Since we use ASL as our primary language in the home when it came to our choices for dogs, we knew we wanted to get a deaf dog since they are sorely underappreciated. Research showed us that deafness was genetic in a few breeds so we started narrowing down our choices to the breeds we knew we would enjoy. Once we decided on ACD, we contacted New Hope Rescue based in Arizona. They referred us to the Colorado chapter and Marble became the newest member of our household after going through a trial fostering period.

In the 5 1/2 months since we adopted him, he's become a permanent fixture to his mommy and daddy's legs. Mommy works from home and he entertains himself in the home office all day or in his new back yard or with his friends who Mommy dogsits on occasion. When Daddy is home, Marble's world revolves around him. Our two cats are still getting used to this lively and energetic addition to the household but they're slowly warming up to him.

Given his high energy levels, we have just started him in Flyball training and we think it just might be the thing he will enjoy on a weekly basis. Marble has learned about 15 signs so far and is SO easy to communicate with although he has his stubborn moments.