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April 15, 2009
Deaf puppies get second chance at normal lives
Their ears appear attentive but for Rambo and Boomer, a pair of Australian cattle dog pups, life is a visual experience only; both are deaf.
"They do bark, but they don't know they are making a sound," said Bracken County Animal Control Officer Pat Taylor.
A genetic birth defect inherent in the breed, and a few other breeds, left the bright-eyed and energetic blue/grey colored pups with each other for company and unaware of the cacophony of sound surrounding them at the Bracken County Animal Shelter.
"They don't hear the other dogs," Taylor said in nearly a shout above the din of other shelter occupants eager for attention.
A day earlier than expected, a foster family from the R.O.S.A.S. Rescue organization in Alexandria arrived on Wednesday to take the pups on the first leg of a journey to a better future.
Deaf dogs are often misunderstood by owners who believe their pet is just not paying attention to training, Riddle said.
"(Rambo and Boomer) are ultimately going to the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue in Michigan," said Amanda Riddle of R.O.S.A.S.. "They have experience working with this condition. It is really fascinating to see the difference the training makes."
Teaching an owner how to communicate with a deaf dog is a curiosity Taylor wishes he had more time to explore.
"I didn't really think about what the problems might be, but just having these two little guys around for a while showed me that even a simple 'no' command, which is usually easy to teach a pup, has to be looked at in a whole different way when the dog cannot hear you," he said.
Taylor is encouraged by the benefits associating with breed-related rescue groups has brought to unwanted pets in the Bracken County area. He also posts adoptable pets on the PetFinder Web site, he said.
"We have 18 rescue groups we work with," Taylor said."I have seen more and more such groups formed, but I only deal with well established, nonprofit agencies."
R.O.S.A.S. Rescue has been in operation for about 10 years Riddle said.
"When it started, we were the only foster family they had," she said.
Foster families are a conduit to getting pets out of shelters and socialized for better adoption placement opportunities, Riddle said.
"I know (the pups) will be going to a good home," Taylor said.
For more on Bracken County Animal Shelter go to Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder or call 606-735-3475.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276.
http://www.maysville-online.com/articles/2009/03/25/local_news/doc49cb000b518eb336617299.txt
Posted by 4HL on April 15, 2009 7:47 AM
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