HAMPTON, Va. –
Each year, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association presents an animal hero award to an animal who has performed an act of heroism or has provided such outstanding service to humans that they would qualify as an Animal Hero.
We were pleased to recognize Lothair, from Hampton, on Feb. 18, 2017, for his outgoing, friendly empathetic spirit.
Lothair, even though he was born to champion show dog parents, he is a beautiful, Shetland Sheepdog who was born deaf, which is why he is white. White is not a normal color for the breed, and all dogs of that breed are born white when they are born deaf, which is very rare.
Although born deaf, Lothair has not let his disability prevent him from bringing joy and changing the lives all those he meets.
Since he was born deaf, he was trained by using American Sign Language and understands 22 different ASL signs.
One person stated, “Because of his disability, he can lead children with disabilities and they relate to him. Other children [and adults] are amazed by him and the ease with which he navigates the hearing world.”
Lothair and I, are members of Therapy Dogs International and the American Red Cross, Langley Air Force Base Chapter. Lothair frequently visits hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and substance abuse programs. In 2015, Lothair received the Therapy Dog International highest award and won the Gold pin for 500 documented visits to various facilities.
It’s been said that many animal assisted therapy dogs are made or trained, we believe Lothair is one of these special dogs that was born to be a therapy dog.