PA Media
Polo was found chained in an industrial area
A deaf dog whose ears were cut off and was found chained in a backyard is being trained to recognize sign language to help it find a new home.
The mixed breed named Polo is missing the tips of his ears cropped which is illegal in England and Wales.
The five-year-old is now learning sign language at the RSPCA rescue center in Southport, Merseyside, in the hope that it will help her find a home.
Polo has already learned to recall, to lie down, to sit down and to drop the ball. A pregnant female dog was found tied up on an industrial estate in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in April last year.
Lily Dickinson, the center’s foster care and adoption co-ordinator, said: “Her ears were cut off but we don’t want people to be put off by the mutilation she sadly suffered.
“We hope that this, or her deafness, will not deter suitable owners. We really want people to see her as the lovely girl that she is.”
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The mixed breed learns to respond to hand gestures
Mrs Dickinson added: “We taught her to remember well, using hand gestures as well as signs for sit, down, drop and find.
“I hope there is someone who can show her the love she deserves and give her a truly wonderful life.
“Polo is a kind soul; we even use her as an introduction dog for our new arrivals as she is very laid back and friendly. She is also very funny and has a lot of love to give.
“She’s a big girl and she can be strong, so she needs new owners who understand that, as well as adopters who are willing to continue using her sign language and teaching her to respond to hand signals.”
Polo’s puppy, Daisy, has already found a new home.
The RSPCA said it was facing a rehoming crisis in England and Wales after figures from last year showed 42% more animals were rehomed than were adopted.
