deafdogmyths

Deaf Dog to the Rescue

The love between a dog and his human has no boundaries or limitations. When I see, hear about, or read an amazing story of our deaf pups that is inspiring, I am compelled to share it with as many others that I possibly can. Like the message in our book, Hogan’s Hope, my prayer is that by doing this, the myths and barriers will be broken through and discarded. This story is copied from the wonderful writing of Katherine Rodriguez for BREITBART news.

by Katherine Rodriguez December 30, 2018

by Katherine Rodriguez December 30, 2018

Deaf Dog Hailed a Hero for Saving Couple from House Fire

A deaf dog is being hailed as a hero for saving the lives of a couple who escaped a fire that broke out in their New Hampshire home on Saturday.

The Barnstead Fire Department told WMUR that the home burst into flames around 4 a.m. Saturday. Once fire crews arrived at the scene, the flames fully encased the home and the surrounding structures.

Fire officials said none of the smoke detectors in the house were working, but the deaf dog alerted the house residents to the fire in time for them to escape.

“Without the working smoke detectors and without that dog, it is unlikely they would have made it out of the building,” said Deputy Fire Chief John Drew.

Firefighters spent an hour-and-a-half putting out the two-alarm fire. Drew added that two of the firefighters on scene went to the hospital for treatment and were later released.

Even though the couple and the dog survived the fire, several other pets did not, and the house was completely destroyed.

Firefighters are currently investigating the cause of the inferno.

Other deaf dogs have proven to their owners that they really are man’s best friend by rescuing humans in their time of need.

In April, a deaf and blind dog in Australia remained by a three-year-old girl’s side after she wandered away from home. The dog stayed with her until she was found.

Courtesy of BREITBART Katherine Rodiguez

Reader's Choice Awards Nomination by TCK Publishing

I continue to give myself a pinch every time I look at my published book or hold it in my hands. Having never thought of myself as a writer let alone a published author, my book, Hogan's Hope, is a "dream come true." My "dream" now is that his message of hope for anyone to live a full and successful life can be spread to everyone and I work to share his purpose and legacy.

Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Hero's Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance has been nominated in the General Non-Fiction Category and needs everyone's vote! So please click on the logo above, go over to the 5th page (General Non-Fiction), and scroll down to Hogan's Hope.

When we rescued Hogan in 1993 at the age of 18 months, almost all deaf dogs were being destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned. Hogan's is a tale of a deaf dog who prevailed as he learned over sixty -five signs in American Sign Language. His ability and tenacity provided the hope of life for many deaf dogs worldwide and his courage to overcome challenges and prejudice continue today to give inspiration to anyone, human or pet, that accomplishment, success and genuine love are truly possible. He overcame all the myths.

We adopted Hogan as a deaf, malnourished puppy whose early abuse made him wary of new situations and locked him in a world of silence. Being teachers in the public school system, we quickly decided that teaching Hogan sign language would be the cornerstone of communicating with him. Gradually he learned to trust us and became confident in relating to new people, other animals, and unknown circumstances. Little did we know that Hogan's story would lead to numerous requests for interviews, news stories, and public appearances. Some of these programs included Oprah Winfrey, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, Dateline with Dennis Murphy, Positively Connecticut with Diane Smith, Amazing Tails, and Good Morning America. Two separate radio interviews to Japan began the international buzz that deaf dogs are intelligent, do learn, can lead completely normal lives, are loving, and make wonderful family members.

Through his lifetime of determination, Hogan's journey offers the promise that we all are capable of achieving an amazingly "ordinary" life and a life away from isolation. His tale of valor reveals that dreams do come true and offers insight into the world of true faith unconditional love and endless hope. 

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible."     -Christopher Reeve

Please help us with your vote. Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement.