We had an amazing National Deaf Dogs Rock Day on Saturday September 19, 2020 to officially kick off Deaf Dog Awareness Week this week September 20-26, 2020. Thanks to all of you who shared your beautiful photos from all over the world. We appreciate your love and support!

Every day here at Deaf Dogs Rock is Deaf Dog Awareness Day but this week September 20-26th is Deaf Dog Awareness Week.

Part of bringing awareness to Deaf Dog Awareness Week is sharing with the world how much we all think Deaf Dogs Rock.

2019: Our Deaf Dogs Rock Executive Team from L to R – Deaf heeler Cornell, Deaf boxer Axl Blu, deaf boxer Bud, deaf Boston Terrier Bowie (and hearing Chug Tallulah)

Most people don’t even realize our dogs are deaf because they are so well mannered. Since so many of us with deaf dogs believe they totally ROCK, I would like to share with all of you The Top 10 Reason’s Why Deaf Dogs Rock , and a great collection of comments below from other deaf dog owners.

I always tell people, my Deaf dogs weren’t hard to train they were just a little different to train. Deaf dogs are very focused and tuned into their handlers so training is much easier without sound distractions.

People I meet often feel sorry for my deaf dogs Nitro, Bud and Bowie when they find out they are deaf. In reply to their expressed sympathy, I always say “don’t feel sorry for my deaf dogs because their lives are great and they have no idea they are deaf”.

Photo above from 2018 (before our deaf boxer Nitro passed away) : Our Deaf Dogs Rock Ambassadors (the three white dogs Bud, Bowie and Nitro and the red heeler Cornell are all deaf)

Photo above 2019: From L to R – Deaf dogs Cornell, Axl Blu, Bud, Bowie and hearing dog Tallulah

We adopted 10 year old deaf red heeler Cornell in July 2017 after his person passed away of Cancer.

Bowie adopted in 2015

Christina and Chris Lee – Founders of Deaf Dogs Rock pictured with their four deaf dogs in October 2018 two weeks before our deaf boxer Nitro passed of Lymphoma

Read Nitro’s Legacy by clicking here.

If you are interested in adopting a deaf dog in your area, please check out our Adoptable Deaf Dogs available here on Deaf Dogs Rock.



To celebrate our deaf dogs this week and next week, I would like to share with all of you some of our readers comments as well as some of the words they use to describe their deaf dogs.

Testimonials from our followers on why Deaf Dogs Rock

Click here to view our our Deaf Dogs Rock Family Gallery.

Here are comments from just a few of our deaf dog owners from around the country that totally adore their deaf dogs. I hope that after you read some of their stories and check out our Deaf Dogs Rock Happy Tails section on our website that you will at least consider adopting or fostering a deaf dog in the future.

Now a few words from our “Rockers” as we call them:

Kaitlyn Wayward Kitty Lewis – Perth, Western Australia – My deaf German coolie, Jack, was my first dog after leaving home. I adopted him when he was 4 years old and is the most placid, loving and attentive dog. He trumps all other dogs in every way and I can’t imagine life without him. Lewis He’s my special Jacky boy ♥

Chelley Burton Pratt – Waterloo, IA – What adopting a deaf dog (make that three deafies) has brought to my life is love unconditionally, compassion and just a lot of fun! My three deaf boxers and Maggie (we also have an English Bulldog that hears…but likes to pretend she can’t) all show us love all of the time and compassion when I am having those not-so-great days! I know that there will be four excited kids waiting for me when I get home, licks and kisses all around! I can not imagine why people can’t embrace a deaf dog…mine don’t know they are deaf! They play just as hard as any other dog! Can’t imagine what I would have done without them!

Jyl Hunt – Newburgh, IN – I rescued Oakley from a breeder who was going to have him put to sleep if no one took him. She didn’t want the “hassle”. Oakley is a completely deaf and partially blind Australian Shepherd. I brought him home at 6 weeks old and was instantly in love. I was 20 years old and had no idea how I was going to train a deaf dog. In high school, I had taken a few sign language classes, but I wasn’t sure if they would cross over to the dog world. Only one way to find out. 2 years later, we know almost a dozen tricks. Oakley is my shoulder to cry on when I have a bad day, my walking buddy and my best friend. I have learned more about patience and acceptance in my 2 years with Oakley than some people do in their whole lives. I’ve been able to educate so many people we have met on deaf dogs because of his willing, eager to please attitude. Loving a deaf dog and the bond you form between them is truly something amazing to be part of.

Breanne Leibering – Herndon, VA – I rescued my deaf Boston Terrier, Lola Mae, unaware that she was deaf. She has brought so much love and happiness to my life, I don’t know who I would be without her. She is attentive, loving, and the most people friendly dog in which I have ever come into contact with, much less owned. She loves kids and is known around the neighborhood as being “one of the kids”. People always ask if I would still have adopted her if I had known she was deaf, and my answer is emphatically YES! There are many positive traits to a deaf dog that are more difficult to find in a hearing dog – constant attentiveness, lack of dominance traits, no barking when the doorbell rings….. She’s the BEST and light of my life!

Meghan Fuller Coates – Richmond, VA – my deaf dog is incredible. He and I have an amazing connection and you can tell he really depends on me. He’s always happy, always ready to play or cuddle…. I can’t imagine my life without him.

Lillian Bridgeman – Columbia, SC – Have fostered several deaf dogs over the years.. and adopted one 4 yrs ago. They are more attentive and are so easy to train. Oakley the one I adopted would pay more attn to me than the hearing dogs I had at the time. he was always watching me for cues. Super sweet boy and I still talked to him everyday anyway =)

Tamara Vuleta Turner-Ottke – Burke VA ( near Washington DC) – Mateo is a deaf Boxer /Boston Mix. He has added a new sense of calm and peace to our lives. He looks into our eyes to try to understand what we want. He tries to read our moods by our expressions. He has added a kind of mindfulness and awareness to our lives. He is so much more attuned to us than our hearing dogs. He has been a blessing.

Magz Madden Houston – TX now but originally Lancashire England – Poppy is a deaf mix we rescued aged 2 having lived for 18mths in a shelter,she came with her own baggage,she opened my world and introduced me to Flyball and I now have some amazing friends in two continents who we race and run with, and she is always ready for a cuddle :)

Mary McMillen Cleet – North Port, Fl – I adopted Jack, after I fostered him. He was by far, the best boxer I have ever had. He looked so intently into my eyes, with his big black eyes, at every move I made. He bought to my life so much joy. I was so proud of him. Jack passed in Feb. 2012. I then adopted Ghost, off of FB, she was to be put to sleep the next day. I got her from a shelter in NC. Friends got her out for me, and transported her to Jacksonville, Fl, a 7 hr. trip from me one way. I went to get her, not knowing a thing about her. She fit right into my home. She was HW positive and I had her treated. She never knew hot to play or love. She now does and is my soul mate.

Cassandra Fonseca – Tampa, FL – We adopted our deaf pup, Jasmine, in June 2012 and it was love at first sight. Even though she is deaf, she is very vocal when she is trying to tell us what is on her mind. She is very sweet and loves to give kisses. Jasmine is more than I could ask for.

Kimberly Poole – Fairborn, OH – I adopted a deaf/blind Aussie over two years ago. She has taught me more than I ever taught her…about patience and perservernce, about compassion…but mostly about being happy and content with nothing more than the person you love most being next to you. Take that leap and adopt a special needs pet!

Jennifer Huber – New Orleans, LA – Adopting Ludwig, my deaf pit bull, has been a blessing in many ways, but it has mostly reminded me that our limitations are all in our head. Ludwig has never known he is any different from any other dog. He may speak in sign language instead of verbal commands, but he plays and loves just as hard and unconditionally as my hearing dogs. He has never been limited by his deafness because he doesn’t allow himself to be, and I think there’s a valuable lesson in that.

Renee’ Shellum Kasota – MN – I got my guy from a garage sale (where I was looking for garage sale treasures)…boy did I get one. My deaf guy was sleeping in the foster’s house and came out to say “hi” He had been in 7 foster homes and his time was running out…I spoke to him and the foster Mom told me “he’s deaf…he can’t hear you” I looked into those blue eyes and it was love at first sight..He is great! He loves to talk, and is very sensitive. He is also a clown! I have had him for almost 3 years ago and just said to my neighbor “I don’t know if I ever want to own a hearing dog again…Duke is so awesome!”

Pakuna Spady – Washington, DC – I can never sneak out on my deaf pitbull except when she’s asleep and then she’s out like a stone until I wake her up!

John Johnny Gunz Cascone – Clifton, NJ – I adopted my deaf pit bull from long island and she has taught me that dogs don’t understand the word “disability” they are dogs that can do anything a hearing dog can do. She barks, warns me when she sees someone outside the house, plays with her hearing brother just fine. She’s just another dog!

Kimberly Ahrenstorff – Sioux Falls, SD – I got Hero from a pet store here. I went to the store to get certain treats they carry for my Australian Shepherd and seen a listing for 2 Australian shepherd pups for sale. I inquired about them. They had the 2 there kenneled. I took one look at the male and fell in love. He cuddled against me right away. As if to say your mine. I did go back to the store that day and pick him up. I got him for free due to his deafness and they wanted him to have a good home. He is a wonderful pup. He is learning sign language easy and he is fully potty trained now. I have had him for 4 weeks now. A training specialist told me Hero is the most calm, confident deaf dog he has ever worked with. He also told me he would make the best therapy dog. He is 4 months old now. Him and my 18 months old grandson are best buds. And this was a child who hated dogs and was scared of them and would scream when they came near him. Hero changed that around and he likes dogs now. Thanks Hero!!!!!!

Rebecca Jasmin Perth, Western Australia – I have two black cats, one senior cat, one former stray who is very timid, and bull mastiff x dog, as well as a Staffy x foster we hope to adopt.

Tonya Huntsman – Gahanna OH – Price Sheena was a rescued dog with a number of issues. It took us almost two years to realize she wasn’t ignoring us when we called her. She’s deaf. She reads off the other two dogs cues (both of them can hear) as well as off of visual cues from us, but she misses anything she can’t see or smell or feel. In spite of being deaf, Sheena’s a great dog and we are in the process of teaching her ASL commands. She really does pay attention and can learn just as well as our hearing dogs.

Lauren Booth Wohleb – Whitney, TX – I adopted Jayla almost a year ago at 8 weeks old and I knew she was my Angel at first sight, first we have the same birthday :) and second she acted so much like my Bruiser who was my first Dane and he had recently passed over the Rainbow Bridge, it was scary how much she acted like him and since she has been a blessing! She is funny and loving and I can vacuum without scaring her it can thunder and she doesn’t care, the kids can run screaming through the house an it doesn’t phase her, and most importantly we are so connected that it’s unimaginable how much this dog knows me!!

Danielle Black – Montgomery, AL – I own three rescues, two are deaf. My very first deafie and I connect on a special level. I have Cystic Fibrosis and he’s deaf. We both have disabilities but you’d never know that just by looking at us. We’re both happy, loving creatures. Everywhere we go, people comment on how sweet and beautiful my dogs are, but no one knows the struggles they’ve all overcame. If you’re looking for a new pet, adopt a rescue. They definitely deserve it and have so much love to give!

Christine Carr – San Clemente, CA – I started off being Beluga’s foster mom. We got her at 8wks old. Some lady had bought her from someone selling puppies in front of a grocery store for $25. When she discovered she was deaf she didn’t want her any more…. She called our rescue and they posted on our site if anyone was willing to foster her. I’ve never had a deafy but was totally drawn to her. So with some reluctance my hubby agreed to us fostering her. We bought a ASL book and have not looked back! She’s like a little sponge and is always so eager to learn, play or please us. So needless to say we adopted her and she’s 8 months old now! I’m a foster failure and proud of it!! Beluga has brought more love and joy and laughter into our home, I feel blessed to have her. She is quite a character!♥

Angela ‘Gambino’ Wilson – Southgate, MI – I already had two golden retrievers and was not planning on getting another dog. The breeder we got one of our goldens said she had a deaf puppy in need of a home. After a lot of thought & worry if we could handle it we picked little Kooper up. I have MS and Kooper & I have seemed to have bonded. Kooper is so smart. Possibly the easiest dog I have ever trained. Its me that needed to learn. Next month Kooper will be 1 year old. He has brought so much happiness & taught me so much. I will always adopt special needs or ‘different ‘ animals now. Kooper had showed me that I need him as much as he needs me:)

Stormie Lea Rogers – Fife, WA – We adopted Diesel almost two years ago. Two years ago I didn’t know what a true friend was. I didn’t know the power that a dog’s love had. I’ve never had a dog be so in tune to me. My heart grew so much bigger when we adopted our deaf great Dane. I now know what loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love are all about. Yes, he’s deaf. Don’t tell him that though. He doesn’t know the difference because we don’t treat him any different. ♡

Jan Holley – Portland, OR – Moo is our third deaf dal.He turned one year old yesterday.He’s always happy and minds so well when we use sign language.He’s a little comedian and loves to play hide and seek with his husky sister,Stardust.Our pack wouldn’t be the same without him!

Gayle Beckhart – Wasilla, AK – Koshie is my first deaf dog. Her owners didn’t want to keep her and were going to put her to sleep. My husband was very skeptical because #1 she’s deaf and #2 she a bull breed. Koshie had him wrapped around her paw within the week. She’s her daddy’s girl. She LOVES her people and is wicked smart. I’ve learned to have much more patience and to be very creative in training techniques which has certainly helped with all my hearing dogs. She won’t be the last deaf dog in my life. She’s just a wacky goofball that has ornaments for ears.

Photo above: Just a few of the deaf dogs who have been adopted off our website DeafDogsRock.com

Katie McGreevy Rannou – Atlanta, GA – Merlin is our first deaf dog, but our third special needs dog. He is an amazing dog: lovable, cuddly, smart, loyal, and sweet. Most people don’t even realize (and we sometimes forget!) that he is deaf because he is so well-behaved and “normal” (I’m quoting from what most people tell us). He could convince ANYONE to take a chance on a deaf dog, because he is just THAT wonderful!

KJ Holbrook – Marion, VA – We adopted our first deafie and fell in love so much we adopted 3 more later. They are so wonderful and quirky. To think they are considered “throwaways” is amazing. Too smart and alert for their own good and actually ‘listen’ better than our hearing dogs.

Paula Satin-Shein – Columbia, MD – My deaf French Bulldog has taught me patience. I have learned to embrace her differences, and try to teach her sign commands. I adopted her from the Washington, DC shelter, where they were afraid she would be used as a bait dog for fighters, since she wouldn’t bark in the other room since she couldn’t hear the noise. I also have an FIV+ cat. I knew it when I adopted him, and had no problem with it. I was told he would probably live about 5 years, and he is 11.5 now and going strong! Having a deaf dog and a special needs cat makes things a bit challenging, but I wouldn’t give either of them up for the world!

Bonnie Webb – Monterey, CA – My “deafie” has taught me that it is just as challenging to train a deaf dog as it is to teach a hearing dog. Neither know the human language so either way (proper) dog training will teach them hand signals anyways. My deafie is more “in tune” of my body language than a hearing dog. Also they can make excellent apartment dogs as they don’t bark at every noise! :)

Stephanie Clements – Alvarado, TX – I have a deaf English Bull Terrier, Meeshka, that adores me almost as much as I adore her. When she wakes up in the morning, she gives me a sleepy grin that is just full of love before she gets revved up for morning run outside.

Karen Schuppert – Napa, CA – We adopted our deaf angel from a family whose other dog kept attacking him. He just didn’t ‘hear’ the warning signs. Bodhi has since been the light of our lives. Training him has been so peaceful. He is the sweetest, happiest dog we have ever had and even won first prize in obedience class…over 12 other hearing dogs! He is also a champ at Frisbee, by watching his blue Merle sister. We will always have a deaf dog in our home.

Sydney Feddersen – Sumter, SC – I have a deaf Great Dane named Madison. She is my heart dog. I got her when she was only six weeks old and she has been my shadow ever sinc. Madison will be ten years young in October and that is old for a Dane. She has different sounding barks(or woofs as I call them) for what she wants. She makes me laugh, keeps me warm at night in the winter,is a great cuddler, always there, and loves ,eunconditionally :+)

Dawn Crigger Hodge – Wytheville, VA – I have a deaf Great Dane…I have loved all my dogs don’t get me wrong but the connection that I have with my Dane is almost like that of having a child. I have known the love of animals and given it in return but the love and connection with a deafie, there is NOTHING that compares.