A local rescue centre was looking for families to adopt dogs in need. Due to the COVID pandemic, all of the centre's adoption events had been cancelled.
So, Carolyn and her husband John decided to offer their help by fostering.
Becoming a foster family
At the rescue centre, they met Zephyr, a young dog with beautiful, light blue eyes. The poor dog had been saved just days before he was due to be put to sleep, after living on the streets of Texas. At first, Carolyn didn't feel a particular connection with him.
But just seconds before the couple left the centre, Zephyr did something that changed everything. He climbed onto her lap and gave her a piercing look, as if he was crying out for help... For Carolyn, that look was a sign: she knew Zephyr was "THE" dog they had to foster.
A dog judged too quickly
While filling out the paperwork, Carolyn happened to spot a note on his file: Zephyr had already been adopted and then returned to the centre because his previous owners found that he "didn't listen to anything".
Two days after he arrived at their home, the couple realised his previous family had been completely mistaken. Zephyr wasn't ignoring them: he simply couldn't hear a thing. Veterinary check-ups soon confirmed that he is completely deaf.
A new life
Carolyn and John decided to teach Zephyr American Sign Language (ASL), introducing a new sign every ten days. Today, Zephyr understands about thirty signs, including "daddy", "walkies", and "car".
Zephyr has become a particularly attentive dog, constantly watching his owners' hands, facial expressions, and movements. Far from being a difficult dog, he has proven to be extremely intelligent, affectionate, and deeply attached to his family. Carolyn hopes his story will change the way people see deaf dogs, and so do we!