Hogan's Hope

Book excerpt: Deaf dogs are often destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned. Hogan's Hope is the tale of a legendary deaf canine hero who, after being rescued from neglect, prevailed as he learned over sixty-five signs in American Sign Language. Hogan's ability and tenacity provides the hope of life for many deaf dogs worldwide. His courage to overcome challenges and prejudice continues to give inspiration to anyone, human or pet, that accomplishment, success, and genuine love are truly possible. Connie Bombaci adopted Hogan as a deaf, malnourished puppy whose early abuse made him wary of new situations and locked him in a world of silence. Both of them educators, Connie and her husband decided that teaching Hogan sign language would be the cornerstone of communicating with him. Gradually he learned to trust them and became confident in relating to new people, other animals, and unknown circumstances. Little did his humans know that Hogan's story would lead to numerous requests for interviews, news stories, and public appearances. Through his lifetime of determination, Hogan's journey offers the promise that we all are capable of achieving an amazingly ?ordinary? life and a life away from isolation. His tale of valor reveals that dreams come true and offers insight into the world of true faith, unconditional love, and endless hope. Indeed, it is a story that needs to be told. Read and gain immeasurable hope!