The RSPCA is teaching a deaf dog named Polo sign language, hoping these new skills will help her find a forever home.

Polo, a five-year-old crossbreed, was rescued from an industrial estate in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in April 2023, after concerns were raised by members of the public.

When Polo was found, she was in poor health, suffering from a prolapse that required immediate veterinary attention. Upon further examination, it was discovered that she was also pregnant. While in the care of the RSPCA, she gave birth to a single puppy.

RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor said: “Polo was being kept chained in a yard and needed urgent medical help. After getting her to the vets, we realised she was also pregnant, and she gave birth to one puppy in RSPCA care.”

Polo’s Journey: From Rescue to Rehabilitation

After her rescue, Polo was initially cared for at a private boarding facility. She and her puppy, Daisy, were then moved to the RSPCA’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch in Southport, Merseyside. Both dogs were later officially signed over to the charity.

Daisy has since been successfully rehomed, and now the team at the Southport branch are focused on finding Polo her forever home. However, staff are concerned that Polo’s deafness and the fact that her ears were cropped might deter potential adopters.

Lily Dickinson, the Fostering and Adoption Co-ordinator at the Southport branch, hopes that Polo’s unique needs won’t put people off from considering her. She emphasised that despite Polo’s difficult past, she is a loving, friendly dog who deserves a second chance.

Teaching Polo Sign Language

To help overcome any challenges related to Polo’s deafness, staff at the RSPCA have been teaching her sign language. Polo has been learning hand signals for commands such as sit, lie down, and find it. She has also mastered recall using hand gestures.

Lily Dickinson shared how well Polo has responded to training: “We’ve been teaching Polo sign language and she’s picking it up really well. She’s a quick learner and loves engaging with training. She enjoys walks and exploring new places, and we’ve even taken her to local dog-walking spots and into town.”

Polo’s strong bond with her trainers and her positive attitude towards learning have been key to her progress. Staff are hopeful that her new skills will make her more appealing to potential adopters who might otherwise be hesitant to take on a deaf dog.

A Big Heart and a Playful Spirit

Polo’s cropped ears, a result of a cruel and illegal practice, do not stop her from being a loving and social dog. In fact, she has been used as an “introduction dog” at the RSPCA, helping to socialise new arrivals due to her calm and friendly nature. Despite her size, Polo is described as playful and full of affection, and she enjoys spending time with her doggy friends.

Although Polo is strong and requires owners who can manage her strength, the RSPCA is looking for adopters who are willing to continue her sign language training. Lily added, “She’s a big girl and can be strong, so 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 also loves going on adventures, travels well in the car, and is always up for a walk with her doggy pals.

Facing a National Rehoming Crisis

The appeal to find Polo a new home comes as the RSPCA is experiencing a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. In 2023, the charity reported that 42% more animals arrived at their shelters than were adopted. This increase has put added pressure on already stretched resources, and Polo’s story is one of many where animals are in need of loving homes.

Polo’s future now rests on finding someone who can look past her deafness and cropped ears, and see her for the affectionate, intelligent dog she is. The RSPCA is hopeful that Polo’s sign language training will help her connect with the right owner who can continue to provide the care and attention she needs.

For more information on Polo and how to adopt her, potential adopters can contact the RSPCA’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch.