This week is Deaf Dog Awareness Week, with the intention of publicizing the fact that even though a dog may not be able to hear they still make amazing family pets. During the last week of September each year Petfinder highlights deaf pets looking for their forever homes.

“Their deafness in no way reduces their potential to bring joy to your life and become a loving companion for your family.” Petfinder assures.

We had the privilege to meet and work with the sweetest deaf Pit Bull Heeler mix puppy named Sadie. She was rescued from a local shelter and has since acclimated well to her world without sound. Her owner told us about training her with hand signals instead of sound, and teaching her to use her nose instead of her ears. In photographing sweet Sadie we held a treat close to her nose to get and hold her attention while giving her visual cues for what we wanted her to do. She may not be able to hear with her ears, but she most definitely hears with her heart.

While deaf dogs require a little extra attention and careful supervision, they are just as ready to love and be loved as any other dog. Deaf dogs use their other heightened senses to compensate for the inability to hear and most lead exceedingly normal lives.

We honor the awesome loving heroes who give deaf dogs a forever home, and to all those working to educate about adopting special needs canines! 

{Sadie is wearing a Rebel Hoodie and the Allure Collar with a Chain Gang leash.}