New York Times

KILLINGWORTH JOURNAL

Mrs. Bombaci’s Hogan: Apt Pupil, TV Star, Inspiration

Eileen D. Baker, a sign language instructor, signing to Hogan, a deaf Dalmatian with a vocabulary of over 70 words, as his owner, Constance Grace Bombaci, observes. Another deaf Dalmatian, Georgia, is in the foreground.

By Michelle York Feb. 18, 2007

KILLINGWORTH, Conn. — One evening not long ago, a group of college students clustered around an old, deaf Dalmatian.“Bow,” his owner told him with a sweep of her hand. The dog, named Hogan, slid his legs forward, slowly because of his arthritis, and bowed.“Sleep,” the owner told him by making another gesture in sign language.That was tougher. Hogan seemed to understand, but when he tried to roll onto his side as if asleep, his aged body refused to cooperate. He whined.“I’m not going to force him,” the owner, Constance Grace Bombaci, told the students. An old dog no longer able to perform his old tricks might not have impressed many audiences. But when Hogan stood stiffly and turned to face the students, many of them were holding up their hands in a way that said, in American Sign Language, “I love you.”

Tail wagging, he seemed satisfied that he was still able to enthrall a crowd.

The students were in their first year of learning American Sign. As part of the course, their instructor invited them to Mrs. Bombaci’s home so they could practice their skills. They soon learned they were in the company of a local legend. Actually, two of them.

For 13+ years, practically an eternity in dog time, Hogan (15 years old) and Mrs. Bombaci have been working to change the way people view deafness, particularly in animals.

Mrs. Bombaci’s immediate goal is for fewer dogs to be euthanized because they are deaf. In the long term, she hopes for something more. “I want people to see beyond their limitations,” she said.

Over the years, their work, though understated among other animal protection campaigns, has caught the attention of Jack Hanna, a zoo director turned host of television shows on wildlife.

Mrs. Bombaci and Hogan have been featured on his show and have made an appearance on “Oprah.”

Mrs. Bombaci has visited schools and given lectures throughout the Northeast, winning attention from news outlets as far away as Japan.

And they are still at it, even though Mrs. Bombaci, 57, is ailing from a degenerative nerve condition and Hogan is suffering the effects of old age.

“They show there isn’t any limit,” said a local sign language instructor, Eileen D. Baker. “The potentials are wide.”

At first, none would have guessed that Hogan had any potential. Animal rescue workers claimed him from his first owner in 1993 when he was barely out of puppyhood. He had been chained in a yard throughout the winter, his body malnourished, bruised and covered with sores.

Hogan was a fearful dog because of the abuse. He had not been trained or housebroken. And he had been born deaf, a genetic trait common in Dalmatians.

Frequently, said Richard Johnston, president of the Connecticut Humane Society, deaf animals are destroyed because of the incorrect assumption that they cannot be trained.

Around that time, however, Mrs. Bombaci had been calling animal shelters in search of a dog and heard about Hogan. Though she had no experience with deafness, she decided to learn American Sign Language and use it to train him.

Most dogs learn a small number of spoken commands — sit, stay, come here and lie down, for example — but Hogan picked up signed words voraciously. Today he knows up to 70+ words.

To call him, Mrs. Bombaci attached a pager to his collar and taught him that the buzz meant it was time to come inside. Today, she instead uses the flicker of a flashlight.

“She championed the cause that just because they’re deaf doesn’t make them stupid,” said Prof. Nicholas Dodman, an animal behavior expert from Tufts University. Professor Dodman helped Hogan recover from an anxiety disorder stemming from his earlier abuse.

When Professor Dodman was invited to appear on “Oprah” to promote his book, “The Dog Who Loved Too Much,” and bring a client he had helped, he chose Hogan and Mrs. Bombaci.

Then Hogan’s Hollywood career took off. He was featured by Mr. Hanna, made appearances for Disney and, most recently, starred in a special children’s program with the actor LeVar Burton.

In addition, Hogan has been trained to become a therapy dog for the disabled. And in his spare time, he works out on an agility course in his backyard.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bombaci became determined to help other deaf animals. She and her husband, James, adopted another deaf Dalmatian, whom they named Georgia.

Over the years, Mrs. Bombaci has developed a training manual, started a Web site, visited classrooms, helped place deaf dogs in homes, and offered advice to the thousands of people with deaf animals who seek her out.

“If Hogan can do all that he has done, imagine what we can all accomplish,” she said. “I just need another 13 years with him.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/nyregion/18deaf.html

Waggleview® With Author Connie Bombaci

Posted on February 14, 2018 in Book, Dog, Story, Waggleview™ A waggleview® reveals the incredible bond between the human and animal connection. These special interviews remind us to mindfully live in the moment, as our pets do every single day. Read our featured waggleview® to find out her dog’s philosophy on life and how her dog inspires her. The Dog Owner: Connie Bombaci– author of Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance. Connie, a retired educator and first-time author, is an optimist and compassionate person whose Christian faith guides her to believe in the extreme goodness and immeasurable importance in all God’s creations. Her resolute love for animals began in childhood, rescuing both domestic and wild orphaned or abandoned animals.  Her desire for others to believe in the value of themselves led her to become an educator where she worked fervently to increase young peoples’ confidence and belief in themselves no matter what challenges they faced. She offers hope where frustration and failure seem inevitable. While a teacher and assistant principal in the Haddam-Killingworth School District of Connecticut, she enjoyed working with young people, finding it especially fulfilling to help students who needed special encouragement. Her involvement with animals also developed from her desire to be kind. She has enjoyed many pets, all of whom were rescued.

Connie grew up in a suburban neighborhoold outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now lives in Connecticut with her husband, Jim, and their two rescued pups in the rustic, puppy-friendly home that Jim built on their five-acre “piece of Heaven.”  She is also surrounded by the love of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Q: Why did you choose this dog? We had two deaf Dalmatians prior to adopting Judea and we wanted to continue our belief and action to rescue these very special and loving pups. A Dalmatian rescue group in Pennsylvania knew about Hogan’s life with us and called asking if we would like to adopt an 8-week old, deaf little girl.

Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about? Absolutely! We communicate with American Sign Language, lots of touch, and facial expressions. We often talk about things such as whether or not she wants to play, lure course (run), eat, or go for a ride in the car. I also take great pleasure in telling her what a good girl and how beautiful she is as well as how much I love her. Of course, we girls also talk about what I should wear to a particular event or occasion!

Q: If she could talk to you, what would she say? She is constantly telling me that she wants attention, to go outside into the “big” yard, or that she is hungry or wants a cookie.  She is confident enough to give me her nudges along with her “talking” until she gets my attention.

Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would she be doing? A receptionist or teacher!! She loves greeting and interacting with people, especially children. She also loves to demonstrate how wonderful deaf dogs can be as smart, gentle, and loving family members.

Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you? Judea has brought a special perspective into our home – one of understanding and uniqueness in every individual. Each person needs to be loved and accepted but also, importantly, to be understood. She has definitely taught me to look at my own “quirkiness” before looking at others’.  In addition, while I have considered myself to be a gentle person by nature, she has encouraged me to become even softer and gentler in my all my approaches.

 Q: How does your dog inspire you? Judea inspires me to have fun, to put aside long periods of work and go have some fun with her. We often call her our “little clown” because of how wonderfully she entertains us.  Whether she’s chasing a light/reflection cast on the floor or wall, running after the shadows of birds flying overhead on a sunny day, running into the puppy pond with a great big belly flop, or pursuing “the bunny” on the lure course, Judea absolutely loves having pure fun!

Judea also keeps me going. Her message is important and no matter how my day begins or what happens in the events of the day, she inspires me to sit, be still, carefully assess, and then get moving. Nothing defeats her hopes and dreams.

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you? Judea definitely loves to go for a walk down our long, dirt driveway and road to visit our neighbor’s horse, Mistrel.

 Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting? Bright lights and reflections, lure coursing, and earning treats are her top three.  She also loves running in the snow!

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do? Not correctly, carefully and completely caring for their dogs who are unquestionably worthy of great attention and love.  Additionally, it’s extremely annoying when others do not clean up after their dogs or allow them to get right up into the faces of other dogs without asking and properly introducing them first.

Q:  What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you? I could write a book on this one! In addition to the “regular” care of checkups, vaccinations, routine or necessary tests, healthy diet and treats, regular/daily exercise, continual grooming, protective shelter, and unrelenting attention, being a responsible “parent” means that we must protect our loved ones, understand their unique individual differences and needs, often place their necessities before our own desires, and provide unwavering acceptance and unconditional love. Being a real, genuine, and responsible “owner” is a full-time commitment that creates the most bountiful blessings.

Q:  Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what? Yes, but only when and/or what she likes such as scarves, jackets, and short periods of head bands or hats.

Q:  How has your dog changed your life? I am richer, more blessed with affection and love, and gentler in my approach to everyone. I accept more easily because she accepts me. My heart is much more sensitive and I worry a great deal more about the safety and well being of creatures who are in need, abandoned, mistreated, or put to death because no one accepts or wants them.

 Q:  Does your dog have a philosophy of life? “Play today; forget about tomorrow.” As well as “Make lots of great memories now that are full of real understanding, true faith, unrelenting hope, and unconditional love.”

 Q:  I love my dog because:

  ALL God’s creations are worthy of love – just because “she is.”

I adore that she loves to be:

• in the same room with me,

• on the sofa next to me,

• cuddled up in bed under the blankets against my side,

• running out in the yard while I work,

• watching intently any job my husband is working on as if she’s trying to learn how to do it or comprehend what he’s doing,

• playing with me,

• giving kisses,

• watching the front-yard critters, especially the squirrels,

• . . . . and so much more! The list is endless.

 Q:  Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups whole wheat flour or 1 cup whole wheat flour & 1 cup oatmeal

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce or mashed banana

• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth (I often use just water)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until everything is well combined. Shape the dough into a ball and roll it out on a floured surface. When the dough is about ½ inch thick, cut the dough with your favorite shape and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator.

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you, Connie, for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

 What is your dog’s philosophy of life ?

Please send comments.

Please follow WAGGLEVIEW on Facebook or Instagram.

Also Subscribe, so you can learn about our new dog owner and lovable pet and be the first to get all the latest updates!

By missisbookreviews April 6, 2020

Hogan’s Hope is the heartwarming story of a deaf dog who escaped death during the time when the prevalent belief was that deaf dogs needed to be destroyed. It is the tale of a legendary deaf canine champion who endured severe abuse and prevailed as he turned upside down the myths of deaf dogs being dumb, difficult to train, and harmful. Hogan learned American Sign Language, engaged in normal puppy activities, and provided the hope of life not death for deaf dogs worldwide. Through perseverance and enduring hope, Hogans courage provided inspiration to anyone human or pet that success and genuine love are truly possible.

This heroic deaf dog continues to reveal that by choosing hope, anyone’s dreams can come true, and the world can be filled with steadfast faith, pure joy, and unconditional love. It’s a story like none other. Learn more about this intrepid pair as well as the power of love and persistence against seemingly stacked odds. Sit! Read! Enjoy! Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, professor emeritus, animal behaviorist, Tufts University

I have been re-inspired with the notion that all of God’s creation responds powerfully to His loving touch passed on through others. Thanks to Connie and Hogan for teaching us to have eyes to see and ears to hear for all those with two legs or four legs who are around us every day. Read and gain this heartfelt hope for yourself. -Jimmy H. Allen, Minister International Churches of Christ. 

(Summary via Goodreads) Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog,  A Christian’s Faith, A Courageous Journey by Connie Bombaci is more than the story of a deaf dog, it is a story of hope, love, commitment, understanding, strength, devotion, and joy !!!  To read Connie’s story about helping Hogan find his forever home and the love that he was surrounded by every day is a treat for ALL readers.  Connie and her husband Jim are proof that there are angels on earth.  Not only for adopting Hogan, a Dalmatian that is deaf but also for adopting another deaf dog, Georgia, and for everything that they did for their dogs.  They taught Hogan how to communicate and understand them by teaching him sign language.  They not only taught him sign language but went to schools, nursing homes, and other places to share with people his gift.  They wanted to show people that even though Hogan is deaf, he can still have a fulfilling life.

Here is a quote from Connie’s book that I think rings so true…..

“I was eager to get the word out to the public that handicapped animals, similar to disabled people, can lead useful and fruitful lives.  I don’t like the term handicapped because I believe that everyone has his or her own personal challenges, some visible and some hidden.”

Connie and Jim lived by that belief and just wanted to make as many people as they could understand that also.When you bring an animal into your home, you are opening yourself up for a world of love and commitment.  Not only are you providing this animal/pet a safe environment with food and shelter, you are providing them with love, and what they give back is more than you can imagine!! I have always been an animal lover, cats mainly, and have always had a cat or two or three in the family so reading this book was a no-brainer.  To know that there are people out there like Connie and Jim will give you a warm feeling.  When you start reading Hogan’s Hope and see how his life was in the beginning, you begin to root for him and that feeling gets stronger as you get deeper into the story.  Hogan’s story is such an inspiration for everyone and I encourage reader’s to read it and share his story with everyone you know.  How can you not love him ???  Oprah did !!!! 

Review by Missi M.