Our friend Cole the Deaf Dog has been named the ASPCA "Dog of the Year"! Cole is a Therapy Dog working at Dr. William Mennies School in Vineland, New Jersey. Chris Hannah, a music teacher and Cole's owner, has shared Cole's gift for many years.
"Cole can't hear with his ears, but he can hear with his heart," Hannah details. "It's such an honor for a dog that was born with a disability and is now a full-time school therapy dog, amongst so many other jobs. It's just a dream come true; it really is."
Cole and Hannah are able to communicate via sign language. Cole teaches children and adults alike to accept people who may be different than them. He is also known for helping to provide a calming environment for students.
"Just 45 minutes ago, we were doing a school assembly, and the loud noises were really bothering a little girl and she came over, and she was crying," Hannah said. "Cole got off the spot he was sitting on and went and just laid across her lap."
Cole was adopted seven years ago, and Cole now has two sisters being trained to be Therapy Dogs as well!
See some of our previous stories about Cole below!
