Patient and Calm

Judea loves touch

Deaf dog loves children

Deaf dogs are too often labeled as being incapable of learning, aggressive, not a good match for children, and easily startled. As Judea, my 6-year-old deaf dog, and I make visits and see people of all ages and temperaments, these myths are all quickly proven to be untrue. Judea consistently displays a loving disposition and wants nothing more than to be touched. Some people may try to say that she is the exception but all my deaf dogs have been exactly the same in showing how wonderful they are as family members. What's important to remember, however, is that like our children, teaching polite manners, careful "listening," and correct responses are essential. Any dog can display good or not-so-good behaviors - it is up to us, the human, to train our dogs consistently and continually. The myths about deaf dogs are untrue unless we don't take our responsibility seriously. Solid communication is essential, endless training is non-negotiable, total acceptance is understood, and unconditional love is forever.

Thought: "Let a sleeping dog lie" did not come about because of deaf dogs.

“God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.”
Hosea 2:15

Writing the story of Hogan's life was more than accounting for the events of my special pup who brought so much into our life as a family. Writing was a journey - a journey through the daily events, the learning, and the discoveries of living with a beautiful, God-created being who, because of human breeding, was born deaf. I am not a writer by trade but a person who loves all creations and wants the world to know how amazing our deaf dogs truly are.

When Hogan came into my life, he was adopted as a brother to our very energetic and playful, black Labrador named India. And, for all of us, it was truly "love at first sight." Bringing Hogan home was nothing less than a magnificent blessing and he gifted us with a greater understanding of what deaf dogs encounter in the human world - misunderstanding, unacceptance, and often destruction.

I continue to find it impossible to believe that there is any good reason for deaf dogs, any dog, to be destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned because of predetermined prejudice and misconception. Hence, my need to write the book, Hogan's Hope. It tells the story of a deaf puppy who was rescued from neglect, adopted into a forever home, and went on to learn, grow, and demonstrate how extremely successful a "handicapped" dog can be in living a perfectly "normal" life.

Hogan provided the message of hope for a life filled with love and acceptance for many deaf dogs worldwide. By telling his tale of valor, I believe that his courage to overcome challenges and human prejudice can continue to offer inspiration to anyone, human or pet, that accomplishment, success, and genuine love are truly possible. Through his lifetime of determination, Hogan offers all of us the promise that we are capable of achieving any goal that we set for ourselves, no matter what our particular "obstacle." By holding onto hope we are gifted with inspiration and the greater belief that we, everyone, are worthy of being loved and accepted. Anything is possible if we continue to hope. Hogan never gave up his hope, and his dreams came true. More than anything, I want his book, Hogan's Hope, to offer the insight into the world of true faith, unconditional love, and endless hope.

Author Signings help dispel Deaf Dog Myths

The Goal of Writing the book, Hogan's Hope