We have always known Donna and Mac Adams of Richmond, Virginia were special when we met them a few years back around the time they were adopting their 4th deaf dog from Gwinnett County Georgia named Opal. Their deaf dog numbers have increased in the last year with the addition of deaf dog Mortimer to bring their deaf dog total up to five. Both deaf dogs Opal and Mortimer were listed up for adoption under our adoptable deaf dog section on DeafDogsRock.com.
This week Mac Adams and his “Adams 5 Pack” have gone viral starting with an interview on FB, and then a local article in the Richmond Times Dispatch and now an on camera interview on WTVR TV in Richmond. It was so much fun watching everyone share Mac and the Adams Five Pack’s photo. What a great picture of a police officer in full uniform with his five deaf bullies. Now this photo and story has received over 14,000 shares on Facebook! We here at Deaf Dogs Rock are so proud of him (and his amazing wife Donna and their five deaf dogs). We are also fortunate to have Mac Adams serve on our Deaf Dogs Rock Board of Directors for 2014. Rock on Mac and the Five Pack, rock on! ~ Christina Lee – Deaf Dogs Rock
Now from WTVR.com Photo of Richmond officer and deaf dogs goes viral
You may have seen this picture on your Facebook page, it’s been shared more than 14,000 times. The picture is of Richmond Police Major Crimes Detective, Mac Adams and his five dogs, all of which are deaf.
The photo of Adams was taken as part of a project called “RPD Loves Animals” intended to showcase some Richmond officers and how having different animals in their lives “makes them better people and subsequently better officers.” Well, the reception Adams’ photo received was pawsitively amazing–record breaking even.
On Thursday, the department’s Facebook page posted that, “Within a week of its posting, this photo of Detective Adams became THE most liked, commented, shared and viewed post in the Richmond Police Department’s five-year Facebook history.”
It turns out the same gene that gives these dogs their white coat can cause deafness shortly after they’re born. Adams said there are 56 breeds of dog that are prone to deafness because the color white is in their standard; including the Dalmatian, the American Pit Bull Terrier and even the Boxer.
“Deaf dogs don’t know they’re supposed to hear,” Adams said. “Once you figure out a way to communicate with them you’re good to go.”
They use sign language, and to get their attention, touch them or stomp on the floor. Adams said deaf dogs are more likely to go un-adopted or even get euthanized”
“They’re very intelligent, very smart dogs and taking the auditory stimulation out of their daily lives makes them better dogs,” Detective Adams said.
Adams, who has been with Richmond Police for 26 years, got involved with the rescue of deaf dogs once he adopted Pickles from Richmond Animal Care and Control in November 2010. He said they then adopted four more over the past three years. Their names are Pickles, Nea, Piglet, Opal and Mortimer.
Adams says since his dog picture has gone viral he’s been named a board member of the “Deaf Dogs Rocks” nonprofit organization.
Be sure to check out the rest of the story on WTVR and watch Mac’s interview!
Read the entire story here on WTVR.com
