Deaf dog 'learning sign language' to find new home

A deaf dog that found itself in an animal shelter after its owner died has begun responding to sign language, according to an animal charity.

Six-year-old Reggie arrived at the RSPCA's Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch in the autumn and has been described as "sweet-natured" and "clever".

Staff at the centre said Reggie had since picked up gestures and body language "like a pro" and now knew several signals such as paw, sit plus drop and wait.

They said despite numerous appeals, the crossbreed, who they believe was born deaf, had received "limited rehoming interest".

Animal centre manager Claire Kendall said she was hopeful someone would be able to devote time to Reggie's training and offer him "an amazing life".

"Reggie reads our hand signals and body language as a way of telling what we're asking him for," she said.

"He's a wonderful example of just how resilient animals can be."

Staff said Reggie would make an "excellent" companion who enjoyed sitting on laps for cuddles, watching TV and rearranging the sofa bed into a pile and curling up on it.

The ideal home would be an only-pet household in a quieter area away from traffic and crowds.

Anyone interested in adopting Reggie would have to be willing to visit the centre several times to build up a bond, the centre said.

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