Bob, Deaf OES in FL needs home
I know that many of you own deaf dogs but it seems to me you also have hearing dogs in the family. Some of my applicants are currently "dogless" Knowing what you know now, would you prefer a multiple dog home for a deaf dog? Would you require a fence? Or is a fence just a plus? Would you require deaf dog experience? Or a willingness to learn? Any other tips for me? Or any applicants? I need to take his picture today -- he's a cutie. Marie Harrington Ocala, FL |
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| I am going to call my dad today! My parents raised OES for years,He just loves and spoils them like they wer his kids.I know he would be a good Dad to this dog.He live in Bradenton,Fl.I will get back with you.. |
| Well, Just talked to my dad,He is in a trailer park with a 20lb. limit on dogs..Dag nab it..He would have takin him in a minute he said.My dad is VERY active..Oh Well, I will continue trying..Good Luck! |
| Hi SheepieMum!
We have a 16 month old deaf OES, named Oscar. He is our only dog, and has adjusted well to his suburban situation. We had no previous experience with a deaf dog, but did have experience with the breed. We read everything we could get our hands on, including "Living With a Deaf Dog" by Susan Cope-Becker. There are some wonderful websites as well, such as www.deafdogs.org. We started training Oscar immediately with hand signals, using treats and other positive reinforcement. It's quite simple really, you just get used to communicating with your hands, not your voice. Within weeks, it was second nature to us. The one thing I would recommend is doing the startle therapy, where you gently wake him from a sound sleep with touch, while placing a treat under his nose. This way he associates being touched unexpectedly with something pleasant, rather than returning the touch with a growl or a nip. Here are my thoughts on a fenced in yard. We have one, which helps immensely when we're trying to burn off some of that puppy energy. We can throw a ball and romp, without fear of him getting hurt. Bottom line...deaf dogs often die as a result of being hit by cars they cannot hear coming. So if Oscar is outside and not in our fenced in backyard, he is on a leash. No exceptions. Before he can get out of my car, we've trained him to sit and wait for me to put his leash on. Also, he's trained to sit by an open door, and not go out until given a hand signal. We've trained him this way for his own protection. I think the most important thing is a willingness to learn, and the patience to figure out different ways to communicate. We stomp on the floor to call him, or tap him gently on the back if he's close enough. He knows about 20 signs, so we can tell him it's bedtime, or ask him if he has to go potty. He's a special, special puppy and we love him dearly. I hope this info is helpful. Please feel free to send me a private message, as I would be happy to talk to you if you have any more questions. Also, there are two other deaf dog owners that I know of on this site: Sir Gucci's Mom and Francesca's Mom. Sir Gucci's Mom (Colleen) has another dog, and I'm not sure if Francesca is in a multiple dog household, but they might be able to help you as well. Best of luck to you! Laurie |
Laurie, Just wanted to say what a wonderful post . I had no idea what it took to have a puppy that can not hear. Bless you  hope that your post helps to get that guy a good home. |
| We have a 20 month old puppy Francesca whom we discovered was deaf four weeks after getting her. By then, I was way too attached and had to keep her. She is a wonderful, loving, energetic dog who follows me everywhere and is eager to please. I'll admit, I'm not very strict with her so can can get rambunctious with me but she will do whatever my husband wants. He has even taken her on leashless walks; if she runs too far ahead, she will wait and she always comes at our command (a wave of the arm). I have seen owners of hearing dogs have far more behavious problems.
There are also advantages to deaf dogs. You can watch TV loud or tiptoe around them without any trouble. Needless to say, if you need a watchdog, a deaf dog isn't a great idea but if you want a loving companion, I don't think there's a difference between deaf and hearing. Francesca is our first dog and I love her so much. I would adopt another deaf puppy without hesitation. Francesca's Mom |
Sorry! I haven't been on the site in awhile!  The boys are keeping me busy! 
I do have a deaf guy and I searched for a companion for him for a while and now have Murphy! It really does help to have a hearing friend for The Gooch as he follows Murphy everywhere and all I have to do is call for Murphy and Gooch is there too! I do not think that it is an absolute must to have another dog that hears...I'm just lazy! LOL! As for Laurie's comments with her experience with Oscar...DITTO! Especially when it comes to the issue of them being off leash! Honestly, I will NEVER allow it to happen! Even with Murphy helping! I live on 40 acres and I still will not let The Gooch run free without being in an enclosed area. He also wears a little cow bell on our walks, just in case he ever gets loose! I figure at least I'd have a chance to hear him in the forest!
I really echo Laurie's praise on the "Living with a Deaf Dog" I think all deaf pups should come with a copy of that book! I know that I really needed guidance and that book was a life saver! I did tonnes of research after getting The Gooch and have learned alot, especially about all the misconceptions of deaf dogs! It makes me nuts! It is the common thought that all deaf dogs are aggressive that makes me the most upset! It is so completely ubsurd! It is just really important to educate everyone who comes into your deaf babies life to "let sleeping dogs lay" and to try your best not to startle them. I tell everyone who comes in contact with Gooch that he is deaf, and make sure that he sees them first before giving him some loving! So I guess if you are able to find someone with a fenced yard that would be the best senario and if you can send along some info with the baby...all will be great! I really cannot imagine my life without The Gooch, he has taught me so much! And without him, I wouldn't have found this forum!
Good luck in the search for the best home! |
| Just wondering what happened to the deaf OES? I recently lost my OES to Cushing's Dis. I have had three OES in my lifetime, 2 were adopted and the third was a blue light special from the breeder. I would be interested in the deafie dog as I had worked with hearing impaired children some years ago.
Tootsie is a wonderful that I have have fostered and am adopting. She is small but lively, a good companion who loves people and animals. |
| Bob is here at my feet. We are both "in training" -- he is now pretty much housebroken. I'm learning sign language along with Bob and so are my other dogs. They all now get thumbs up for good dog. We are working on sit, down, off, wait and most of all -- quiet. I use the finger to the lips like a librarian but always seem to make the "shoosh" sound even though I know he can't hear it . I talk to him anyhow -- makes me feel good and maybe he will learn to read lips. Bob is a really nice dog but has some issues with grooming that we are working on. He plays well with others -- although he's a bit rough. I'm not in a hurry to place him as I think he may be returned if I placed him now -- he needs to learn some more manners first. I do think he's a bit of a diamond in the rough -- a 95# one!
If you are interested in applying to adopt Bob or another OES or OES Mix please fill out an on-line adoption application at www.neoesr.org Grannie Annie will forward it to me or the appropriate geographical area. If any of you will be in the neighborhood of Ocala, FL on Sunday, November 13 -- please let me know -- we are having the annual meeting of the OES Club of Central FL with a picnic -- dogs on leash are invited. You can meet Bob and lots of other OES and see my new sheepie musical fountain carousel. Marie Harrington Ocala, FL |
| Bob moved to his new home yesterday. He will live with his new family in a house on stilts right on the Gulf of Mexico! They have lots of OES experience and a willingness to learn abbout living with a deaf dog... Seems like a good fit for all.
I thought you all would want to know the good news. Marie in Ocala, FL |
| Thanks for the update!!
Sounds like Bob is pretty lucky, good for him! |
| Good luck to Bob and his new family!
Tanya |
| Good news! I love happy endings! |
Great news!  |
| I'm so happy for Bob, he deserves a great home after his tough beginning. Wonderful job Marie |
| I thought you would all want to know -- I went to pick up Bob, the deaf boy today -- to my surprise, his adoption did not work out. I think the clause in the adoption agreement that the dog must be returned to the rescue group in one of the most important clauses in the contract. I always stress it to the new owner when the sign all the paperwork. I'm glad they were listening. He seems very happy to be back in my home playing with Charlie Brown (the brown dog with a tail) and my other sheepies.
I think he needs more training and evaluation before I will try to place him again in another home... He's a very special boy with a few quirks but then again aren't they all very special with a few quirks? Marie Harrington Ocala, FL |
| That's really too bad. Poor Bob. Did they explain what problem they were having with him? I am so glad you were able to take him back him (and that they brought him to you.) |
| I'm sorry that the adoption didn't work out, Marie. However, I'm very glad they contacted you to bring him back. |
| I'm sorry it wasn't a match for Bob and this family. BUT it's definately NOT a failure... it's just not the right family for him. That part of the adoption contract is EXTREMELY important. Otherwise they simply find themselves dumped at shelter, listed for sale in the newspaper or simply in yet another bad situation. I'm so glad you stress the return requirement and that this family did the right thing.
There's probably someone out there right now just waiting for this quirky sheepie-boy to call their own. Good luck to you and Bob! Please keep us posted. |
That's a shame Marie. Were they unprepared for the reality of a deaf dog? I also am glad you enforce the return policy, the poor guy might have ended up in a shelter  |
| that sucks. I certainly hope it wasnt because he was Deaf - I know many Deaf families who are looking fora deaf dog, is bob posted under deafdogs.org? |
| Yay BOB!!! If the new owners have any questions...they can contact me. The Gooch is doing so great! |
| Bob wasn't returned because of his deafness -- they told me he bit! No blood drawn but they couldn't keep him. His Mom met me halfway in tears -- he really is such a sweet dog -- I have never saeen him lift a lip, growl or bite another dog o a person -- and he has lived with me for 6 weeks.
I do think he has a future in the RIGHT home -- in the meantime, he is safe and happy here. He's quite a pest, he barks like Lassie to get me to go places around the house with him -- he loves to run in circles around the yard with Charlie Brown and he is the sloppiest drinker ever! Marie Ocala, FL Teddy, Bella, Charlie Brown and foster dog Bob |
| I probably don't have to say this but please don't give up on Bob. He just needs someone who will work through the behavior quirks. Also, do you know what "caused" the bite? Being deaf, I know you need to be careful that you don't startle him and you need to "announce" your presence with a gentle touch on the shoulder, etc. I'm not saying they caused it only that SOMETHING may have.
Have you noticed that with a "new" dog you need to show him/her respect and not push too hard, too fast? That there is a settling in period for EVERYONE? Just like with people, that you can't make them into "someone" they aren't? That you need to build a mutual trust over a period of time so you bond with each other? I bet a lot of people adopting don't realize this. Many people get a new dog maybe once every 10-15 years and some rescues have had very difficult pasts that haunt them. Some dogs you just have to take on their own terms... instead of forcing a dog to do something, you bribe them to get the same result making a much more pleasurable experience for both of you. We did this for years with our sheepie-mix. And I've learned a lot from Panda, our NEOESR rescue, over the past 2 months. We are very fortunate that she has a very good temperament... a bit mouthy, pushy and stubborn but a complete and total filbert. Yeah- a regular ol' sheepie. Panda Update- She stole my bran muffin today when I ran to sign for a UPS delivery... ate the paper and all. Yeah... my mistake again- go ahead and scold me guys. She hadn't done it for sooo long that I forgot about her tendencies  I came in and actually thought she had thrown up but found she was gobbling down the rather large muffin that had been scattered across the floor as the other 5 looked on in total amazement. Oh, well... she saved me from the extra calories. Gotta love them sheepies!
Please keep us posted on Bob. I wish him the very best! |
| I thought you would want to know that I just placed Bob again... He has been with his new Dad since Saturday morning and all was well so far. Today was the first day he was home alone... (his new dad is a school teacher) Hopefully the day is uneventful.
So maybe this will be his forever home. Bob's placement was a joint effort of NEOESR, OESRNSE , and OESCCF. Teamwork and Rescue Dust. I'll keep you all posted. Marie in Ocala, FL |
| Fingers crossed that all goes well in Bob's new home. Thank you for working so hard to place this boy. |
| That's great news, Marie! I had noticed on the website that he had "ADOPTED" on his listing. I hope this is his furever home, too!! |
| I hope Bob has found his forever home and has the greatest life ever |
| Yay Bob!!!
Please let the new family know that if they need any advice or support regarding Bob being deaf to contact me. I would be glad to help! Gucci has taught me alot... |
| That is such good news! Yea for Bob!!! |
| Way to go Bob! I would like to echo Colleen and say that if the new family has any questions or concerns, please have them contact me. Oscar is a typical sheepie who happens to be deaf, and he makes me laugh every single day. |
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