When Christopher decided to adopt his first rescue dog, he was met with skepticism. A man questioned his choice, asking why he would want a “broken” dog. But what that man didn’t realize was that this deaf puppy wasn’t broken—he was special.
Christopher felt an instant connection with the pup, as his own nephew was born deaf. He saw not a limitation, but an opportunity for love, understanding, and companionship.
What began as a simple adoption quickly turned into a life-changing journey—not just for Christopher, but for everyone around him. This incredible puppy proved that disabilities don’t define worth, and with patience, love, and the right home, every dog—no matter their challenges—can thrive.
Christopher’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the ones we rescue end up rescuing us right back.

This connection sparked a fire within Christopher and changed his entire mindset. He realized that the puppy, Cole, had a unique way with humans. This inspired him to pursue therapy dog training for Cole, with the goal of changing the way people think about differences.
Cole’s deafness turned out to be a profound advantage in his role as a therapy dog. He can focus 100% on any given moment, without being distracted by noise. When Cole needs a nap, there’s no stopping him, which is another advantage of his unique condition.

Five days a week, Cole works as a full-time therapy dog in an elementary school. In addition to his school duties, he visits hospice patients a couple of days a week and serves as a mascot at a local veterans home. Cole also participates in traveling school programs, where he helps teach about acceptance and disability awareness.

Christopher and Cole have been working together as a team for six years, and every day, they share moments with children, students, and hospice patients that remind them why they are doing this. It’s a humbling experience, and it’s amazing how a little deaf shelter puppy can bring so much joy to people of all ages.