Friday, June 03, 2011

Meet our Charlie!

I have to introduce you to our family's dog, Charlie. She (yes, Charlie is a 'she') is a mix between a poodle and a golden retreiver. BTW, the retreiver part of her let's her gently carry baby birds that have just fallen out of their nest to back us...not that we know what to do with them when she brings them to us!

Charlie's been with us for the past 7 years and is just the best dog. Why am I gushing about our dog...besides just because she's great? Well, Charlie's owner before she came to us, was an ASL Interpreter! Charlie's name sign was the sign for BLACK but made with a C shape. She came to you when you made that sign and barked excitedly whenever we signed SIT or WALK.

Seven years later we've just found a wonderful dog groomer for Charlie...and guess what? Our dog groomer (and her husband) is Deaf!  There's something about the ASL world that just keeps attracting me to it...and I have met some fantastic folks!  Charlie, the sweetie that she is, was just meant to be with us!

Tell us about your family pets...we know you have them! The number one question often in our first or second class is "How do you sign DOG, CAT...PARROT?" or "How do you sign GENTLE?"  These are some of the first signs that families with curious, pet-loving babies ask!

Sara Bingham is the founder of WeeHands and the author of The Baby Signing Book. WeeHands is the world's leading children's sign language and language development program for babies, toddlers and preschool children.

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