Staff at an animal adoption centre in Hertfordshire are teaching a deaf Jack Russell terrier to respond to sign language in a bid to find him a new home.

Buster, a profoundly deaf Jack Russell Terrier cross, is only two years old but has already had at least four different owners in his short life. Now staff at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton Bottom are teaching him to communicate, something he needs to be able to do if he is to be successfully rehomed.

Response
Centre manager Lynda Campbell said: "We have begun teaching Buster to respond to basic sign language commands such as 'sit' and 'stay', and giving him the thumbs up when he's been good, as he needs to start learning some form of communication if he is to be successfully rehomed this time round."

He will have a very special relationship with his new owner because they will have a communication that each will understand that will make Buster feel more secure.

Ryan Neile - Blue Cross animal behaviour assistant

And she added: "It's such a pity he's being overlooked because he's deaf. And he doesn't look directly at people's faces when they meet him because he can't hear them speak; instead he looks at their hands because they move."

Exceptional person
Blue Cross animal behaviour assistant Ryan Neile has also been brought in to help Buster communicate with people. He said:

"We're looking for an exceptional person who has lots of time to give Buster and be able to sympathise with his deafness. He is a loveable dog but this does not necesssarily show through when you meet him because of his current environment in kennels. With the right owner and right home he will blossom into a loving pet."

He added: "He will have a very special relationship with his new owner because they will have a communication that each will understand that will make Buster feel more secure."

Those interested in rehoming Buster should contact The Blue Cross Centre on 01438 832232 or 01438 833645 or visit the centre at Kimpton Bottom, near Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 8EU.