It's Deaf Dog Awareness Week and we're happy to bring you an interview with Melissa McDaniel, an avid deaf-dog advocate and blogger, as well as photographer for The Photo Book Projects, a stunning series of soon-to-be-published books calling attention to deaf and rescue dogs. (Don't miss the great giveaway at the end of this post!)
What is the purpose of The Photo Book Projects?
I wanted to do something to raise awareness and money for deaf-dog advocacy [and rescue] groups and to show these dogs for the beautiful animals that they are. In many respects, deaf dogs are just like hearing dogs. [My deaf dog] Sadie has a great life. She has no idea she's deaf and if she does, she doesn't let it hold her back. Humans could learn a lot from deaf dogs.
What inspired you to create the books?
My dog Sadie is a deaf Border Collie mix that I adopted. Her mother was deaf and she passed this trait along to the puppies. After getting Sadie, I learned all about the issues deaf dogs face, including the horrible statistic that thousands of deaf dogs are put to sleep each year simply because they are deaf.
Why do you think deaf dogs are singled out?
There are many myths circulating about deaf dogs, including that they are untrainable, dumb, stubborn and aggressive, and these just aren't true. Many of the dogs appearing in the books are better-trained than most hearing dogs I know and some are even therapy dogs and/or compete in agility.
Are all the photographed dogs rescues?
Yes, all deafies are rescues. Breeders can't sell them since they are "damaged." Some in the book have come from shelters. Some have come from rescues. Some have come from breeders who let them go for free because they wanted to get them a home rather than put them down, and some were saved from breeders who were going to put them down.
What's the story of Keller (pictured)?
Keller came from a no-kill shelter in Alabama. She spent most of her life [there] before finding her forever home.
She's very cute. Is she representative of other deaf dogs?
Isn't she adorable? I love that dog. She is a typical deaf rescue in that she most likely was abused. The owners don't know the dogs are deaf -- they think the reason the dogs aren't responding to them is because the dogs are stupid or stubborn. This, unfortunately, often leads to their being abused.
Have you encountered anything unexpected since starting the books?
I think my biggest surprise was to find out what wonderful dogs pit bulls and pit mixes can be. In fact every one that I met was just so sweet and so eager to please. They don't deserve what is happening to them. It's tragic. I really want to get this message out.
You mentioned you want to raise money for rescues. How?
I will be giving 30% of the book price to various rescues and shelters across America. Most are small rescues and shelters that rely almost solely on volunteer and donor support. I want to support them the most and any low-cost spay/neuter program that's out there. Currently, I'm raising money through pre-orders of the book with a 15% limited-time discount.
What's your most memorable story from photographing pets thus far?
All of the dogs and all of the people I've been meeting have just been so wonderful and memorable in their own way. However, I guess the time Milo, a deaf all-white American Bulldog, decided he needed a drink while I was photographing him in the park. [He] ran in what was essentially a mud bog to do it.
Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
Yes, I visited many shelters while I was on my road trips and all of them had the same story: The economy is causing donations to decrease and the numbers of dogs in shelters to increase. They really need help. If you could donate money, supplies or your time to help care for all these extra animals, I'm sure the shelters and rescues would greatly appreciate it.
Do you have a rescued pet? Melissa plans to give one lucky reader a free professional photography session of your pet. All you have to do is comment on any Petfinder blog post between Sept. 23 and Oct. 23, 2009 with "#photobook" at the end of your comment. Please be sure to include a valid e-mail address when you post your comment (it will not be seen by the public). One comment per e-mail per day will be counted, so comment often!
The Melissa McDaniel giveaway is open to individuals living in the continental United States. Please note that the selected rescue pet will not appear in The Photo Book Projects but will receive a one-hour session in their home town with Melissa McDaniel to take place between Oct. 23rd, 2009 and January 1st, 2010. The selected commenter will receive two 5"x5" and two 8"x8" photo prints of their pet. At the end of the specified time, a commenter will be selected by www.random.org.
You might also like:
Member Spotlight: Special attention for pets with special needs
Living with a deaf (and blind) dog: Keller's amazing story
Living with a deaf dog: An update on Alan
Staff Happy Tail: A friend for Sophie
Visit Melissa McDaniel on Facebook and Twitter:
The Photo Book Fan Page
Melissa's twitter account
Yes, all deafies are rescues. Breeders can't sell them since they are "damaged." Some in the book have come from shelters. Some have come from rescues. Some have come from breeders who let them go for free because they wanted to get them a home rather than put them down, and some were saved from breeders who were going to put them down.
What's the story of Keller (pictured)?
Keller came from a no-kill shelter in Alabama. She spent most of her life [there] before finding her forever home.
She's very cute. Is she representative of other deaf dogs?
Isn't she adorable? I love that dog. She is a typical deaf rescue in that she most likely was abused. The owners don't know the dogs are deaf -- they think the reason the dogs aren't responding to them is because the dogs are stupid or stubborn. This, unfortunately, often leads to their being abused.
Have you encountered anything unexpected since starting the books?
I think my biggest surprise was to find out what wonderful dogs pit bulls and pit mixes can be. In fact every one that I met was just so sweet and so eager to please. They don't deserve what is happening to them. It's tragic. I really want to get this message out.
You mentioned you want to raise money for rescues. How?
I will be giving 30% of the book price to various rescues and shelters across America. Most are small rescues and shelters that rely almost solely on volunteer and donor support. I want to support them the most and any low-cost spay/neuter program that's out there. Currently, I'm raising money through pre-orders of the book with a 15% limited-time discount.
What's your most memorable story from photographing pets thus far?
All of the dogs and all of the people I've been meeting have just been so wonderful and memorable in their own way. However, I guess the time Milo, a deaf all-white American Bulldog, decided he needed a drink while I was photographing him in the park. [He] ran in what was essentially a mud bog to do it.
Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
Yes, I visited many shelters while I was on my road trips and all of them had the same story: The economy is causing donations to decrease and the numbers of dogs in shelters to increase. They really need help. If you could donate money, supplies or your time to help care for all these extra animals, I'm sure the shelters and rescues would greatly appreciate it.
Do you have a rescued pet? Melissa plans to give one lucky reader a free professional photography session of your pet. All you have to do is comment on any Petfinder blog post between Sept. 23 and Oct. 23, 2009 with "#photobook" at the end of your comment. Please be sure to include a valid e-mail address when you post your comment (it will not be seen by the public). One comment per e-mail per day will be counted, so comment often!
The Melissa McDaniel giveaway is open to individuals living in the continental United States. Please note that the selected rescue pet will not appear in The Photo Book Projects but will receive a one-hour session in their home town with Melissa McDaniel to take place between Oct. 23rd, 2009 and January 1st, 2010. The selected commenter will receive two 5"x5" and two 8"x8" photo prints of their pet. At the end of the specified time, a commenter will be selected by www.random.org.
You might also like:
Member Spotlight: Special attention for pets with special needs
Living with a deaf (and blind) dog: Keller's amazing story
Living with a deaf dog: An update on Alan
Staff Happy Tail: A friend for Sophie
Visit Melissa McDaniel on Facebook and Twitter:
The Photo Book Fan Page
Melissa's twitter account
I am a the "dogtographer" for Happy Endings Dog Rescue in Hewitt, TX. I saw your contest listed a couple of weeks ago on Petfinder and it peaked my interest... we do have one deaf pit bull here named Chip and he is great! He is big and beautiful... you almost wouldn't notice he was deaf at all! Then today we got in an 8 week old puppy named Sugar, female, who is deaf and blind! All I could think about was "how to enter your contest!" She is so cute and curious and typical puppy.... but there are so many things her caregivers need to know! She is in good hands here.... (no thanks to me, I'm just a photographer) but it makes me want to learn more about how to properly care for a special needs dog or cat. #photobook
I have 2 male boston terriors and they are both deaf and they are as smart as any dog that can here all it takes is a little extra effort and love
When Melissa came to Tallahassee, FL in 2008, I took my Catahoula, Sadie, to be photographed. Melissa did a wonderful job with Sadie and got some remarkable shots. Unfortunately, I lost Sadie to cancer last June. I now have another Catahoula that I found through Petfinder in Georgia. I am taking her this month when Melissa comes back to Tallahassee to have her pictures done. Melissa did such a great job with Sadie that I can't wait to see how Lada's pictures come out.
I have 2 pit bulls, one is a rescue, and am considering a 3rd - little deaf white girl who just came in to the local shelter - we'll see how long she's there, but I'm already in love! Thanks for all the work you do to bring awareness to these dogs Melissa!
I LOVE what you are doing, Melissa!!! Please keep up the good work. You rock! #photobook
Melissa! You seriously rock! I LOVE what you are doing with this book and I hope everyone is going to get a copy of it! "#photobook"
I've seen Melissa's work on her web site and it's just amazing! Aside from the great technical quality of her photography, she seems to really capture the true spirit of her canine subjects.
#photobook
I think this project is awesome. I can't wait to order books for my family for Christmas - we are all huge dogs lovers.
#photobook
I rescued two deaf dalmatians. Well, actually one adopted us before we knew it. They are lovely dogs and very smart. Our female was trained in doggy sign and since we know ASL, we changed her. So I guess that would make her tri-lingual. My male was so carefree and loving. Such a gentleman. Would not go through a doorway until the people did. Unfortunately my male passed over a year ago and is still missed. Our female was a puppy mill, chained up to her doghouse. She had three litters by the time she was 18 months. Poor baby.
It was the best adoption a family could want. Thanks to the rescue group we were glad to expand our family, even if we had originally gone for one dog we were glad for two.. "#photobook"
@c- That's a great idea. Thank you for suggesting it! We will definitely keep it in mind for the next giveaway we collaborate on.
It'd be kinda nice if those outside of the 48 states could
sponsor a "48 state" dog (from the Petfinder happy tails lists?) for a
photo shoot. Prints could be shared between the winner and
the adopting family.
What a wonderful thing you're doing. I'm currently a volunteer for Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League and am fostering an 8 month old deaf and blind great dane. When Kobe first came to me, he had never lived inside. His owner kept him outside with his brother Diesel. Kobe had infections in both eyes. He actually had entropion. Once in rescue, Kobe had surgery on both eyes, where we found out that he only had one fully developed eye. Kobe is the sweetest thing every. He is an amazing puppy. He is doing wonderful with touch training. He knows sit, down, no and good boy. "#photobook"
I am owend by a 8 month Boston Terrier/Collie/Great Pyrnee mix. I know... what a mix. I found her as a stray. I took her home in hopes of looking for her family with no luck. I planned on taking her to the local shelter where i volunteer at, but when i discovered that she was deaf i could not follow through. I know very few people would want to adopt a deaf dog still in puppy mode. they would not give her the attention she needs for her condition, so i kept her. I love her so much.
#photobook
What a wonderful prize -- Melisa's photos are incredible, and I'd love to have ones of my two Danes, Ethel and Napoleon. I volunteer with the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (www.magdrl.org) and we get deaf Danes turned in all the time. They are sweet, beautiful dogs who just need a little love, patience and training. It's incredible to see how well they adapt. Thanks for doing this! #photobook
my little girl mona was adopted from the humane society almost 10 years ago and is the best friend i could ever ask for. i can also attest to the adaptability of animals with special needs- my last cat, miss kitty, spent the last 5 years of her life blind, but navigated the house with perfect ease. it may have been longer than five years as i didn't find out about her blindness until i took her to the vet after she became disoriented after a scare, and had trouble jumping into her favorite chair- what i thought was a mobility issue was actually a sight issue!
#photobook
Congratulations on your project! What an awesome idea!
I am owned and trained by six Italian greyhounds. Two of them are deaf and know quite a few "signs". Two are straight out of puppy mills, an almost fifteen year old and eight year old females. The fifteen year old is loosing her hearing and her eyesight but neither stop her from enjoying life.
Thanks for getting the word out about how amazing a deaf dog can be! Dogs are very visual and can learn that form of communication very easily. I hope your book saves a lot of dog's lives! You are amazing! "#photobook"
I saw your book project from a link on petfinder and I'm glad I did. What your doing is so inspiring and wonderful. Deaf dogs need love too. I never personally owned a deaf dog but my family and I do adopt dogs from rescue groups. We just adopted a new 5 yr doberman pincher and he is the most loving and goofy dog I ever seen. But deaf dogs are the same way they just need a chance and your getting that message out there. Keep up the great work that you do. #photobook
I love this. My husband and I work with a pit bull rescue and take in rescues from owner release and shelters. We haven't gotten any deaf dogs during the four years we've been doing this. The funny thing is that we always look for special needs dogs to foster and rescue - I guess I need a project. I think a deaf dog would be a wonderful challenge and very rewarding.
As my fellow foster mom put it - "Missing leg? That's my dog."; "Tumor? That's my dog." "Behavior Issues? That's my dog." "Ugly? That's my dog." :-) We take the ones no one else wants, I had no idea that deaf dogs were usually put down. Good to know next time I look for the little green special needs heart on petfinder...
Two of our three dogs are rescues and one of those is deaf. We'd love to win the photo shoot!!! #photobook
I have 2 rescue deaf dogs, Hushpuppy, an 8 year old Australian Shepherd and Neo, a border collie/Great Pyr mix, 11 years old. They are wonderful dogs, don't know what I'd do without them. Deaf cats also make wonderful pets. Please pass this information to everyone you know! Melissa is wonderful, so grateful to her for all she has done for deaf dogs. #photobook.
Love the article and the deaf dog work! What a dream!! Keep up the amazing work! #photobook
We rescued our little Pom mix, Milo, two years ago. We had no idea he was deaf, but he is. Completely. We use hand signs with him and sometimes when he gets tired of "listening" to us, he simply turns his back to us and stares at the wall! We ADORE him!!
See Milo at my Facebook page (Lisa Williamson, Utah)
What an awesome thing you are doing!!! What a bunch of great dogs too. I have three rescues. They are the loves of my life(along with my three two legged kids of course!) :o)
The first time I met Annie, I knew she was an incredibly special dog. I had been fostering for several months, having worked with a very enthusiastic GSD mix puppy and a completely unsocialized beagle/Bassett hound, and when I was approached with fostering Annie, I was dubious. She was diabetic, had incontinence issues, and required some intense care around the clock. She was in rescue because after a year long placement with an elderly woman, her mom was diagnosed with cancer and was no longer able to take care of Annie. Annie was moved to Paws Inn the Woods, an amazing shelter rescue group in Northeastern Ohio where she is currently boarded. When I was told of her story, my heart was touched, but I asked myself, "Am I ready to take on this challenge?" However, when I arrived to meet her, I was greeted by the sweetest, most loving face I have ever seen. Annie is a 9 year old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and her beautiful red and white fur curls with a spunky spirit that mirrors who she is inside. She sits with an unbreakable trust when I have to stick her with needles, she does her very best to wait to go potty until I can get her outside, and she asks so little while giving so much. I discovered Annie was deaf when she was napping in her favorite spot (under the computer desk) and I was vaccuming. I forgot that Annie was under the desk and ran the vaccum about an inch from her nose. She never stirred. I had thought before that she was maybe headstrong, not responding when I called her, or that she just was uninterested when the mailman came on the porch. Because Annie is extremely food-motivated due to her diabetes, we have found ways to train her that are hand-signal based rather than sound based. Annie inspires me every day to be a kinder and more patient person. If there is a deaf dog in the world who deserves recognition, I can think of no better candidate than my little red and white princess. I am hoping that if Annie is selected as the winner of this contest, these photos will help her to find her new forever home that she deserves so very much. #photobook
thank you for doing this. you're amazing. all of these comments are so inspiring, to boot. thank you! thank you! thank you!
#photobook
Keller is beautiful! This is a great way to help out the shelters. We have two dogs, a 2yo Pit Bull and a 1yo rescue mutt " ) I think Pit Bulls have the most expressive faces. #photobook
I would like to win the photoshoot #photobook
What a great subject! I have been reading a lot about deaf dogs, Great Danes in particular I am amazed at what they can do, with the right training and handling. "#photobook"
I volunteer at the local shelter and we occasionally have a deaf dog come through here - I think I need to buy your book just so I can show it to potential adopters so they won't be so reluctant to go for the deaf ones! #photobook
I have a rescued double dapple Dachshund who is deaf AND blind. He was found as a stray which is still amazing to us! He is the most amazing, smart dog. He has no fear and loves everyone. When he met a cat for the first time his first instinct was to give it lots of kisses. We installed a doggy door and he figured out how to go in & out in no time! I was very nervous about having a "handicapped" dog but there is nothing handicapped about our Rocky! "#photobook"
I took a quick look through the photos that are in the book. They are absolutely beautiful! I love how the photographer captured the spirit of the dogs, especially the deaf dogs. I'm definitely buying this book when it comes out, and the next dog we rescue, I'm going to look for a deaf one! #photobook
I recently coordinated a transport of a deaf dog from Los Angeles to just outside of Indianapolis. He is now with the Humane Society for Hamilton County receiving specialized training so he learns how to communicate with people and how to understand what people are trying to ask of him. He was written off by the shelter in CA but he has proven to be a sweet, funny, smart, and beautiful dog who has touched so many lives for the better. I can't understand writing a dog off simply because he can't hear. They let you know they love you regardless. #photobook
Congratulations on your book, Melissa. It is interesting that a lot of dogs that have deafness as a trait are often dogs that are typically abandoned at shelters for other reasons as well- boxers, dalmatians, bully breeds.- and most of their problems are fixable with training and a little work. And so many pretty snow-white (and sometimes muddy) coats!
Great job all around.
Great interview! Melissa, what you do is a wonderful thing. I'm so happy to have met you at our EFCNNY session in Manhattan. We rescued a 5 1/2 year old Westie about a month ago. He is not deaf but he is as delightful as some of the ones you mention above and brings us tremendous joy every day. He came with eye, ear and skin infections and with a little love and care all were cleared up in a few weeks. Rescue animals have so much love to give and I applaud all efforts to raise awareness of their existence and wonderful work these organizations do. #photobook
Melissa's photographs are so beautiful--I'm so impressed with the work she's doing. Thanks for featuring her on your blog! #photobook
Although I have never had a deaf dog, i have adopted several rescue dogs with other health issues and know Melissa is doing a wonderful thing promoting the adoption of dogs that are in real need of a loving home. I say to all of you, keep up the wonderful work! #photobook
I rescued Keller while I was in flight school in Alabama. I am happy to say that we are now living happily in Maine, and she is loving the new change in scenery. Even people who are wary of dogs have fallen in love with her, not bad for a pit mix huh? I think Melissa is doing a great thing and I am happy that me and Keller could be a part of it! I hope everyone reading this will buy a copy of the book to raise some money for the shelters! #photobook
I've had bullies for the past 28 years, some rescued - now my elder girl is partially deaf at 11 1/2 yrs old - sure doesn't slow her down! My young boy came from Colorado Pit Bull Rescue, thanks to BSL in Denver - the only positive about that law! Keep up with the beautiful photography Melissa! #photobook
Thanks for this enlightening article. I would now consider adopting a deaf dog once I'm ready for another rescue dog. "#photobook"
Kimberly- Thank you for your wonderful comment on our blog today! I also hope you're interested in Melissa's great giveaway (above). To qualify, simply comment on the Petfinder Blog with "#photobook" after your comment. All the rules, etc, are on the Deaf Dog Awareness Week post above.
wow ur awesome....that why my friend bring this absiuve dog to me and told me it was deaf I already had two dogs cant have more than 2 but i was willing to keep him but unforunelty not know how to teach him...he is very sacry but right now he is very very happy here with me and two dogs...His name is sam he is deaf . Friend said if I did not want then friend works at human seoctiy will have to PUT him sleep because he is deaf that s not fair. wow i read ur your story really inpirised me wow...thanks for posted !
Me and my boyfriend own a deaf sheltie since he was 8 weeks old
Cooper is gorgeous, great personality, and more character than most humans have. He is also very well trained.
If we could take in more shelties we would.
I have a 10 month old deaf Catahoula, Zeke, who is also blind. I try not to say this in front of my other pups, but Zeke is the BEST dog. Sure I want to throttle him when he's barking nonstop while I'm in the shower and can't correct him :) but he is the most happy-go-lucky dog you will ever meet and loves giving kisses and getting rubbed. He picks things up so quickly and continues to surprise me each day. We go to the dog park and, unless they are told, most people don't realize he is handicapped with the way he runs around all crazy and plays with other dogs. I would absolutely get another deaf dog. It's challenging sometimes but the love they have for you totally makes up for any hard times. #photobook
Greetings :-)
I'm the proud Doggie Mommy of two 10 month old Pit Bull puppies who I first met when they were a mere 8 weeks old. They came from a no kill shelter here in Texas. After having just lost our 14 year old shih-tzu only a few days prior, my husband and I could'nt have been more excited. We took the two babies home and began to learn about them. Sadly overnight that night the puppies got seriously ill from what we now know was parvo virus. We were absolutely devastated since we already felt very connected to the pups. We brought them back to the shelter to discover that the entire litter was sick as well. At the suggestion of the shelter we signed them back over for treatment. They stayed there for a week and luckily were nursed back to good health!!! They were fighters!!!
Today, Winston and Sasha are happy , healthy and hilarious!! Winston does suffer from environmental allergies and is on immunotherapy and was also recently diagnosed with demodex (demodicosis) which we are treating and the doc says we have an 89 percent chance to cure. Through it all Winston remains a very outgoing and happy puppy!! I truly do believe that humans certainly can learn a lot from dogs :-)
I love what Melissa McDaniel is doing. #photobook
I have been contemplating adopting a deaf dog that I have found at a shelter. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to communicate with this dog effectively, but I've fallen in love with him, and want to rescue him. Reading this article has given me the encouragement that I would be able to overcome any obstacles involved with his deafness.
#photobook
Hello, I have great admiration for those special people that have & do adopt deaf pets. I had a rottie for many years and as she got older she became deaf. She seemed to adjust well to hand signals & could feel the vibrations of your feet stomping on the floor. I love all dogs, cats animals in general I don't care what their handicap might be. We all have some....../.
I am the proud parent :) of a 7 year old deaf dalmatian. Her name is Orion. SHe came into my life when she was 12 weeks old. I have been nothing but amazed with her since day one! Oh she was definately a challenge, that is for sure! but she always makes my heart smile. She has the best personality amongst all her allergies and ear infections and other issues we have had. She always come back smiling! yes, she is a smiler :) Orion has such a kind soul. I rescued her from a breeder that did not know what to do with a deaf puppy and wanted her to go to a knowledgeable and stable home. She is a go with the flow dog and has been a perfect role model for our 1 year old miniature dalmatian, Harper. I have enjoyed learning about and training her. She pays attention so differently since she can not hear. It is amazing how they can adapt to anything. Gotta love em. "#photobook"