Friday, October 10, 2008

Daycare October 10th

Where have all the small dogs gone??

Today is one of those days when everything feels a tad bit off. First of all, its completely clouded over downtown, but it has still managed to get very very hot. Second, every small dog in San Diego has decided to take the day off (our lounge is empty) yet we have still managed to remain busy busy busy (the playground is packed!).

As a result of the weirdness, I cant seem to make up my mind about who to blog on (too many wonderful friends to talk about). Therefore, Ive decided (totally randomly) to write an Ode to the deaf canines.

One of the administrators at the Paw is Katie Earle. She is a premiere member of San Diego's deaf dog rescue and specializes in the training of these uniques pups. She is also a proud owner/fosterer of seven dogs, four of which have varying levels of hearing loss.


First is the almighty Drake. Pictured above, he is a dog of humongous proportions (that would be a full grown Dobie that looks dwarfed beside him) but absolutely no hearing. He has been with Katie since puppyhood and has thrived under her guidance. While some believe deafness to breed fear and aggression in dogs, Drake proves them all wrong with his docile nature and his ability to be woken abruptly without a care in the world. He knows a variety of hand signals and LOVES the beach :)

On the opposite end, we have Miss Puppyness, tiny as ever and sleeping soundly in the picture above. She is not only deaf, but also completely blind. Katie rescued her from a shelter that could not support her many special needs and was able to give her the eventful family life she would otherwise be deprived of. Now saved and safe, Miss Puppyness has grown to be a brave and rambunctious (as Doxies often are) young lady who has daily adventures with her many brothers and sisters.

Next is Lily. This minuscule version of a Pit bull is one of Katies fosters. Rescues from out of state often seek out Katies expertise with deaf dogs and Lily's story starts no differently. She joined the clan from Texas and fell quickly for her dog brother Drake. Although, in the pic above, she seems contemplative and introverted, Lily's most common poster is flying through the air trying desperately to latch on the the lip of a Dane (in play, of course). She is always down for some fun, is very energetic, and is a cuddle queen... she is also up for adoption (wink wink).


Last on Katies list is Opie, the most recent entrance into her foster program. As blogged before, Opie came from Illinoise, snatched out of the hands of a breeder that thought deafness should equal death. He is a gorgeous pure white Ibizan hound with freckles on his ears and sweetness in his heart. He is only 3 mos old but has no problem holding his ground with the big guys here at the Paw. I am his personal trainer and, if I must say so myself, he is excellent at coming when signaled, unbelievable at the "Leave it" command, and simply superb at sitting for food and treats.... "Down", however, we're still working on....lol ;) As with Lily, Opie is up for adoption and looking for the perfect home. If you or anyone you know is interested, contact us at 619-233-1DOG.

Moving out of Katies home but still within the realm is Reise, Opie's sister. This picture of perfection, though deaf, is the most outrageous dog I've ever met. I might even go as far as to say she is a complete lunatic! Dont be fooled by the "who..me!?" look she has learned to use in pictures and to her advantage when she has done something wrong. This dog bounces off the walls literally. If you catch a glimpse of the webcams on Tuesday nights, you'll see Reise racing around the room and soaring off the playground steps, pausing only long enough to bite her brother playfully in the ear as she runs by. What a crazy! Good luck Keith (her new dad), you've certainly got your hands full.

Last, but not least, we've got the previously mentioned, put Aphrodite to shame, favorite of daycare, (drum roll please) ...Shaak Ti! Her favorite activities include days at the Paw, walks (ie runs) on the beach, strolls around the neighborhood (only if NOT heeling), protecting her family from the vicious joggers at Coronado, and chasing anything with wings. She is currently doing her thing in basic obedience and is sure to be the best trained on her block in no time. She was adopted out of KT's rescue over a year ago and has been a perfect match with her new family.

So, what should you get out of this blog besides an inside look at a number of white dogs from varying breeds?

DEAF DOGS RULE!

and should therefore never be discriminated against. I love you guys!

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