Georgia Dog’s Bark Sounds Like A Horror Movie Scream, But That Wasn’t His Biggest Communication Challenge
After being returned to Georgia rescue in just a few days, a deaf dog with a hilariously unique bark finds the perfect home with parents who taught him sign language.
A Mysterious Past In The South
Lauren and Harrison don’t know everything about Mordecai’s past, but they know it wasn’t easy. Based on his fears and reactions, they suspect he came from an abusive situation in the south.
The sweet dog had a hard time finding a place to land. He was adopted out, but the placement only lasted a couple of days before he was sent right back.
That’s when Lauren and Harrison discovered him through a rescue organization called Speak for the Unspoken.
They weren’t specifically looking for a deaf dog at the time. However, the rescue knew they already had two cats with disabilities, making them uniquely qualified for a special-needs pet.
The Need For Constant Connection
Because Mordecai can’t hear his parents, he relies heavily on physical touch to feel secure. He just wants to be part of the conversation.
He needs to be touching Lauren or Harrison at all times to know they are there. This means he is a constant, comforting presence in their daily lives.
Whether they are relaxing on the couch or working from home, Mordecai is right there. He even sits directly on Lauren during all of her meetings.
It’s his special way of making sure he never loses track of the people he loves most.
The Perks Of A Silent World
Lauren loves having a deaf dog, noting that it comes with some surprising conveniences. Mordecai doesn’t get stressed out by loud noises that terrify other dogs.
When fireworks go off in the neighborhood, he doesn’t even flinch. If the doorbell rings, he remains completely calm.
“From a convenience aspect, he is A+,” Lauren joked.
For a dog with an anxious past, this silence provides a peaceful buffer from the chaotic world outside.
The Challenges Of Being Deaf
Of course, raising a deaf dog comes with its own unique set of challenges. If Mordecai were to ever run away, his parents couldn’t simply call his name to bring him back.
To keep him safe, they equipped him with a GPS tracker. It gives them peace of mind knowing they can always find him.
His deafness also leads to some funny misunderstandings with the neighbors. When Mordecai is out in the yard barking, Lauren and Harrison can’t yell at him to come inside.
They joke that they look like terrible dog parents to anyone watching, simply because they have to go physically retrieve him.
The Horror Movie Scream
Mordecai has a very strong sense of territory, especially when it comes to the local park. He seems to think the entire park belongs to him.
He doesn’t quite understand that other people and dogs are allowed to be there too. When he sees another dog—especially a husky—he goes absolutely nuts.
Because he can’t hear himself, his bark doesn’t sound like a regular dog. Instead, he lets out a high-pitched wail.
“Screaming like a woman in a horror film, that’s what he would sound like,” Lauren explained. People have even approached them to ask if everything is okay, only to realize it’s just Mordecai.
Smart, Quirky, And Learning To Relax
Despite his puppy energy and constant movement, Mordecai is an incredibly intelligent dog. To bridge the communication gap, his parents taught him sign language.
He also has some very specific, hilarious dislikes. He gets mad if he smells cleaning products from another room, and he absolutely despises it when people dance.
To help him cope with his lingering anxiety, Mordecai takes Prozac. The medication has been a game-changer for him.
It helps him let his guard down, step away from high alert, and just be his true, goofy self.
A Heart Full Of Love
Underneath all his quirks and loud screams, Mordecai is an incredibly friendly and loving companion. He just wants snuggles.
Once he gets to know someone, he will happily cuddle up all over them. Recently, a houseguest stayed over who had never even met him before.
On her very first night, Mordecai curled up right in bed with her, prompting her to send his parents the sweetest picture.
He even walks up to the mailman every single day and flops down on the ground, demanding to be pet.
Exactly The Right Dog
Lauren lovingly calls Mordecai her son. Even though he can’t hear the words, they use the sign for “I love you” constantly.
When he sees that sign, his tail immediately starts wagging. He knows exactly what it means.
Lauren notes that dogs like Mordecai are often written off just because they are a little different. But for their family, he is absolutely perfect.
“He is happy. He is exactly the right dog for our family,” she said. “I wouldn’t change him.”
