Meg's Challenge

June 5 2009

Every so often an animal enters the RSPCA with unique needs that present us with a very special challenge.

Meet 'Meg', the adorable border collie pup who, at first glance, appears as normal and as happy as any other puppy her age (about 6 weeks). But Meg is unusual because she is deaf.

So why is being deaf so significant for this infant? Well it's mostly to do with her breed.

Meg was surrendered to the RSPCA this week because her owner needed a working dog on her farm doing all the things that border collies are known for. Being deaf means she simply wouldn't be able to respond to the whistles and calls which are fundamental to any working dog's success.

Her disability in mind, the RSPCA's challenge is to ensure that Meg goes to a home where that disability is given the attention it requires to ensure she has a happy and healthy life.

“This is an unusual situation for us,” says RSPCA spokesman Richard Barry “because her breed and her disability are so uniquely intertwined. Re-homing a deaf dog isn’t an insurmountable challenge by any means but Meg is a border collie who will need ample space to do all those things collies are famous for. On top of that Meg will need an owner who is prepared to embark on an uncommon journey to learn sign language and the myriad challenges that presents for a dog owner.

“With Meg the challenge isn’t resolved simply by going to dog training and teaching her to sit, she will need intensive and focused training alongside her owner who will have to embrace a whole new way of communicating with their pet.

“It’s probably quite daunting for a prospective new owner but it is incredibly exciting too and we are all watching with great interest to see how she goes.

Meg is now staying at the RSPCA where she will remain until she has been desexed and is deemed ready for adoption. “She really is one very lucky wee toot” said Barry. Her owner never considered for a second that because of her disability she should be euthanased and our job now is to ensure this very special little pup goes to the right home with the right owner so her life isn’t hobbled by her deafness.”

Meg will be going to a foster home next week for just under a month.

Stay tuned to the News to see how she goes.