Archive date follows the original topic. Independently written and reviewed by idoghome on October 29, 2026.
When music teacher Chris Hannah adopted a deaf dog named Cole in 2017, the partnership eventually reached far beyond their home. Cole became a certified therapy dog working alongside Hannah at Dr. William Mennies Elementary School in Vineland, New Jersey.
The ASPCA named Cole its 2023 Dog of the Year. Its announcement described his response to sign language and his part in a school programme built around social and emotional learning. The organisation also recognised visits to hospice patients, veterans and special-education programmes.
An ordinary school setting, a useful example
The school's own announcement celebrated Cole and Hannah's contribution to the community. Rather than treating deafness as the whole story, the programme used their partnership to help children consider differences, confidence and kindness.
Cole had already received recognition as American Humane's 2022 Therapy Hero Dog. That account describes the foundation established around his work and the message of acceptance behind it.
The achievement belongs to a partnership
What makes the story worth revisiting is the sustained work. An adoption created an opportunity, and training and a school community gave that opportunity a practical purpose. The award is easier to understand in that context than as a claim that any dog can simply walk into a classroom and become a therapist.
Cole's example also leaves room for disabled dogs whose lives are quieter. A dog does not have to win an award or perform public work to deserve appropriate care and a suitable home. This particular dog and teacher found a way to share their partnership with others—and their school and the awarding organisations documented what they achieved.
Illustrative photo · Winky , Vancouver, Canada · CC BY 2.0
