Chelsea's story:
When I got Chelsea I had no desire to own a Weimaraner for showing, breeding or to hunt with; I simply wanted another Weim to just "be" with. She is my old gal (currently 14 1/2) who originally was taught with "hand signals" as opposed to American Sign Language signs; she was self trained with what I had learned previously in taking my Weims to classes. Bless her wee heart she's strong willed, now somewhat senile, food driven (imagine that) and still so eager to please. In good weather she'll still walk up to a 7 kilometers a day and like any dog she lives for car rides and of course the opportunity to counter surf. Although she doesn't hunt, she's never been bread , and she's not been shown, she truly encompasses all a Weim has to offer...love and dedication...she is my buddy.
When I got Chelsea I had no desire to own a Weimaraner for showing, breeding or to hunt with; I simply wanted another Weim to just "be" with. She is my old gal (currently 14 1/2) who originally was taught with "hand signals" as opposed to American Sign Language signs; she was self trained with what I had learned previously in taking my Weims to classes. Bless her wee heart she's strong willed, now somewhat senile, food driven (imagine that) and still so eager to please. In good weather she'll still walk up to a 7 kilometers a day and like any dog she lives for car rides and of course the opportunity to counter surf. Although she doesn't hunt, she's never been bread , and she's not been shown, she truly encompasses all a Weim has to offer...love and dedication...she is my buddy.
Pip's Story:
Miss Pipster......Pip is my Deaf rescue gal that came from Michigan Weimeraner Rescue (MWR). For various reasons she's also my challenge, my testament to self strength, my devoted pal and the reminder of how lucky we all are to have such blessings that allow us to spend our lives with them. Pip is about 5 years old and her story is best told by Chris of MWR; and I quote " Michigan Weimaraner Rescue Inc pulled her from Franklin Co Animal Control in Ohio she was found as a stray on a very busy road she was only about 5 or 6 months old. We originally thought she may have been hit by a car because of a persistent head tilt but her neurological exam was normal. After her initial intake evaluation here at my house she was in foster care with Kate and Mary until after her spay and an exam for hearing loss through Mid MI Veterinary Specialist. They felt her hearing deficit was not total but also quite possibly would be degenerative to total loss. The problems are due to congenital abnormalities with the structure of her ear drums. When ready she was transferred into foster with Jean and Glenn where she was able to start working on her obedience training and hunting skills. And the rest is your story..."
Pip did have an unmistakable predominant head tilt for some time which is now gone; and although I am not a medical professional I am convinced it was due to her uncertainty and lack of confidence. She now is a confident agility dog that knows approximately 80+ American Sign Language signs, she rings bells to go outside and has become social which I wasn't sure would ever happen. Throughout the website you will see she is proof that when I say "using signs does work!"
Miss Pipster......Pip is my Deaf rescue gal that came from Michigan Weimeraner Rescue (MWR). For various reasons she's also my challenge, my testament to self strength, my devoted pal and the reminder of how lucky we all are to have such blessings that allow us to spend our lives with them. Pip is about 5 years old and her story is best told by Chris of MWR; and I quote " Michigan Weimaraner Rescue Inc pulled her from Franklin Co Animal Control in Ohio she was found as a stray on a very busy road she was only about 5 or 6 months old. We originally thought she may have been hit by a car because of a persistent head tilt but her neurological exam was normal. After her initial intake evaluation here at my house she was in foster care with Kate and Mary until after her spay and an exam for hearing loss through Mid MI Veterinary Specialist. They felt her hearing deficit was not total but also quite possibly would be degenerative to total loss. The problems are due to congenital abnormalities with the structure of her ear drums. When ready she was transferred into foster with Jean and Glenn where she was able to start working on her obedience training and hunting skills. And the rest is your story..."
Pip did have an unmistakable predominant head tilt for some time which is now gone; and although I am not a medical professional I am convinced it was due to her uncertainty and lack of confidence. She now is a confident agility dog that knows approximately 80+ American Sign Language signs, she rings bells to go outside and has become social which I wasn't sure would ever happen. Throughout the website you will see she is proof that when I say "using signs does work!"
My Story:
My name is Charlene and I am a Certified Sign Language instructor who teaches American Sign Language signs to pre-verbal hearing babies and those with communication barriers. I have also been signing and working in the "Deaf" community in London Ontario since about 2000.
For me using ASL signs with pets began with Pip, as opposed to early mention of Chelsea with whom I used "hand signals", however that was prior to my knowledge and experience with sign language. With Pip and her congenital deafness I felt that I should use ASL so that I could have the ability to give her access to an extensive established language that remains consistent and deserves the recognition of a language in whatever facet it may be used. I am thrilled to say it has worked! It also disproves that old analogy that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" because Chelsea has transitioned over from using hand signals to now knowing the signs used with Pip.
My name is Charlene and I am a Certified Sign Language instructor who teaches American Sign Language signs to pre-verbal hearing babies and those with communication barriers. I have also been signing and working in the "Deaf" community in London Ontario since about 2000.
For me using ASL signs with pets began with Pip, as opposed to early mention of Chelsea with whom I used "hand signals", however that was prior to my knowledge and experience with sign language. With Pip and her congenital deafness I felt that I should use ASL so that I could have the ability to give her access to an extensive established language that remains consistent and deserves the recognition of a language in whatever facet it may be used. I am thrilled to say it has worked! It also disproves that old analogy that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" because Chelsea has transitioned over from using hand signals to now knowing the signs used with Pip.