Last updated: 28 Oct, 2020
Published on: 29 Jul, 2015
Tracey and deaf dog Dex rescued each other
We’re totally stoked to see deaf pup Dex, from Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue, is doing awesomely in his new forever home. Dex’s mum Tracey found him on the PetRescue website and instantly fell for the serial killer name, the oversized ears and the quirky face.
“I fostered Dex, intending to adopt him. We bonded instantly, and he helped pull me out of a dark time in my life” says Tracey (aka. Squeak Cousens). “The Black Dog of depression had been biting me particularly hard until Dexter entered my life. He's my ‘White Dog’ - perfect the antidote to my mental health issues - and I love him dearly. I've even chosen my first house based on the yard's suitability for Dexter!
Born deaf, Dex’s enormous ears are completely superfluous! This poor guy had been hand-balled around several homes, none of which really knew how to control a deaf dog. As a result, he’d developed a few issues which have now drastically improved thanks to Tracey’s amazing work and utter dedication.
“His separation anxiety was second to none, which made him super-clingy to start with. He would bark like mad whenever he couldn't see me, or if he was put outside.
“I took him to markets on weekends to give him some exposure. I’d tie him up and walk away, at first for only a few meters and a few seconds, but gradually we built up. Now, I can go into shops and he won't bark or freak out.
“He also had food aggression, and we overcame this by feeding him one handful at a time and making him wait in between. I gradually increased the waiting times until he knew that the food would always be there.
“And now his obedience is fantastic! He knows numerous hand signals. He has signs for coming into the house or out the front door, and he won't do either without the signal. Generally, Dex is a very well behaved dog who loves to please.
“At times, he can be like a bull in a china shop. He’s an absolute crack up. There’s never a dull moment with Dex around! He's a gorgeous boy - one of a kind - and it’s been worth all the effort it took to rehabilitate him.”
There are plenty more homeless pets with special needs looking for a forever home on the PetRescue website today. If you have the time and love to give them the care they deserve, the rewards for your kindness can be extraordinary.