rescue

Imperfectly Perfect Pets!

The Bond of Amazing Rescue Dad Chris & Cole the Deaf Dog

Challenge or opportunity?

Great things can come from what others see as challenges. This is so true when it comes to pets with “disabilities”.

It is difficult enough to find loving homes for so many homeless pets who fill local shelters and rescues. But add in the element of what some might view as a barrier, and it can become even more challenging.

This story is about a deaf dog (and pit bull to boot) who was fortunate to be adopted by a special human who took a chance and hit the jackpot. And while their shared accomplishments have made the headlines, we hope this story will help put a spotlight on how opening one’s heart and home to a homeless pet with special needs does not have to be so scary! In fact, it can be absolutely amazing and life changing for dog and human alike.

Read about Chris Hannah’s journey with the now infamous Cole the Deaf Dog and how their tale unfolded. All it took was the commitment and caring on the part of Chris to learn and develop a bond with a very special pup.

So many pets with what may be considered “imperfections” get passed by every day at local shelters and in rescues.

Who knew that the visit of a potential adopter to a local shelter would result in the unexpected adoption of a deaf pit bull puppy with such an amazing future ahead.

A Deaf Dog Adoption That Has Soared to Unexpected Heights

In 2017, Chris Hannah decided to adopt his first dog. Little did he know when he went into the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter that a five month old deaf dog with the shelter name of “Harry Potter” would change both of their lives astronomically.

For many, the thought of adopting a deaf rescue dog (not to mention a deaf pit bull puppy) might seem like more than they could take on. After all, in a world where we are largely familiar with communicating with pets on a verbal basis, learning how to train and communicate with a deaf pet could be off putting.

This was not the case for Chris, who has a relation who is deaf, and may have played a role in him viewing this deaf pup not as a challenge, but as an opportunity instead. Little did Chris know when he adopted Cole that he would be destined for the honor of ASPCA Dog of the Year in 2023 among many others! Yet, his greatest honor perhaps is as “Dog Dad”.

And so the training (and bonding) began!

Chris was all in from the beginning as he brought his adopted first pup home! He knew that he was going to be committed to what is at the core of responsible pet ownership.

His first few days, then weeks and even months were spent with Cole to create a strong bond. In the process, Chris observed how Cole responded during their interactions. Next, Chris decided to reach out to a professional trainer who had worked with deaf dogs in the past for additional support and learning to expand his skills and Cole’s potential.

While Chris may not have known in the beginning where his path with Cole would lead, he recognized Cole had a special secret ingredient … his intrinsic ability to spread love wherever and with whomever he met.

COMMUNICATING

While Chris sometimes uses ASL, it is not always how he communicates, nor does he feel it is essential for adopters of other rescues to learn. Formal training of course can be beneficial, but there are many resources available on the internet and within the rescue community to those who have the heart and are open to making the commitment and dedication to being a pet parent to a deaf dog (or cat for that matter).

Developing a solid TRUST was central to how Chris approached his work with Cole. He recognized that this trust was essential for Cole to gain confidence in a world that could otherwise be quite scary.

Cole’s special qualities were soon apparent, and as an elementary school music teacher, Chris pursued getting Cole formally trained to become a therapy dog and a unique part of his music classroom learning.

Chris tuned into Cole’s natural demeanor and gift to interact and decided to pursue formal therapy dog training with the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog. Their program is dedicated to “training, evaluating and qualifying people and their well-behaved dogs as therapy dog teams”.

A SCHOOL WITH VISION

Not all school teachers introducing the concept of a therapy dog in their classroom are met as favorably as what Chris experienced. Fortunately, despite Cole being a pit bull, his school administration invited the opportunity enthusiastically.

And so, Cole the deaf pit bull soon became an amazing educational addition, teaching kids about inclusion and acceptance with his training, but importantly through his unique and loving spirit. From greeting the kids as they exited the school bus, to traveling the hallways and interacting in the classroom Cole had found his calling as a therapy dog.

Next, Chris formed a foundation that opened more doors for Cole to enter. Their travels now include veteran’s and senior centers where he brings further teaches acceptance and normalizes being “different” or with what others may see as an obstacle. Cole now spreads learning, healing and happiness into the world of young and old alike.

As The Team Cole Project proudly shares “a disability is not an inability, it’s a superpower!”

That is for sure, but it is also clear that with heart, commitment and dedication, rescue dog dads or moms everywhere can nurture the soul of what others may consider “broken” or “imperfect”. Chris demonstrated all of that with Cole, and his journey was just evolving.

And then there were three!

Along the way, Chris has adopted two more amazing deaf dogs into his life. And yes, they have also become part of his larger universe with their OWN unique ways of breaking down barriers!

First Cece was adopted from the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwald, NJ and joined the family. Next came Alice, born with a cleft palate and adopted by Chris from a rescue in Citrus County Florida. Given his previous experience with a deaf dog, the process to get Cece and Alice trained was been expedited compared to his initial training with Cole. After all, any trainer will tell you that it’s the human being trained about approaches and process!

Cece and Alice now share their own time in the classroom. This can present a big decision for Chris on some mornings: who will accompany him school that day? The kids now love and engage with ALL three pups. Follow Cole, Cece and Alice on social media to view them all in action (from FB to Instagram and even Tik Tok).

The children and adults impacted so positively by the work of The Team Cole project is beyond words. Smiles, love, acceptance, and compassion is at the heart of their work.

One (and now three) deaf dogs that some might considered “broken” or “less than” have proven to be quite the opposite.

The list of accomplishments and awards of Cole and the Foundation is almost too long to list. Most recently Cole was honored with the 2023 ASPCA National Dog of the Year Award, he’s appeared on Good Morning America, Racheal Ray and the list goes on. Read all about the efforts and achievements on their website. Not to mention being highlighted on The Dodo!

Here’s an overview of some of their accomplishments:

– The Team Cole Project has volunteered over 500 hours and received the Presidential Silver Service Award.

– Cole quickly became a beloved companion among the residents of the NJ Veterans Memorial Home, who unanimously petitioned for him to be named their Official Mascot.

– In August of 2020 the Team Cole Project did it’s first ever “Kindness Tour”, visiting care facilities throughout New Jersey to bring joy and hope during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Thank you Chris for sharing your adoption story with us, and for being an amazing dog dad! The Team Cole Project has touched so many lives in a positive and inspiring way.

Hopefully, it will also open the doors of more homes for other amazing deaf dogs awaiting their own happy ending.

A bit about South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter where the journey began for Chris and Cole.

This regional shelter has a broad range of responsibilities and services. Here’s how they explain their challenges and goals:

“As a South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, we serve as a refuge for thousands of stray, unwanted, abused, abandoned, and sick animals. Each year our humane education programs. are offered free to schools and community groups, reaching thousands, teaching basic pet care, safety, and the understanding that all living creatures deserve our respect. Each year our clinic provides the general public and thousands of animals access to our low-cost spay and neuter services.”

Ready to open your heart and home to a deaf dog or cat?

If you’d like to consider adopting a deaf rescue, we’ve included some links below and resources to help get you started and provide guidance in the process.

As the name of one of the a rescue organization dedicated to finding homes for deaf dogs states DEAF DOGS ROCK!

You’ll likely find some deaf dogs as you embark your search for new companion at a local shelter or rescue group. Hopefully the inspiration of Chris and Cole may help you be more open-minded about adopting one.

Committing to the process of bonding and developing your own unique relationship will be important, but well worth it. Your deaf dog does not need to become a therapy dog or public figure, but they will surely become your own super hero and companion.!

For any pet in your home, we hope you’ll consider taking our Love, Tag, Chip Challenge to help ensure they will be reunited should you get separated.