Deaf Dogs Need A Voice - Guest Post

Lottie & Dora

Hi friends and deaf dog owners. My website and blog were created to give deaf dogs a voice. Yes, I know deaf dogs can bark, but these dogs need more of us to speak up on their behalf. Thousands of deaf dogs are euthanized each year for one reason only...they can't hear. If we were to use this same logic with regards to people with disabilities, we would all be up in arms. Just as archaic are the breeding guidelines practiced by some breeders in the Dalmatian Club of America or the American Russell Terrier Club which call for the “elimination” or “humane euthanasia” of deaf puppies. While these acts are horrific, Deaf Dogs Need a Voice will accentuate the positive and emphasize the accomplishments of deaf dogs everywhere.

Holly

Each week a new deaf dog and its owner are featured with inspiring stories, photographs, and videos. Most of these dogs were dumped or abandoned in shelters due to a bilateral hearing loss and a great deal of misunderstanding. In reality, deaf dogs make wonderful pets with love and commitment. The only difference it the mode of communication. Deaf dog owners use a combination of basic hand signs and American Sign Language.

My goals are to educate the public about the joys of owning a deaf dog, to celebrate deaf dog accomplishments in competition, highlight rescues and rescue organizations, and put an end to discrimination by the American Kennel Club and the Dalmatian Club of America.


Quincy

Here is a post featuring a deaf dog named Quincy.

Cody

Another post features Cody, one of top mini Aussies in the country.

One of the most important aspects of my website it I have an ongoing poll "Should the AKC allow deaf dogs in companion events?" Currently AKC is the last remaining group which will not allow deaf dogs in companion events such as Rally, Obedience, Agility, Tracking and the list goes on. Our wonderful deaf dogs have found other venues such as NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) or the UKC (United Kennel Club) in which to participate. I would love to have members of this group answer my poll question.

We want to give a big thanks to Lila Arnold for bringing this subject to our attention and writing such a great Guest Post!