Older and disabled dogs sometimes have a tougher time being adopted from shelters.
Rosie, a deaf pit bull, had to wait a little longer for her perfect owner to find her at a Humane Society shelter in Nebraska.
While she was waiting, three-year-old Rosie learned a little sign language. She mastered commands for “sit” and “stay,” and learned the thumbs-up sign for “good girl.” Shelter volunteers say the communication through signs brought out Rosie’s personality.
“It was just amazing to watch her just blossom into a dog. I don’t think she knew how to be a dog,” said shelter volunteer Tracie Pfeifle.
The woman who adopted Rosie is also deaf.
Cindy Koch says she always wanted a deaf dog. She’s going to teach Rosie more sign language.
“She’s a smart dog,” Koch said. “She can pick up fast.”
