Nitro the dog was found on the side of a river and taken to a shelter. Christina and her husband, Chris, who happened to already own three dogs, received a call from a friend about the deaf puppy. The couple didn’t have any experience caring for a deaf dog. Christina left the decision about whether to adopt Nitro up to her husband and was surprised when he said: “I think we should go for it!”
According to Christina, Nitro was “detached” upon his arrival at his new home. She thought that perhaps the couple was “in over their heads.” They Googled how to care for a deaf dog, only to discover very little helpful information.
Instead of causing the couple to give up, this lack of guidance inspired Christina and Chris to take matters into their own hands by successfully teaching sign language to Nitro. They were also compelled to start a non-profit organization called Deaf Dogs Rock. Knowing that deaf dogs were being placed in shelters all over the United States and being put to sleep, they financially sponsored the transfer of 350 deaf dogs from kill shelters to special needs rescues. Over 3,000 adoptions have occurred since Christina and Chris have started their organization!
The couple has since expanded their own family as the result of their heroic efforts. After agreeing to foster three deaf dogs named Bud, Cornell, and Bowie, they became permanent fixtures in Christina and Chris’s lives.
The couple’s message is a very simple one: deaf dogs are worth it.
You’re beautiful — THANK YOU for loving, respecting, taking care of these sweet dogs — THANK YOU for sharing with the world your great success taking these dogs in. — Good job!
respeto por la vida si somos seres humanos debemos respetar también a los animales que fueron creados por Dios al igual que nosotros
I can understand why they kept him, he is so darn cute. People need to understand there’s nothing wrong with owning an animal that’s deaf, blind, has only 3 legs or whatever is wrong with them. They are just as loveable, and grateful to have a family as a dog without problems. Handicapped and shelter dogs both make great pets.
Bravo!!! Thank you!
Tenemos [email protected] que respetar a los animales no sólo en China sino en todo el mundo debemos terminar con la crueldad pues es el derecho a la vida inherente a toda criatura no sólo a los humanos.
“Tenemos [email protected] que respetar a los animales no sólo en China sino en todo el mundo debemos terminar con la crueldad pues es el derecho a la vida inherente a toda criatura no sólo a los humanos.”
(translation)
We must all respect all animals everywhere not only in China but all over the world. We must end with the cruelty for it’s every living creatures inherent right not just that of humans.
I agree 1000%!
What amazing work. Bless you all! 🙂
God bless this family for giving deaf dogs a chance at a happy life. And teaching them sign language is a miracle. Wonderful story in times where we hear of so many awful stories about animal mistreatment, neglect and torture. This was refreshing. Thank you.
You guys rock!!!!! What a beautiful thing you have done for this adorable dog. He now has a loving home.
That you to Chris and Christina. Dogs are killed for having the same issues that people have but of course it would never be acceptable to kill people for them. I have met deaf dogs and yes, they just need different communication skills-like people! What a wonderful thing they are doing for deaf dogs. I feel the same as Karen. I spend hours signing petitions and reading of abuse and murder of animals and it is always such relief to find people doing good things for the animals.
How fantastic to read this article. I’ve been going through my e-mails from PETA, Ladyfreethinker, Change.com, etc with all the terrible things people do to animals, then to get this and see that there are good times for animals. Thank you,
What an awesome couple! It makes up a little for all the monsters out there.
How awesome! Kudos to you for caring and taking the time. . . I know this lil guy is so happy to have a loving home! Bless you!!
WHAT AN ADMIRABLE COUPLE…
I think you guys are amazing. All those dogs look so happy. My own dog was blind but between us, we managed. Had our own ‘language’. I miss him dreadfully. Keep up the good work.
What a great story!! It’s so nice to see a positive ending for such a wonderful dog. Hearing loss doesn’t change the dog’s need for love. Thank you both for sharing this heartwarming video. More people should use your story for inspiration in their own lives in order to save so many more dogs and cats from unnecessary euthanasia.
lovely people for showing care and compassion a beautiful little dog that will reward you with loyalty and love
Christina and Chris you two are my hero’s. You are super people and I thank you for doing so much to help animals especially deaf dogs.
I want to wish you and your ever growing wonderful (doggie) family only the very best!!!
Thank you!
AMAZING, THANK OU SO MUCH FOR THGE WONDERFUL WORK THAT YOU DO….ALL SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS “ARE WORTH IT”
Very Happy for Nitro. Thank you !
Animals are very clever, and love and devotion is all that’s required x
GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL RESCUERS OF INNOCENT HELPLESS Defenseless ANIMALS DOGS AND CATS ARE PETS AND PART OF HUMANS LIFE AND ACCEPTED AS FAMILY Members THEY ARE LOYALISTS PETS and Loving TO There FAMILY members AND devoted to there OWNER NO MATTER WHAT THIS PETS ARE LOYALISTS AND FAITHFUL HUMANS COMPANIONS AND LOVING unconditionally FOREVER AND BEST HUMANS COMPANIONS AND loyalty PETS.
Amazing story. Bless you for what you did and continue to do.
I love to hear these stories of folks who catch the ball and run with it. They didn’t just adopt a deaf dog, they started an organization to help more deaf dogs. God bless ’em.
Awww poor little dog I’m so glad these people took this dog and taught him sign language you guys saved this dogs life how amazing is this this dog is so adorable aww I’m so happy it has a home with family who will take good care of it thank you so much for saving this dog there needs to be more people like you guys who care so deeply about animals thank you for saving this dog you guys should get an award or something not very many good people out there good job guys ??????
Thankyou for everything you do. I rescued a special needs blind piuppy. They are amazing and very resilient and smart and give so much love.. They deserve a life just like e a normal dog. .They are very special .
You guys are amazing, thank you so much xxxxxxx
You guys rock! Thank you for what you did/are doing. It does the heart and soul good in reading about these stories.
Thank u very much for what you did
These people rock I think what they have done for these animals is great. I’m glad to have read this story and to know there is such loving people in this world Thank You To Christina and Chris and all the others out there that do such good things for these animals.
That’s very cool and it shows two things one that this couple has a big heart and two that dogs are very smart and can learn anything. Thank you for the great work you’re doing with the organization you guys started. Thanks again.
You guys are just totally amazing!! Hugs to you both and the dogs!
What truly beautiful human beings, so much love and acceptance.
I had a three legged deaf cat . My son and I did not know he was deaf for a few months until he took no notice of us when we made a noise. He was loved as much as the other two, after all there was n0thing wrong with him not really.
Thanku Chris and Christina. ????
Just have to say, that blue eye with the black spot around it is very striking !!
Blessings to this wonderful family!
I know teaching animals takes a lot of patience and love. I’m proud others love animals like I do.
Wow!!! Your an amazing couple. Keep up your awesome efforts for these beautiful dogs. They need a chance to live and be loved. A total inspiration you are to all the best care givers and the best teachers the BEST mum & dad. ❤️
Thank you for loving these special need animals who are often overlooked at shelters. I’m sure you’ll inspire others to give them the love and home they so deserve.
Blessings for you extensive kindness and love!! How fortunate these pups are to have crossed your paths!!
Thank you on their behalf
God bless you!! Would love to see,a video of the signibg dog tbough!
CARLA Kooij
All animals are worth it. Thank you God for everyone that protects and loves animals. This is a beautiful organization that assists deaf dogs. Praying for the animals and the people who help them.
The reason so many deaf and blind dogs are euthanized is because they don’t receive the proper training. It makes me happy to see people helping these dogs out so they can have live normal lives.