Miss-Delectable
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http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005410574,00.html
DEAF boxer dog Chance is desperately seeking a family to teach him sign language – so he can beat his handicap.
Chance was handed to the RSPCA last January because his owners could not cope with his boisterous behaviour. But no one has offered to adopt the 16-month-old pooch.
Sheila Rowe, manager of the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre, near Ringwood, Hants, said last night: “Chance’s original owners were aware of his deafness but they had not been able to devote much time to his training.
“So when he came to us he was like a big, energetic puppy with no real discipline.
“His deafness meant we could not train him with voice commands in the usual way so we used hand gestures instead.
“Dogs naturally use their own form of sign or body language — such as tail wagging when they are happy, raising their hackles when they feel threatened — and do this more than they use their barks.
“So it is not such a big step for us to communicate with them using a new set of signs, which most dogs learn as part of the training process.
“Our animal care staff started the training process by encouraging Chance to look at their faces and keep eye contact, which he does.
“So far he only knows two commands — sit and stay.
“But staff believe that, with the right owner devoting lots of time, he may be able to learn more. Other deaf dogs rehomed by the RSPCA have.
“But Chance is still a young dog with plenty of energy to burn and it will be a slow and ongoing process.”
RSPCA official Jo Barr added: “We are looking for a family who would be prepared to devote the time and effort into building on the basic sign language Chance already understands.
“A new owner who is deaf may be the perfect candidate.
“Chance has a nice temperament and we love him to bits. It is really sad that he does not have a good home to go to.”
Chance is good with other dogs but must be walked on a lead because his deafness can mean he isn’t aware of any threats from them or the dangers of traffic.
Because he is lively, any children in his new home would need to be at least 11 years old and used to living with a similar dog.
If you can offer Chance a new chance in life call the RSPCA on 01425 473896.
DEAF boxer dog Chance is desperately seeking a family to teach him sign language – so he can beat his handicap.
Chance was handed to the RSPCA last January because his owners could not cope with his boisterous behaviour. But no one has offered to adopt the 16-month-old pooch.
Sheila Rowe, manager of the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre, near Ringwood, Hants, said last night: “Chance’s original owners were aware of his deafness but they had not been able to devote much time to his training.
“So when he came to us he was like a big, energetic puppy with no real discipline.
“His deafness meant we could not train him with voice commands in the usual way so we used hand gestures instead.
“Dogs naturally use their own form of sign or body language — such as tail wagging when they are happy, raising their hackles when they feel threatened — and do this more than they use their barks.
“So it is not such a big step for us to communicate with them using a new set of signs, which most dogs learn as part of the training process.
“Our animal care staff started the training process by encouraging Chance to look at their faces and keep eye contact, which he does.
“So far he only knows two commands — sit and stay.
“But staff believe that, with the right owner devoting lots of time, he may be able to learn more. Other deaf dogs rehomed by the RSPCA have.
“But Chance is still a young dog with plenty of energy to burn and it will be a slow and ongoing process.”
RSPCA official Jo Barr added: “We are looking for a family who would be prepared to devote the time and effort into building on the basic sign language Chance already understands.
“A new owner who is deaf may be the perfect candidate.
“Chance has a nice temperament and we love him to bits. It is really sad that he does not have a good home to go to.”
Chance is good with other dogs but must be walked on a lead because his deafness can mean he isn’t aware of any threats from them or the dangers of traffic.
Because he is lively, any children in his new home would need to be at least 11 years old and used to living with a similar dog.
If you can offer Chance a new chance in life call the RSPCA on 01425 473896.