An abandoned six-year-old bull breed dog, Eddie, who was rescued by RSPCA officers and police in Durham, is now at the charity's Block Fen centre in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire. Staff at the centre discovered Eddie is deaf and hope he will be able to learn sign language to help him navigate life.
Kennel supervisor Tiffany Fowler said Eddie responds to visual cues, such as sitting when a treat is held above his head, leading staff to believe he will pick up sign language well. The charity believes Eddie was born deaf but copes "very well without his hearing".
Ms Fowler noted that Eddie's deafness has benefited him in kennels, as he does not get stressed by the noise of other dogs. The team is now hoping to find him a new home with owners who can teach him visual commands.