The Nebraska woman has fallen for a 3-year-old pit bull, who is deaf just like her.
According to California’s KTLA news, Rosie the dog had a rough time finding a forever home since dogs with disabilities can often be overlooked at animal shelters. So, as she waited to meet her match, workers at the Humane Society in Aurora, Nebraska, taught her sign language.
“We started using treats and putting the treat up to your face and saying ‘good girl’ with your thumb up and then she figured out how, that we were communicating with her,” staff member Tracie Pfeifle said, adding that the dog has also picked up other commands like “sit” and “stay.”
Koch, who can be seen hugging and smiling with the energetic pup in the video above, plans to continue Rosie’s education.
“I’m going to teach her my sign language, how deaf people communicate,” she told KTLA. “She’s a smart dog. She can pick up fast.”
