Deaf Border Collie 'desperately' seeking owner after two years at shelter in Lanarkshire

A deaf dog is “desperately” seeking a new owner after spending almost two years at a rescue shelter in South Lanarkshire.

Scottish SPCA said Aurora, named after the Northern Lights, needs a “patient” owner to help the Border Collie navigate life.

The six-year-old pup has been at the charity’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre for 534 days after living in “unsuitable” living conditions.

Animal care assistant Lauren Brown said the team at the centre uses hand signals to communicate with Aurora.

“We give her a thumbs-up whenever she does something we like to show her she is a good girl and then she is rewarded with a treat,” she said.

“When out walking if we need to get her attention we tap her on the hindquarters. She is also very receptive to her handler smiling at her and reacting positively to her behaviour even if she can’t hear them.

“We do verbally praise her regardless of her hearing loss because she can still see it in your energy and facial expressions.”

The animal charity warned that Aurora can become overwhelmed in busy environments and unsure of unfamiliar people and other dogs due to her condition.

The pup will need an owner who has experience in using hand signals or is will to learn to use them as a way of communicating with the Collie.

SSPCA said Aurora will need a quiet adult only home and an owner who is dedicated to helping her flourish.

Since the pup has been at our centre for some time, she has become attached to her handler, and said her new owner will need to commit to several meetings at the centre.

Ms Brown added: “Aurora is very affectionate and fun loving, and she adores playing with her toys – especially soft teddies. She can be found snuggled up with them in her bed most days.

“Aurora loves getting out with the staff for cuddles, and she is also quite partial to a treat or two.

“However, Aurora can overstep boundaries sometimes when meeting new dogs, but after time she does settle and walks alongside other dogs happily,” she continued.

“It is however something that her new owners will need to work on with her when it comes to socialisation.

“When she trusts you, she will love you forever and she gets excited when she sees people that she knows.”