A 7-year-old pit bull, born deaf, is winning hearts and showing that disabilities can be superpowers.
In a heartwarming TikTok video with over 360,000 views, Cole’s owner, Chris Hannah, reveals why Cole’s deafness is actually an advantage.
In the viral clip, Cole remains calm and even naps during a noisy band practice at the elementary school where Hannah teaches music. This adorable behavior showcases one of the unique benefits of Cole’s deafness—he remains unfazed by loud noise.
“Because he is deaf, he can ‘hear with his heart,’ as we like to say,” Hannah explains. “Cole is very perceptive of people’s emotions and has a special ability to help others. We always say in our school assemblies, ‘A disability is not an inability,’ and in Cole’s case, it’s a superpower.”
Therapy dogs like Cole offer many benefits for children, especially those with special needs. They can reduce anxiety, improve social skills, inspire learning, and boost confidence.
Cole is not just adored at school; he also boasts over 270,000 followers on his TikTok, @deafcole, where Hannah shares their fun adventures, from class trips to DJing weddings.
Viewers showered Cole with love in the comments on the viral video. “So stinking adorable,” one wrote, while another said, “Love you Cole, you are awesome.” “It’s the belly-up nap in the middle of a concert. The pup is living his best life,” another viewer commented.
Cole’s impact goes beyond the school and community. In 2023, he received the prestigious title of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) National Dog of the Year, being the first deaf dog to achieve such an honor.
“We feature Cole on our social media to bring smiles to our followers’ faces,” Hannah shared. “But more importantly, to show the world how disabilities and differences should be viewed in a whole new light.”