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Group gives deaf animals a chance :: Beacon News :: Lifestyles
Deaf animals often are among the first to be euthanized by animal shelters -- because of the perception that they are less adoptable, or that they cannot be trained. This is something that Amber Kay of Aurora feels strongly about, "because I'm deaf," she said.
As president and founder of Aurora-based Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary, Kay started the organization in 2004 as a rescue mission for deaf animals in the Fox Valley area. She trains them using sign language and other hand signals.
"They are easily trained," she said. "It's all body language." Kay communicates with humans by reading lips.
Although Fur Angels works primarily with deaf dogs, she has also rescued cats, ferrets and even rats.
Because the sanctuary does not have an actual location, the trained animals are placed into foster homes until they can be adopted. While in the foster homes, the animals are socialized, and learn what it is like to be a member of a family, often for the first time.
Kay explained that many times, a pet owner will discover that an animal is deaf and think it may be a recent occurrence, when it actually may have been deaf its entire life.
"They may have learned to observe and react to the environment around them," Kay said, explaining that while a deaf animal may not hear someone clapping, it may feel the vibration of the noise, and that is what it will respond to.
Sometimes an animal is born deaf, or it may become deaf as a result of an illness or injury, and many go deaf as they age.
Recently, Fur Angels expanded its mission to include animals that can hear. The organization rescues many animals from kill shelters, puppy mills and abusive environments.
Once rescued, Fur Angels brings the animals up to date on their shots, spays or neuters them, and provides all other needed medical and dental needs.
"A lot of times they need to learn to trust people," Kay said. "We do everything we need to for them."
Fur Angels also makes sure animals are going to a good home once they are adopted. Every potential owner must fill out an adoption application, have a home visit and a veterinarian reference check before they are allowed to adopt a pet.
Animals are seen by appointment only, after an application has been approved. Fur Angels also holds several adoption events around the Fox Valley.
For more information, call 630-518-2543, e-mail AmberKay7895@aol.com or visit Fur Angels Sanctuary.
Deaf animals often are among the first to be euthanized by animal shelters -- because of the perception that they are less adoptable, or that they cannot be trained. This is something that Amber Kay of Aurora feels strongly about, "because I'm deaf," she said.
As president and founder of Aurora-based Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary, Kay started the organization in 2004 as a rescue mission for deaf animals in the Fox Valley area. She trains them using sign language and other hand signals.
"They are easily trained," she said. "It's all body language." Kay communicates with humans by reading lips.
Although Fur Angels works primarily with deaf dogs, she has also rescued cats, ferrets and even rats.
Because the sanctuary does not have an actual location, the trained animals are placed into foster homes until they can be adopted. While in the foster homes, the animals are socialized, and learn what it is like to be a member of a family, often for the first time.
Kay explained that many times, a pet owner will discover that an animal is deaf and think it may be a recent occurrence, when it actually may have been deaf its entire life.
"They may have learned to observe and react to the environment around them," Kay said, explaining that while a deaf animal may not hear someone clapping, it may feel the vibration of the noise, and that is what it will respond to.
Sometimes an animal is born deaf, or it may become deaf as a result of an illness or injury, and many go deaf as they age.
Recently, Fur Angels expanded its mission to include animals that can hear. The organization rescues many animals from kill shelters, puppy mills and abusive environments.
Once rescued, Fur Angels brings the animals up to date on their shots, spays or neuters them, and provides all other needed medical and dental needs.
"A lot of times they need to learn to trust people," Kay said. "We do everything we need to for them."
Fur Angels also makes sure animals are going to a good home once they are adopted. Every potential owner must fill out an adoption application, have a home visit and a veterinarian reference check before they are allowed to adopt a pet.
Animals are seen by appointment only, after an application has been approved. Fur Angels also holds several adoption events around the Fox Valley.
For more information, call 630-518-2543, e-mail AmberKay7895@aol.com or visit Fur Angels Sanctuary.
