Buzz

Buzz (formerly named Freckles) joined our family in April 2008 when he was 4 months old. He had come to CTDR from someone who purchased him at a flea market. His beautiful blue eyes and unusual coloring won over the kind individuals who put him in the good hands of CTDR. Students teach Buzz the sign language for "release" so he will let go of his ball. Shortly after coming into foster care, it was discovered that little Buzz was deaf, as a result being a double dapple. Buzz was a perfect match for our family. I am a deaf education teacher and was already bringing my therapy dog (one of our other dachshunds, named Lumpi) to work in my classroom with my students. As soon as Buzz came into our home, he immediately started coming to school with me as he needed a lot of extra attention. There was an instant connection between my students and little Buzz as he was deaf – just like them. They became assistants in Buzz's training and in teaching him sign language. They also helped select his name. I had purchased a vibrating collar with a soft vibration similar to a vibro-tactile device used with students who are deaf. Because we would "buzz" him to get his attention, he became known as Buzz. Today, Buzz is 15 months old. He responds to about 30 words/phrases in sign language and is on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog himself. He now alternates his visits to school with Lumpi. The deaf adults and students who meet Buzz are always enchanted by him, especially because they can communicate with him. Carolyn Honish