Hundreds calling with adoption questions on deaf puppy dumped near Portage County highway

AKRON, Ohio - An estimated 800 people have called One of a Kind Pet Rescue to inquire about a deaf puppy that was left inside a cardboard box near a highway last month.

"Everybody wants to meet this puppy that has gotten so much exposure," said Georjette Thomas from One of a Kind.

The puppy, a 9-week-old Jack Russell terrier mix named Cara, was found in a shoebox on the side of Tallmadge Road in Brimfield Township on Jan 12.

She had a hairline fracture in a front leg and open wounds. Animal experts determined the puppy was deaf after she didn't respond to commands.

"To think that this puppy was disposable by somebody or to somebody is unfathomable to us," Thomas said.

Since news spread that Cara is available for adoption, One of a Kind has been flooded with calls and visitors.

Many people have already filled out adoption papers and dozens more are expected.

Angie Wise of Brimfield felt a special connection with the puppy because she is a sign language interpreter and said she could teach Cara simple commands through sign language.

"You can do the same thing that a deaf individual would do. You would just communicate through sign language, through visual signs," Wise said.

Portage County police officer Anne Spahr was on duty when she heard about the Cara's rescue.

She asked Brimfield Police Chief David Oliver if she could foster the puppy for a night, and then she hooked her up with One of a Kind on West Market Street in Akron.

"I just hope she gets the best home possible with dogs or kids to give her the love that she deserves," Spahr said.

Thomas said all of the adoption applications will be reviewed carefully and Cara could be placed in a new home by next week.

"We will want her to go to a home where there are other dogs because dogs learn from dogs and mimic good behaviors," Thomas said.

Chief Oliver said animal cruelty charges will be filed if the person who dumped the puppy is identified. The department does have possible leads, Oliver said.