A deaf rescue dog who learnt sign language from RSPCA staff after losing his hearing from an ear infection needs a new home. Can you help?
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rocco, who is nearly eight, arrived at the charity's Llys Nini Animal Centre in Wales back in early 2020 following concerns for his welfare. Underweight and partially deaf at the time, Rocco was soon given new loving owners, but sadly one of them died in July last year, meaning he was placed back in care.
Described as an "extremely friendly, lovable dog who will make an excellent companion," Rocco has since spent time learning sign language after losing his hearing altogether — and he's become very good at it.
"We were incredibly sad when we found out what had happened and poor Rocco then came back into our care. As a result of an ear infection, he's now completely deaf, so we've spent the last few months teaching him special sign language which he's really taken to," Sally Humphries, kennel team leader at Llys Nini, says.
"He reads our hand signals and body language as a way of telling what we're asking for. For example, thumbs up means 'good boy'. Most dogs are more in tune with our body language than our constant chitter chatter so it’s not that tricky for a deaf dog to learn; it's all about consistency and making sure you choose a simple sign for each behaviour that you are trying to teach, so it's as clear as possible for them to understand.
"Rocco is a wonderful example of just how resilient animals can be and proof that you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks."
If you want to give Rocco a second chance, the RSPCA explain he would ideally suit someone who is either retired or works from home as he can show signs of separation anxiety. It's also worth knowing he could possibly live with children aged seven above and would need to have a secure garden.
Want to give Rocco a loving new home? To find about more about how you can adopt him, head over to the RSPCA's website.
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Quilted Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Shearling Dog Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Thermal Self-Heating Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Sleeveless Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Microfibre Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
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