Deaf dog learns sign language after rescue
Polo was discovered abandoned at an industrial estate, requiring urgent veterinary attention.
A five-year-old dog rescued by the RSPCA has a new lease of life after learning sign language commands.
Polo, who is a crossbreed, is now able to understand ‘sit’, ‘lie’ and ‘come back’ from hand gestures alone.
She was rescued by RSPCA officers in April 2023 after she was discovered chained up on an industrial estate with cropped ears and suffering from a prolapse.
Polo was rushed to a veterinary centre, where an examination also revealed that she was pregnant. While in RSPCA care, Polo gave birth to one puppy – Daisy.
After receiving veterinary treatment, Polo and her puppy were cared for at a private boarding centre, before being moved to RSPCA’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch. After moving into RSPCA care, Daisy was soon rehomed.
However, Polo is yet to find her permanent home – which the team fear might be due to people’s concerns about her deafness.
Polo was also found to be missing the tips of her ears, which had been cropped. Ear cropping, an illegal act where dogs’ ears are altered or removed, can be detrimental to canine health and welfare.
Lily Dickinson, an RSPCA fostering and adoption co-ordinator, said: “Polo is a big girl and she’s had her ears cropped, but we don’t want people to be put off by the mutilation she’s sadly had to suffer.
“We hope that the right owners won’t be deterred by this, or by her deafness, and we really want people to see her for the lovely girl she is.”
To support Polo’s rehoming, the team at the RSPCA centre have been teaching her sign language so that she can understand commands from hand gestures. She has already developed a good recall, as well as the sign language for sit, lie down, drop and find it.
Polo has been a keen learner during her training sessions and also enjoys spending time with other dogs. She is well-behaved on car rides and likes adventures.
Ms Dickinson added: “Polo is a kind soul; we even use her as our introduction dog for our new arrivals as she’s so laid-back and friendly. She’s also really playful and has lots of love to give.
“She’s a big girl and can be strong, so needs new owners who understand that, as well as adopters who are willing to continue using her sign language and teaching her to respond to hand signals.”
Learn more about adopting Polo here.
Image © RSPCA
Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
