School Kids Enlist Deaf Shelter Dog to Star in Christmas Show: 'Inspiring'

A deaf therapy dog took center stage during an elementary school's Christmas show and, in doing so, sent an important and heartfelt message.

Cole has been a part of Chris Hannah's life ever since the teacher first came across the dog's profile on the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter's website back in April 2017. Hannah noticed the dog was labeled "special needs."

"I quickly discovered that this 5-month-old pit bull puppy was not gaining interest from potential adopters because he was born deaf," Hannah told Newsweek. "His deafness was exactly why I wanted to adopt him as I have a nephew who was also born hard of hearing. I knew the connection was going to be immediate and, just a week later, Cole became a member of our family."

The American Kennel Club estimates that, between 5 and 10 percent of dogs in the United States suffer from deafness, either in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). However, it's a condition that dogs are more than capable of living with, and these canines remain very trainable.

It didn't take long for Hannah to realize Cole was a very special dog. "Having a deaf dog is an extremely rewarding experience if you open your heart and realize their potential," he said. "Deaf dogs can be trained with very simple hand-signal commands. However, we took it to a different level by using actual American Sign Language. The bond that Cole and I created throughout the lengthy training process has made us inseparable. I loved every single moment of learning together."

Cole has been a certified and registered therapy dog for over five years now and, earlier this year, began working alongside Hannah, who is a music teacher at Dr. William Mennies School in New Jersey.

"Being a music teacher, and teaching the entire school population of over 500 kids, it is advantageous that Cole works in the music room," Hannah said. "I am able to reach the entire student body on a daily basis and teach the children our message that a disability is not an inability."

That's how Cole wound up featuring in the school's annual Christmas show. "The students unanimously decided, during his first school year as a therapy dog, that Cole absolutely must be part of the show," Hannah said. "The amazing part to watch is how this deaf shelter dog is inspiring children to give their best effort to impress their furry best friend."

Hannah shared footage of Cole's role in the performance to TikTok under the handle @deafcole. The deaf canine showed off an impressive range that saw him play a Christmas gift, an elf and one of Santa's reindeer with some aplomb.

Who knows? This could be the start of a burgeoning acting career. "Cole has a very 'go with the flow' kind of temperament and gladly participates in the silly shenanigans that come with working in an elementary school," Hannah said. "I think he would make a fantastic actor, especially in a role of professional napper."

While Hollywood may or may not be calling, Hannah is just happy to see his best friend living his very best life and sending a powerful message in the process.

"Watching him on stage, not leaving the children's side, is actually very emotional to watch, even when living it every day for the last five years," Hannah said. "To see the mutual love between him and the students is remarkable. But even more beautiful is to witness hundreds of students grasping onto the mission that Cole stands for which is celebrating our differences through inclusion and acceptance."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.