Deaf dog in the care of The Scottish SPCA looking for a new home with owners who can communicate visually (BSL)

A Border collie who is deaf is searching for her forever home after being in the care of The Scottish SPCA since August 2022.

Aurora, named after the Northern lights, is desperately seeking a patient owner to help her navigate her way through life.

The six-year-old has been at the charity’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre for 534 days after living in unsuitable living conditions.

Animal care assistant Lauren Brown said:

“The team in Lanarkshire have been using hand signals in order to communicate with her. We give her a thumbs-up whenever she does something we like to show her she is a good girl and then she is rewarded with a treat.

“When out walking if we need to get her attention we tap her on the hindquarters. She is also very receptive to her handler smiling at her and reacting positively to her behaviour even if she can’t hear them.

“We do verbally praise her regardless of her hearing loss because she can still see it in your energy and facial expressions.”

Due to her deafness, Aurora can be unsure of unfamiliar people and in particular other dogs.

Staff have found that she can become overwhelmed at times, especially in a busy environment where there are too many new faces around her.

Aurora will require an owner who has had experience or willing to research using hand signals and body language as a way of communicating with her. They will need to be patient, understanding and dedicated to help this beautiful girl flourish. A quiet adult only home is what this girl needs.

Lauren continued:

“Aurora is very affectionate and fun loving, and she adores playing with her toys – especially soft teddies. She can be found snuggled up with them in her bed most days.

“Aurora loves getting out with the staff for cuddles, and she is also quite partial to a treat or two.

“However, Aurora can overstep boundaries sometimes when meeting new dogs, but after time she does settle and walks alongside other dogs happily. It is however something that her new owners will need to work on with her when it comes to socialisation.

“When she trusts you, she will love you forever and she gets excited when she sees people that she knows.”

Since Aurora has been at the centre for some time, she has become very attached to her handler, and so her new owner will need to be able to commit to doing several meetings at the centre. This will allow her to feel relaxed and comfortable.

If you or someone you know can offer this shining girl her forever home then please apply via the Scottish SPCA website:https://www.scottishspca.org/rehome-a-pet/16477-aurora

Photography credit: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s animal welfare charity.