Patch Blossoming

This has to be one of the most fulfilling things about being a foster mom. Patch is absolutely thriving. When Patch came to us he had never had the opportunity to interact with other dogs. At first Patch had no idea how to play with other dogs, he tended to stand back and watch the action. Slowly he started to participate.

My son Logan has come home for the weekend after graduating from college. He's grown up around huge dogs and is comfortable getting physical with them. Patch is not a small boy, he weighs 65lbs and is solid muscle.

One evening Logan is playing with Patch in the living room. He's roughhousing, pushing and playing. Patch is having a blast and is romping around with his tail wagging to beat the band and a big smile on his face. All of the sudden he barks! This is a first for Patch, he's never made any noise other than the "screaming monkey" sounds his owner complained about. Patch's bark is almost more like a roar, I don't know who's more excited Patch or us. Patch obviously can't hear himself barking but I believe he can feel the vibrations because he starts bouncing around the living room barking his head off.

This becomes a daily routine for Patch. He has gone from standing back watching the other dogs playing to instigating the mayhem. I don't know if Patch is loud due to his deafness or his size, but boy can he rock the house! I don't have the heart to make him be quiet when he gets going because he's so happy. The other dogs? Not so much....they all tend to flinch once he gets going.

Patch is also learning signs. So far we perfected sit, come and good boy. Responding to the No sign is a hit or miss thing, it depends on his mood. When I started reading about teaching deaf dogs one of the jokes was that soon you start using the good boy (thumbs up) sign to co-workers and kids. Thursday I got stopped by the Highway Patrol. I admit to the officer that I was speeding and I just wasn't paying attention. The officer kindly decided to give me a warning...and I find myself giving him the good boy sign! How embarassing!