my baby on the net after searching for a white Boxer. Turns out the one we found was a puppy (an added bonus) but was deaf. I did alot of research on deaf dogs and alot of convincing for my hubby, and in October we brought our little guy home. We have only had him for about 2 months, but i can't imagine him not in my life. He is very smart and learned almost a dozen signs in the first 2 weeks he was home. He is now enrolled in a basic obedience class (the trainer also has a deaf boxer)and is doing very well with a modified version of clicker training. I am hoping to get him into either obedience or agility. I have a website (still under construction) for my furbabies. In the next year we plan to buy a home, and i plan to fill my home with deaf dogs! " Human companions: Lisa and Dave Colangelo Other pets: Bailey a 1 year old female fawn hearing Boxer. Email: ecoria1978@aol.com |
 Millie Mae |
Town: Orange, Virginia Deaf dog: Millie Mae is a 4 month old Boston Terrier. "We purchased Millie for my 5 year old son's birthday. We didn't really need another dog since we have 5 others, but I wanted a lap dog for me and a playmate for my Yorkie. When my son requested a Boston Terrier for his present, I quickly used that excuse to twist my husband's arm! Millie quickly became our "baby" and a very comical dog to watch. With that, we noticed she didn't respond to sounds and since have realized she is deaf, although we are unsure if it was congential or due to some unknown reason. Being deaf has certainly brought out her other senses and the communication we share through body language is so heartwarming. She is definitely a "snuggle-bug" and her lack of hearing seems to have made her even more loving and responsive to humans." Human companions: Lori & Jerry Horner; two sons, Austin and Nathan. Other pets: 5 dogs, Benson, Phoebee, Chase, Gizmo, Emily; 3 cats, Angle, Flecia, Ashes; 5 rabbits; 3 lambs; and 2 little goats. Email: jhorner@ns.gemlink.com |
 Jiggy Pig |
Town: Gum Spring, Virginia Deaf dog: Jiggy Pig is a 2 year old French Bulldog. "Occupation: make people laugh, greet customers at the winery, fetch the ball, fetch the stick, fetch the bucket, fetch the plastic pipe, fetch the toys, fetch the socks, etc. Favorite things: balls, boiled chicken, naps. Least favorite things: ear cleaning, face cleaning, rain, mean dogs, people who don't smile. The deaf thing: discovered after a circular saw buzzing over my head didn't wake me up. I'm good with vibrations, movement of light, and smells. I pay attention to hand signals... especially when food is involved. All deaf dogs and their humans are welcome to visit me and my friends for a romp in the countryside." Human companions: Max Peple-Abrams and Deon Abrams Other pets: Jiggy has many friends at Grayhaven winery: Bubba and Weezie, Boston Terriers, Reubens the Bouvier des Flandres,Ike the Rottweiler and Moongate, Able, Tiger Butt, and Geynee the horses. Email: max@grayhavenwinery.com |
 Maggie |
Town: Harrisonburg, Virginia Deaf dog: Maggie is a 16 week old English Setter. "Maggie came to us from upstate New York five days before Christmas. We didn't know she was deaf until about one week later. Maggie is still learning her manners, but is one of our favorite dogs. She loves having 5 other dogs to play with and especially loves the snow. We love dogs and can't imagine getting rid of any of them. Maggie is special to us because when we first found out she was deaf we thought we'd have to get rid of her. We all insisted that she stay with us and we're hoping we'll be able to train her to be a great hunting dog, she loves to use her nose!! See Maggie on our webpage." Human companions: Greg, Valerie, Micaela and Danielle Weaver Other pets: Dock and Sonny, Labs; Buck, an English Setter; Elle and Bella, mutts; and 3 cats, Buster, Marmalade, and Lexus. Email: Zendabelle@aol.com |
 Sydney |
Town: Newport News, Virginia Deaf dog: Sydney, a 10 month old Australian Cattle Dog, says: "My family found me at a local SPCA when I was 4 months old. They didn't know I was deaf, however, I was so sweet, I sold them on me. I don't think they have seen any difference in me, because I have no idea I can't hear. Since then I have graduated from puppy training class and I am currently enrolled in basic obedience class. I love to play ball anytime, anywhere. When I wake up I grab a ball and put it at my dad's feet. I could do this all day. I plan on continuing to learn and prove that I can't be limited by my deafness." Human companions: Russ Belin and Kelly Laughlin Email: russ18tht@cox.net |
 Roxi |
Town: Chesterfield Virginia Deaf dog: Roxi is a 5 month old Pitbull. "Roxi was from a junk yard, and a sheriff took her in and then placed her with a Pit rescue group. I then met and fell in love with her. We have had her about 3 days now, she is doing well here. She loves our children and our other Pit Ghosty who can hear. He is helping us keep track of her, he stays with her all the time and is making her transistion here easy." Human companions: Donna Tessier & sons Johnny, 9 and Ryan, 7. Other pets: Ghosty, a 4 year old Pitbull. Email: sweetpittbullgirl@yahoo.com |
 Nina |
Town: Virginia Beach, Virginia Deaf dog: Nina is a 2 year old American Bulldog/Dalmatian mix. "Nina is such a little angel but has had a rough life in her short two years. She was born in Georgia and used as a breeding dog. After she had her pups, she was kicked out. Somehow she found her way to Virginia Beach and was walking along a busy street when she was picked up. Luckily on her last day at the pound, a nice woman from the K-9 New Life Center found her and rescued her. Nina had a variety of health problems but they were all treatable. She moved in with us on Valentine's Day of 2003. She was a Valentine's Day present from my husband." Human companions: Heather and Matt Hardman Other pets: Franklin, a 5 year old male Himalayan; 7 month old Blueticks, Guiness and his sister, Zoe. Email: princessheatherbell@yahoo.com |
 Angel |
Town: Hampton, Virginia Deaf dog: Angel is a 1 year old American Pit Bull Terrier. " I work at a veterinary office in Hampton. I met a client who had this lovely all white, yellow eyed, chocolate nosed pit bull. We talked a few times about pit bulls. (My husband and I have 5 pits all together) This client soon found out that Angel was deaf and he decided that he did not have time for her. He asked me if I would take her. I had fallen in love with her long before and at 5 months of age I took her home. He had tried to work with her, but did not have the patience to keep her. She has become such a clown at our house, she keeps us laughing. She talks more than any dog I have ever seen. She barks/talks at her treats, her toys, our other dogs....etc. She loves our other pits and does well (actually she pretty much is the queen in our home). She has learned to sit, lay down, stay...and is learning to shake hands. She behaves better on the leash than any of our other dogs. She has really been quite an easy dog. We love her and I definitely would recommend getting a deaf dog to anyone. In the future, when I am able to get another dog, I would like to get another deaf pit bull. Pits are my favorite dogs and too often they are euthanized for many reasons. Then if they are deaf it just puts one too many strikes against them. That is how I got my Angel---actually she is more like my guardian Angel." Human companions: Jill and Daniel Blanks Other pets: Ariadne, blue brindle Pit Bull; Max, red, Red-nose Pit; Bacchus, black Pit; Shasta, buckskin Pit. We also have had three other rescue Pits that we found homes for. Email: hrsewmn@hotmail.com |
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Town: Herndon, Virginia Deaf dog: Boomer is a 5 month old Australian Shepherd. "So far, this is the best dog I have ever had! He is sweet and gentle and very, very smart. He is just a pup, but he is well behaved and watches everything I do. He sits for his food and to go out. He seems to pay attention more than most hearing dogs. Always looking at my face and hands. Waiting for the next fun thing to do! I have had other (hearing) dogs in the past that have gotten distracted by the sounds around them and it makes them harder to train. But, this deaf dog is so attentive and so eager to please! I was looking for an Aussie to adopt, but wasn't out to find a deaf one. I found a local rescue group on Petfinder.com that had an Aussie puppy that needed a home. The rescue lady told me to come by the following Saturday, but she did not tell me he was deaf. So, I went to meet him and walked him around the store for an hour. I fell in love with him after 5 minutes! He was just what I was looking for in a puppy! Then she told me he was deaf. At first, I thought, Oh No! What am I going to do with a deaf dog! But, then I looked into his soulful blue eyes and could not say no! Lucky for me, it was the best choice I ever made. I love this dog!" Human companions: Stephanie and Russell Hall Other pets: Chloe, 13 year old super super sweet Keeshond mix female, adopted when she was 4 months old. Email: stefanie555@webtv.net |
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Town: Fredericksburg, Virginia Deaf dog: Bindy is a 4 month old Australian Cattle Dog. "Bindy is wonderful, bright, extremely intelligent and outgoing. We have had her now for a little over a month, and she has already learned the basic signs, such as "no", "come here", "good". She has also picked up quickly on body language and posturing. She loves to play with her little sister Indigo. They compliment each other very well, and having a hearing puppy around has helped speed the learning process along." Human companions: Chris & Stephanie Pemberton and children, James, Emma and Zaira. Other pets: Indigo, Australian Cattle Dog, 4 mo.; Maximus, German Shepherd, 5 yr.; Willow and Fern, the cats; and Nightshade, the rat. Email: roguewarrior@adelphia.net |
 Emily |
Town: Dublin, Virginia Deaf dog: Emily is a 5 month old Dalmatian. "I have been with Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia for 2 years, and when it came to adopt, Emily stole my eye and heart. We took her out of an Ohio shelter, and I fell in love with her immediately. After 2-3 days, I knew she was hearing impaired. Luckily we've been helping deaf Dalmatians when we had the resources, and I am looking forward to continuing Emmy's training! She is a smart girl, and I wouldn't trade her for the world!" Human companions: Tracy and Dave Erlick Other pets: Siamese mix, Annie Email: va12voltgrl@yahoo.com |
 Chelsea Jean Carrera |
Town: Springfield, Virginia Deaf dog: We were given the joy of our lives when Chelsea came into our family. We rescued her through PAWS a Pet Rescue organization in Maryland. Her predecessor, Spotty was a deaf Dal of 13 years. Chelsea knows about 10 signs and is adorable. She is the most affectionate dog we have ever met. Very calm, not hyper and loves attention. (Thanks Jackie Threatte) Human companions: Lloyd, LeeAnn, Lianna and Luisanna Email: Bicicleta101@aol.com |
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Town: Roanoke, Virginia Deaf dog: Bosley is a 4 year old Dalmatian that knows ASL. Human companions: Amy & Bill Other pets: Mindy Email: drswva2003@yahoo.com |
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Town: Springfield, Virginia Deaf dog: Betty is a 4 month old Boston Terrier. "Betty is just a puppy. We got her as a companion to our 2-year-old Boston, Buster, who is hearing. We had no idea she was deaf until we had her for a couple of weeks. Although training is quite a challenge, we are so much in love with her, we could never give her up and we are ready to go the distance." Human companions: Audrey Kammerude, her husband and 16 year old daughter. Other pets: Buster, 2 year old Boston Terrier and 2 cats. Email: audreykamm@yahoo.com |
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Town: Fairfax, Virginia Deaf dog: Diamond is a 7 year old Maltese. Diamond is a shelter dog. He was given up by his owners after five years. The shelter never communicated to us he was deaf. We came to realize he had hearing problems when we tried to call him and get his attention. He seemed like such a free little spirit. Little did we know he was deaf. I had a hearing test done and supposedly he has been deaf since birth. I am not sure if at the time I would have adopted a deaf dog. Now I will only have a deaf dog. The bond is so strong with a deaf dog. They sleep well and don't bark during a thunderstorm. Diamond expresses himself through barks when he is excited and various little grunts and groans to express his feelings. He is the best little pal I have ever had and awfully cute. I was upset when I found out he was deaf however since then, I appreciate all his quirky little characteristics and wouldn't have it any other way. Human companions: Kelley & Jim Email: khogan@vacation-corp.com |
Brodie |
Town: Petersburg, Virginia Deaf dog: We found Brodie as a two month old puppy. We later learned that he had been thrown out by a near-by breedder who did not want him when they learned he was deaf. he is smart, and learns just as fast as hearing dogs and does very well with signs and gestures. He is a very good dog, even though he is deaf it hasn't changed anything. Human companions: Jennifer and her daughter Tara Other pets: 1 cat Email: hipeechik91@yahoo.com |