In December 2025, we saw that shelters all over the country are over crowded with dogs and cats. Unfortunately from these over crowded shelters, we are seeing more and more deaf and deaf/blind dogs and puppies who need rescue and need rescue sponsorship funding. Many of our rescue partners are currently on intake hold because they are all so overwhelmed with so many requests to take in deaf and deaf/blind dogs. The core mission of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Dog/Puppy Rescue sponsorship program is to set up each deaf dog or puppy for success by networking and sponsoring them into a experienced special needs rescues where they can go into a experienced deaf dog foster homes. The foster homes are committed to training and socializing each deaf dog that comes into their care before they are available for adoption. This way, each foster advocate gets the opportunity to live with the deaf pup for awhile, work with the deaf dog, and accurately evaluate each deaf dog/puppy to make sure the organization makes the very best match for each deaf dog when it comes to finding the right home for that particular deaf dog. We donate to our partner rescues to ensure each deaf dog is fully vetted before they go to a new home (spayed/neutered). We have seen many deaf dogs go on to become valued therapy partners.

It takes a thoughtful and giving tribe of animal lovers to support Deaf Dogs Rock to continue to carry out our mission of helping one deaf shelter dog at a time. Deaf Dogs Rock spends between $2500 and $4000.00 each month on Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Dog/Puppy Rescue sponsorships.  If you would like to help sponsor a deaf dog out of a kill shelter into the safe arms of rescue, please click here to Donate.

If you would like to donate in honor of a person, your deaf dog or in memory of one of your pets, you can send us a photo for our Honor/Memory Wall and donate here.

****We would like to thank the Lisa and Scott Shirley for awarding a generous year end grant to Deaf Dogs Rock so we can continue to help the most vulnerable shelter dogs.

****Thank you to Kim and Mary Jane Hinds for their generous year end grant from the Hinds Family Charitable Fund and their continued support of DDR.

***We would also like to thank Angelique Guinn, Dana Lopez Carlessi, Andrea Cohen, Tracy Blue, Eric Roell, Bethany H. and all of you who participated in Giving Tuesday and Year End giving to help us continue to help the most vulnerable deaf and deaf/blind dogs in this country make it into rescue.

Every single day on our Deaf Dogs Rock FB page you will see us put up Rescue plea posts and offer of rescue sponsorship funding for each deaf dog in need hoping to find rescues who can take the deaf and deaf/blind pups. We share deaf and deaf/blind dogs that are currently be held in shelters across the country trying to get deaf dogs out of over crowded shelters before they are euthanized to make space for more intakes. Sometimes a deaf dog who is surrendered only has a day or two for the opportunity to be pulled by a reputable foster based rescue. For this reason you will see our organization Deaf Dogs Rock offer $250-$300 (urgent medical can go up to $400 to $500) rescue sponsorship on almost every rescue plea we post up on our Deaf Dogs Rock FB page. By offering a rescue sponsorship we encourage rescues to help a deaf dog in need. Without the financial sponsorship offers to help with each deaf dog’s vetting expenses, many of the deaf shelter dogs would parish and surely die within a few days.

Deaf Dogs Rock works directly with shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, private individuals, and breeders to help get each deaf puppy into our Rocker Dog/Puppy Rescue sponsorship program and into rescue. By doing so, each deaf pup gets the individual training, vetting, socialization, and TLC to grow up to become a cherished member of society. Deaf Dogs Rock is a judgement free zone and our number one priority will always be to help deaf and deaf/visually impaired dogs and puppies get a fresh start and a chance at a great life.

When our rescue partners screen potential new homes for a deaf dog/puppy, each rescue has a specific set of guidelines to follow when considering a new home for example; like checking all references, talking to the applicant’s veterinarian, and performing a thorough home visit to make sure each home is a safe place for a deaf or deaf/blind dog. This is why our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Dog/Puppy Rescue Sponsorship program is so important to get the deaf dog out of the shelter (or from an individual) and help our partner rescues set up each deaf pup for a successful happy life in their new home. We do this by helping each rescue with vetting expenses so each puppy ends up in a rescue that specifically advocates for them and fully vets each special needs pup. Our Rocker Dog/Puppy Rescue sponsorship program financially sponsors deaf dogs/puppies so each pup can be vaccinated and spay/neutered before they are adopted to a new family. We only work with rescue partners and advocacy organizations who are committed in making sure each deaf pup is spay/neutered before being placed in a new home (unless they are Great Danes or Dalmatians which need to done after 12 months of age). We also offer each rescue courtesy adoption listings to be posted on our national website at Deaf Dogs Rock by targeting experienced deaf dog homes looking to add a new deaf dog to their families.

Our amazing Deaf Dogs Rock community sponsored another 14 deaf dogs/pups into rescue in December, 2025 which is a huge accomplishment in a struggling economy.  This year in 2025, our Deaf Dogs Rock community has helped to sponsor another 140 of the most vulnerable deaf pups/dogs into rescue since.  So far since the beginning of our Rocker Dog/Puppy Program several years ago, Deaf Dogs Rock has sponsored 1818 deaf dogs into rescue (as of 12/31/25).

Below is our December 2025 Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship recaps….

 

 

 

Zo and Mini – Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue – DMV/WV 

When we first saw a photo of sweet 16 year old deaf double dapple Dachshund Zo, we knew we had to sponsor her! Our friends at Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue took Zo in and she is now safely in foster care.

Here is what our friends at Miri’s has to say about Zo’s story: This 16-year-old double dapple Doxie princess has arrived to Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue and to say I am obsessed is an understatement. What a gorgeous deaf senior queen.
This girl was intercepted from the intake lobby at the shelter, her owner suffered a stroke and didn’t feel they were able to give her proper care anymore so they brought her to the shelter and told them that because of her age, they understand if she needs to be euthanized, but they’d like to surrender her, and thankfully, the stars aligned and we met her in the lobby and was able to take her instead of spending a moment in a shelter kennel. Thank you Jo-Annie!
She has always been deaf and recently her sight is declining. Zoe is also losing some weight but she gets around well, eats like a champ, and she is happy to try out any of the dog beds I offer.  
She came with medical records and has previously had a dental, and although she has no teeth now she has two very large oral nasal fistulas that will need to be repaired and are probably causing significant discomfort.  
She is great w the other dogs and although head shy, enjoys affection from humans.
Welcome to Miri’s Haven sweet Zo. 

Zo is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue with some of her vetting expenses.

 

Mini 

Our hearts sank when we saw Mini’s urgent plea on Facebook and we knew we had to help.

From her rescue Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue.

Mini arrived to us skin and bones, soaked in urine, teeth the color of oversteeped tea, and so hungry she searches for food like it’s her full-time job. Yet she is gentle, cooperative and loving. She is still trying.
And now we have an even bigger problem.
We rushed Mini back to the vet this morning for the second day in a row. Yesterday’s exam and x-rays revealed her rectum to her colon is packed full of feces and dilated. She is completely backed up ~ and this isn’t normal constipation.
It’s severe. It’s painful. And it’s dangerous.
Then came something even more concerning ~ Her esophagus is enlarged ~ a condition called megaesophagus. Paired with the severe constipation, vets are now concerned about a possible motility disorder, like myasthenia gravis.
We can’t even get clear imaging yet because her entire system is so full. So today she’s back for round two of fluids, trying to get things moving so we can see what’s truly going on and give her the care she absolutely deserves.

With all her issues it is almost impossible to know if she has any hear or not but for now we will assume she has some hearing loss for her age but no matter what we knew we had to help her so sweet Mini is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rescue Sponsorship fund to help Miri’s with some of her vetting to get her started on recovery.

 

Bing – Speak Rescue and Sanctuary – Deaf puppy found near highway 

From our friends at Speak Rescue and Sanctuary – MO –

This sweet deaf puppy Bing was found during the recent stretch of awful weather. Living on a busy highway without a fence, the finder knew they would not be able to keep him safe long-term. They reached out to us for help and thanks to the kindness of a foster opening their home and a volunteer willing to drive the distance, our newest Speakling is now safe and sound.

It’s heartbreaking to see how many pups are born without hearing and/or vision due to careless breeding and then, so many of them are dumped to fend for themselves. Yet in the face of that heartbreak, we are grateful to be able to step in, provide safety, and surround them with love and care until they find their furever homes.

From Christina of Deaf Dogs Rock: Bing is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help Speak Rescue and Sanctuary with the pup’s upcoming medical expenses.

***Thank you to Kim and Glenn Frank for donating to Deaf Dogs Rock in December because of their support we were able to sponsor Bing’s rescue sponsorship into Speak Rescue and Sanctuary to go towards his vetting expenses.

 

Margaret’s Saving Grace Bully Rescue – Ivory 

 

 

From Margaret’s Saving Grace Bully Rescue – Even though she’s young, her little body tells us she’s been through things no baby should ever have to navigate. Urine stains on her lower half. A painful sore on her backside. A smell no young dog should carry. Her story didn’t start with us — and wherever those chapters were written, what matters most is that now… she is safe.
And yet…She still trusts.  She still kisses. She still leans in. She still believes we are here to love her.
Tonight, her entire world changed — and she doesn’t even know it yet. To the Southern transport team, thank you for safely delivering this precious girl into our hands.
To our MSGBR core team, thank you for never flinching when the call comes.
And Jen — thank you for meeting us in the middle of the night to help get Ivory the rest of the way home.

From Deaf Dogs Rock: When we saw Ivory’s rescue unfolding in real time we knew we had to help her. Ivory is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help MSGBR with her upcoming vetting expenses.

 

iRescue – Emma – Texas

Our friends at iRescue in Texas rescue this pretty girl named Emma. Sweet Emma is a deaf 9 month old mini Aussie is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help the rescue with some of her vetting expenses to get her ready for adoption in the near future.

 

BJ – Aussie from Spots. Shelter VA – Green Dogs Unleashed Rescue 

This sweet Aussie BJ was in a Virginia Shelter and pulled by our friends at Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy VA. Erika with Green Dogs Unleashed says this boy is a complete hoot and he is keeping everyone entertained. Erika will work closely with him using positive reinforcement sign cue training to set up a strong training foundation for him. BJ is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help GDU with his vetting and care.

 

Gustambo and Deaf Blue Heeler – Code Red Animal Project – Texas 

Above: Sweet deaf dog Gustambo from Tulum MX

 

Above: Jyl with Code Red Animal Project picking up this frightened deaf blue heeler 

 

When Jyl Ristau from Code Red Animal Project Inc reached out to Deaf Dogs Rock with help with two deaf dogs that had come into her care we were happy to help. Sweet Gustambo arrived in one piece from Tulum Mexico despite a huge delay at the border after the border had finally reopened after the government shut down. Gus is goofy and dog friendly and his neuter will be sponsored by our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help the rescue with some of his vetting expenses.

The second dog Jyl needed help with is a fearful deaf blue heeler from the Houston Texas area who our friend Karlie Waldrip sent her way to help. The blue heeler will also be a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help the Code Red Team with his vetting expenses.

***Thank you to our friend Bethany H. in NC who donated in December to Deaf Dogs Rock so we could sponsor both Gustambo and the deaf blue heeler in the Houston area into Code Red so we can help them with the vetting expenses of both dog to get them ready for adoption in the near future.

 

Ludwig – Perfectly Imperfect Pups Rescue – NC 

From Perfectly Imperfect Pups Rescue:

Ludwig spent far too long in a cramped crate before coming to Perfectly Imperfect Pups Rescue here in NC. He is blind, deaf, and still somehow full of wonder. Give him a hallway, and he’ll march it like a runway. Give him a human, and he’ll love them with full-body enthusiasm and a surprisingly powerful snore. Dogs like Ludwig deserve more than survival — they deserve joy, safety, and the freedom to explore a world they’ve never truly gotten to experience.

From Deaf Dogs Rock: Sweet deaf/blind Chihuahua Ludwig is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program that helps his rescue with his upcoming vetting expenses to get him ready for adoption.

 

Orla and Crush – Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona 

From Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona: Orla was rescued by a good Samaritan here in Buckeye, Az. A backyard breeder selling “purebred” Aussies for $450 on roadside in 115° temperatures. Deaf and blind puppy Orla was in the trunk, with the lid open with her litter mates. The ladies pointed to Orla and asked how much she was, and the seller said “oh you can just take her.” They could see her eyes were underdeveloped, and then once home, they realized she was also deaf. She was also too young to be separated from the mom. Immediately, she began her search the internet to see how she could help the puppy and she found Amazing Aussies Lethal White rescue so Orla was brought into our special needs rescue.

 

 

From Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona: Our boy has been named “Crush”, as he is going to be not only big, but he is going to pull heartstrings with his good looks and blue eyes. Crush is completely deaf. He is from a backyard breeder in Southern Arizona. She now admits they made a mistake and that they have now learned through our education at Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona about double merle breeding. They have indicated they will have their female spayed.

From Deaf Dogs Rock: Both Orla and Crush are recipients of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help our friends at Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue with their upcoming vetting expenses to get both deaf puppies closer to adoption to set them up for success in the future. This special vetting sponsorship also allows Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona to have additional financial support and resources to continue on their mission to rescue deaf and deaf/blind Double Merle Aussie pups now and into the future.

Thanks to Kim and Mary Jane Hinds for their continued support and generous donation in December that allows us to help deaf and deaf/blind pups like Orla, Crush and Cindy Lou (below).

Cindy Lou – Perfect Imperfections Rescue – CT 

Above: Deaf and blind puppy Cindy Lou

Sweet deaf and blind puppy Cindy Lou made her way to Perfect Imperfections Rescue and Sanctuary in Watertown CT where she will be safe and loved. Cindy Lou is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship fund to help Perfect Imperfections with her upcoming vetting expenses to get her ready for adoption in the near future. Thanks to Trisha with Perfect Imperfections for making room in your rescue for Cindy Lou.

 

 

Two year old deaf Aussie – Speak Rescue and Sanctuary 

This sweet deaf two year old Aussie was rescued by our friends at Speak Rescue and Sanctuary in MO.

Here is what the Speak Rescue team had to say about her rescue ride into rescue: This beautiful 2‑year‑old deaf Australian shepherd found herself needing a new place to land through no fault of her own. She was originally bought as a puppy from friends of her family, but as their toddler began developing a severe allergic reaction to dogs, they needed a place for her to go. That place, of course, is Speak! Poor girl was not such a fan of her rescue ride and who can blame her? When the only world you’ve ever known suddenly shifts, being handed off to strangers can be overwhelming. She has been decompressing in one of our foster homes for the past couple of days slowly taking in her new surroundings. She is really starting to soak up the love and is not just enjoying but expecting lots of pets to help comfort her. 

She is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue sponsorship program to help the Speak team with her upcoming vetting expenses so she can get ready for adoption soon. We want to thank Andrea Cohen for her support of Deaf Dogs Rock in December so we could sponsor this little sweet deaf girl and help her.

 

Lainey – Tired Dog Rescue – Gulfport MS 

We heard that sweet dog Lainey came to Tired Dog Rescue after a rough start in life. Thanks to some serious medical TLC (including double ear surgery) given by Tired Dog Rescue she is now pain-free and happier than ever. She does have a charming little head tilt and a slightly wobbly walk from her past ear issues, but don’t let that fool you. When it’s feeding time, Lainey hops with joy like she just won the lottery! Lainey is a recipient of our Deaf Dogs Rock Rocker Puppy/Dog Rescue Sponsorship program to help Tired Dog Rescue with her vetting expenses to get her ready for adoption. Thanks to Angie and Kevin Guinn for helping us sponsor Lainey’s medical care.