Dolly and George are two very special dogs in their own right. You see, neither of them can hear.
Every year thousands of dogs are killed for the sole reason that they are deaf, and both Dolly and George ended up on the at-risk for euthanasia list at Town Lake Animal Center. Austin Pets Alive! gave them a second chance at life, and both pups are now happily living at our Adoption and Resource Center at 2807 Manchaca Road.
But Dolly and George are helping us, too. They have given APA! volunteers the unique opportunity to learn doggie sign language. While we typically use both verbal and visual cues when working with our dogs, we have to rely solely on visual cues with Dolly and George. We know these dogs are just as trainable as dogs with full hearing, so we want to get them started on the right track during their time with us.
Some of the cues we're teaching Dolly and George include:
"GOOD DOG" - thumbs up
"NO" - 'chop' your right hand onto your left palm near your dog's face
"SIT" - (AKC obedience) with palm forward at your side, raise your arm straight out and bend your elbow at the waist and raise your hand, palm toward your shoulder
"DOWN" - with your index finger, point to the floor
"STAY" - raise your palm forward to waist height
Both Dolly and George are in need of adopters who can offer loving homes to fit their special needs. While they look like they could be siblings, they have their own unique personalities, and are just waiting to find their forever homes!
Dolly, 10 months, is intelligent, responsive and gentle. While she still has some puppy characteristics, she loves to play with other dogs and will be a very loyal human companion, as well.
George, just four months, is a hilarious young and playful puppy. George needs a home where he will get enough activity, love and play to keep his sense of humor strong and commitment to learn how to train him using visual cues. His brother Jeb was adopted last month, and now George is patiently waiting for his family to find him!
If you're interested in learning more about Dolly, George, or any of our adoptable pups, visit www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs or email [email protected].
