Students Learn Sign Language to Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Their Deaf Therapy Dog

An Elementary school in New Jersey loves their deaf therapy dog so much that the whole school threw him a birthday party. No puppy party would be complete without a song, so the students learned sign language to sing " Happy Birthday " to the pit bull, Cole.”

Students Learn Sign Language to Wish Deaf Therapy Dog ‘Happy Birthday’

The students and Cole’s owner, music teacher Christopher Hannah, gave Cole a crown, a “Birthday Boy” bandanna, and a balloon-filled wagon ride to the auditorium, where the children signed the “Happy Birthday” song to him in sign language and sang him a song about heroes.

Over 600 staff and students were there to wish him a happy birthday. They all wore birthday hats for the celebration. Cole may not have understood the birthday song completely, but the smart boy does understand some sign language commands.

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"Cole, a pit bull mix that was born deaf, has been working alongside me as the school therapy dog for the last seven years," Christopher said.

He continued, "Being the music teacher, I have the privilege of teaching the entire student population, so Cole interacts with everyone, every day. He greets the buses every morning and he's there to see them off every afternoon. Cole is truly a huge inspiration to the kids."

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A post shared by Cole The Deaf Dog and Christopher Hannah (@colethedeafdog)

"He teaches everyone about accepting one another's differences and that a disability is not an inability (and in Cole's case, a superpower). The relationship between Cole and the students is truly remarkable to witness. But even more powerful is the way they rally around the lessons learned from his journey," he added.

The pup even had a stage decorated in his honor. After the songs were done, Cole enjoyed a birthday burger and chicken nuggets.  

He Means So Much to the Students

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Elementary School principal Karly O'Donoghue said, “His birthday party wasn’t just a fun moment or another school assembly — it really showed how much he means to our students and staff ... It was a beautiful way for our students to show communication, empathy and respect — three of the Portrait of a Graduate skills we talk about all year.” 

She continued, "I feel very lucky ... to see Cole in action every day. He stops by the office each morning for his treat, and it’s become something we all look forward to. Starting our day with him brings a real sense of calm and joy to the building."

"Cole has a way of connecting with kids that you can’t teach. His presence makes a difference, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate him and share the impact he has on our school community," she said.

Deaf Dog is a Hero in the Community

The pit bull was named the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Dog of the Year in 2023. 

“There was a husband and wife, and they said, ‘Why would you want to adopt a broken dog? He’s never gonna be a good dog because he can’t hear’,” Christopher recalled of when he adopted Cole, who was a rescued pup. 

“And when [they] said that about this little puppy, then what would [they] say about a kid like my nephew? My nephew was also born deaf. And it became a mission [for me] to change the way the world thinks about difference and disabilities,” he explained.

Inspired by Cole, Christopher founded the Team Cole Project, which promotes an accepting world for those who have differences. 

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A post shared by Cole The Deaf Dog and Christopher Hannah (@colethedeafdog)

Cole is a true local hero. He is a hospice therapy volunteer and the official mascot of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home. 

“During weekly visits, Cole helps aging veterans find new strength and enthusiasm for life,” ASPCA said. 

No wonder the whole school loves him!

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“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” - Matthew 25:40

WATCH: Students Learn Sign Language to Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Their Deaf Therapy Dog

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A post shared by Cole The Deaf Dog and Christopher Hannah (@colethedeafdog)

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/colethedeafdog

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.