Miss-Delectable
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http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/9227108.Deaf_dog_Phoenix_is_taught_sign_language/
PHOENIX the deaf boxer dog is hoping to rise from the ashes of homelessness and find a loving family to look after her.
Staff at the Blue Cross Centre, in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, where three-year-old Phoenix is being looked after, have been teaching her basic “doggy sign language” signals to help her communicate with her potential new owners.
Lyn Raine, an animal behaviour advisor at the centre, said Phoenix had been quick to pick up the signals for “stay”, “down” and “sit”.
Phoenix was picked up as a stray by the local dog warden and transferred to the centre, which is dedicated to improving the lives of sick or unwanted pets.
Miss Raine said teaching Phoenix sign language meant she could be trained just like any other dog and would enjoy bonding with her owners.
Someone had come forward with an interest in adopting her but pulled out, so staff at the centre are inviting expressions of interest from dog lovers with the commitment to learn some sign language.
Miss Raine said: “We think Phoenix was born deaf. About 20 per cent of boxer dogs are white and there is a gene that means they are more susceptible to deafness.
“We have not found any difference in Phoenix’s temperament, she is just as much fun as other boxers.
“She is a lively dog, very people-orientated and energetic.”
Miss Raine said the signals taught to Phoenix include a flat hand for “wait”, thumbs-up for “good” and a raised fist for “sit”.
She said: “Phoenix is doing really well. She is very affectionate and eager to please, and has picked up the signals very quickly.
“Phoenix is at least the third deaf dog the centre has been teaching sign language to this year alone.
“One was a puppy in a litter who we discovered was deaf and another a young adult dog, like Phoenix, who had been given up.”
A spokesman for the charity said: “We would urge potential owners not to overlook deaf dogs, because they can make just as rewarding pets with the right training methods.
“The centre also has many other homeless dogs and cats which are desperately in need of a loving home.”
For more information about Phoenix, or any other of the animals at the centre, phone 0300 777 1540 or visit bluecross.org.uk
PHOENIX the deaf boxer dog is hoping to rise from the ashes of homelessness and find a loving family to look after her.
Staff at the Blue Cross Centre, in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, where three-year-old Phoenix is being looked after, have been teaching her basic “doggy sign language” signals to help her communicate with her potential new owners.
Lyn Raine, an animal behaviour advisor at the centre, said Phoenix had been quick to pick up the signals for “stay”, “down” and “sit”.
Phoenix was picked up as a stray by the local dog warden and transferred to the centre, which is dedicated to improving the lives of sick or unwanted pets.
Miss Raine said teaching Phoenix sign language meant she could be trained just like any other dog and would enjoy bonding with her owners.
Someone had come forward with an interest in adopting her but pulled out, so staff at the centre are inviting expressions of interest from dog lovers with the commitment to learn some sign language.
Miss Raine said: “We think Phoenix was born deaf. About 20 per cent of boxer dogs are white and there is a gene that means they are more susceptible to deafness.
“We have not found any difference in Phoenix’s temperament, she is just as much fun as other boxers.
“She is a lively dog, very people-orientated and energetic.”
Miss Raine said the signals taught to Phoenix include a flat hand for “wait”, thumbs-up for “good” and a raised fist for “sit”.
She said: “Phoenix is doing really well. She is very affectionate and eager to please, and has picked up the signals very quickly.
“Phoenix is at least the third deaf dog the centre has been teaching sign language to this year alone.
“One was a puppy in a litter who we discovered was deaf and another a young adult dog, like Phoenix, who had been given up.”
A spokesman for the charity said: “We would urge potential owners not to overlook deaf dogs, because they can make just as rewarding pets with the right training methods.
“The centre also has many other homeless dogs and cats which are desperately in need of a loving home.”
For more information about Phoenix, or any other of the animals at the centre, phone 0300 777 1540 or visit bluecross.org.uk