The RSPCA is teaching a deaf dog sign language in the hopes these skills will help find her a new home.
Five-year-old Polo was rescued by the RSPCA from Bradford, West Yorkshire, in April 2023 after members of the public raised concerns about her welfare.
RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor said: “Polo was being kept chained in a yard on an industrial estate and was suffering from a prolapse which needed immediate veterinary attention.
“When we got her to the vets a quick check revealed she was also pregnant and she gave birth to one puppy in RSPCA care.”
Crossbreed Polo, who has also had her ears cropped before being rescued, was originally cared for by a private boarding centre, on behalf of the RSPCA. Polo and her puppy, Daisy, were then moved to RSPCA’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch*, in Southport, Merseyside.
Both dogs were later signed over into RSPCA care. Daisy has since been rehomed and now RSPCA staff are hoping it’s finally Polo’s turn for a fresh start.
Fostering and Adoption Co-ordinator at RSPCA Southport, Lily Dickinson, said they’re worried people are being put off by her deafness, and that while Polo may have ended up in a less than ideal situation before arriving in RSPCA care, she clearly has been loved and cared for in the past as she has a lovely, friendly character.
Lily said: “Lily is a big girl and she’s had her ears cropped but we don’t want people to be put off by the mutilation she’s sadly had to suffer. We hope that the right owners won’t be deterred by this, or by her deafness, and we really want people to see her for the lovely girl she is.
“We’ve been teaching Polo sign language and she’s picking it up really well. She’s a really quick learner and it’s been lovely working with her as she thoroughly enjoys engaging with training and walks nicely on the lead. We’ve taken her to the nearby town to explore and to some local dog walking spots too.
“We’ve taught her a good recall using hand gestures as well as signs for sit, lie down, drop, and find it. I hope there’s someone out there who can show her the love that she deserves and give her a really wonderful life.”
Polo is missing the tips of her ears which were cropped before she arrived in RSPCA care. Ear cropping is a cruel process where a dogs’ ears are altered or removed, and it is illegal in England and Wales. It can be detrimental to their health, welfare and affect how they socialise with other dogs.
Thankfully, Polo gets on well with other dogs and enjoys going for walks with her doggy pals. She also travels well in the car and likes going on adventures.
Lily added: “Polo is a kind soul; we even use her as our introduction dog for our new arrivals as she’s so laid-back and friendly. She’s also really playful and has lots of love to give.
“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.”
The appeal to find Polo a new home comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted.
Rehoming centres across England and Wales are at near or full capacity, with pets either waiting to be adopted, or being assessed for adoption – leaving countless dogs, cats and other animals still in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.
In response, the RSPCA – which is marking its 200th year – is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre or RSPCA branch rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the spiralling rehoming crisis.
Last year, while the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.
And many animals are staying in its rescue centres for longer while staff try to find them the right homes; like Polo.
The RSPCA hopes its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign will increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.
