In West Virginia, a small blue heeler named Pips has captured the hearts of her adoptive family, providing a remarkable story of resilience and adaptation. Pips was born the runt of her litter, a circumstance that drew her new family in before they discovered her unique challenge: she is deaf. Dr. Michael Squires and his wife, Dr. Carlee Squires, both audiologists, adopted Pips and have since implemented their expertise in hearing and balance to enhance the dog’s quality of life.
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When the couple first adopted Pips, they were taken by her puppy charm and did not initially realise that she was hearing-impaired. “Pips was simply adorable,” Dr. Squires shared, recounting how their daughters were particularly drawn to the tiny puppy. “It was only later that we began to notice she had a different way of interacting with sound than her sister, Ruth.”
The Squires family operates the Audiology Services of West Virginia Hearing and Balance Center in Parkersburg. With both parents possessing a background in audiology, it was almost serendipitous that they ended up with Pips, as the couple quickly recognised certain behaviours that signalled hearing loss. “Pips wouldn’t bark unless startled, and when she did, it had a distinct sound compared to Ruth’s barking,” Michael noted.
Having a profound understanding of how communication can vary among individuals with hearing loss allowed the Squires to adapt their training methods effectively. Michael’s childhood encounters with the deaf community, as well as his aunt’s work with deaf children, provided him invaluable insights into alternative communication techniques. “The difference in vocalisation due to hearing loss makes it evident that sound production is reliant on one’s ability to self-monitor,” he explained.
The couple soon realised Pips’s deafness when they witnessed her fail to respond to common signals. “There was one evening when I called my dogs in for bed, and all three came inside, except for Pips, who was sound asleep,” Michael recalled. This incident prompted the family to delve deeper into ways to support and train their deaf dog.
Research revealed that roughly 10 per cent of blue heelers are affected by hearing loss, with Pips being part of that statistic. “Often, kidney issues and auditory problems are linked together during the developmental stages in utero,” Carlee added. Once the couple understood Pips’s condition, they embraced the challenge of fostering an effective communication strategy, using their professional knowledge to adjust their approach.
Their innovative methods include visual commands, such as using lights to gain Pips’s attention, along with touch prompts for better awareness. Michael noted, “It’s crucial to avoid startling Pips, especially when she’s asleep. A gentle nudge or a soft touch helps her acclimatise to her surroundings without fear.”
To further cement their training, Pips and her sister Ruth were sent to a local dog trainer who specialised in obedience training for dogs with disabilities. “We’ve replaced verbal commands with visual ones,” Michael explained, highlighting the use of a vibrating collar that signals Pips to look at them. With consistent training, Pips is now adept at following commands like ‘come’ and ‘sit.’
Despite her challenges, Pips has displayed an exuberant personality, showcasing a high energy level that allows her to thrive. “She can play fetch for hours and enjoys interacting with her sister and children,” Michael said proudly. Living on almost 80 acres, the family has plenty of space for adventure, with Pips keeping pace with the rest of their dogs as they explore the landscape.
The Squires family hopes to raise awareness about the potential of deaf dogs and implore others to consider providing a loving home for pets with disabilities. Michael passionately advocates for these animals, stating, “While owning a dog with a disability comes with responsibility and dedication, they are some of the most rewarding companions you can find.”
Their journey with Pips illustrates the profound bond that can form between humans and their pets, overcoming adversity through love and understanding. “Every dog deserves a chance to be loved,” Michael concluded, encouraging others to embrace the joys that come with caring for pets, regardless of their challenges.