Echo is a 2.5 yr. old deaf American Pit Bull Terrier mix. He was born in a high kill shelter that routinely euthanizes pit bulls after a week. Echo and his family were fortunate that they were rescued by the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. All 7 pups and their mama, Tully, had a foster home waiting and a safe place to grow until they were ready for their own homes.

When Echo was about 3 months old, the little red and white pup was adopted. This should have been the beginning of furever for little guy, but sadly, no. Echo’s adoptive family discovered that he was deaf and promptly returned him. Echo went back to his foster home, but one by one, all of his siblings were adopted. Echo had to be patient. Two months later, he came to live with me, my husband, son, two other dogs, a cat and a horse.

Echo immediately began obedience school and was quickly recommended to enroll in an AKC Canine Good Citizen class. The CGC program tests dogs (purebreds and mixed, able bodied or differently abled) in 10 different situations. Basically, it tests their good manners and basic obedience. When he was 7 months old, Echo earned his Canine Good Citizen title! While Echo was learning obedience, he was also learning the joys of being a frisbee dog. Echo has proven himself, from a young age, that he’s intelligent, driven and hard working. Echo went to his first Disc Competiton in August 2010 when he was less than 1&1/2 years old and he LOVES it!

Aside from disc, Echo has been a busy boy with his continuing education and public appearances. He’s completed two advanced obedience classes and has given a few demos locally, showcasing not just what fabulous pets shelter dogs make, but also pit bulls and deaf dogs. Recently, we traveled to BadRap for a photoshoot with Melissa McDaniel for the Photo Books Project. Echo was chosen to appear in the upcoming Pit Bull Photo Book, along with several VICKtory dogs, Sarge the Elderbull, Cuda the Pit Bull as well as our personal hero, disc champion Wallace the Pit Bull.

We’ve also been fostering for a local pit bull rescue. Our part-timer foster, Rio, is also deaf and looking for a home. Echo’s mama, Tully, is also still looking for a home.

This story was submitted by Crissy Tadlock. Thanks Crissy for sharing Echo’s story with us.

If you would like to keep up with Echo The Deaf Pittie Mix be sure to  “like” his FB page here