By TARYN PEDLER
A deaf dog in a rescue home is learning sign language in the hope it will help her get a new home.
Polo was rescued in April last year after locals voiced fears about her welfare to the RSPCA.
Her ears had been illegally cropped and she was chained up in a yard on an industrial estate.
The five-year-old had suffered a serious prolapse, needed emergency veterinary treatment and was also pregnant, giving birth to a single puppy while in care.
But when officers removed her they also realised she couldn't hear - and fear it will put off potential new owners.
Polo, a deaf dog whose ears were cropped and was found chained in a yard is learning sign language in a bid to help her be rehomed
Polo, who is a five-year-old crossbreed, is missing the tips of her ears after they were cropped, a process in which dogs' ears are altered or removed, which is illegal in England and Wales
After being found in the horrendous conditions in Bradford, West Yorks, Polo and her puppy, Daisy, were moved to RSPCA's Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch in Southport, Merseyside.
Both dogs were signed over into RSPCA care and while Daisy has been rehomed, Polo is still waiting for her forever home.
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, she clearly has been loved and cared for in the past as she has a friendly character.
Lily said: 'Polo 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.
She is learning sign language in the hope that the new skills will help her to find a home
After being found in the horrendous conditions in Bradford, West Yorks, Polo and her puppy, Daisy, were moved to RSPCA's Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch in Southport, Merseyside
'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 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.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13988363/Deaf-dog-rescue-home-taking-sign-language-lessons-help-try-new-owner.html
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