Music has a unique way of bringing people — and sometimes even animals — closer together. Whether it’s a catchy melody or a calming tune, songs can offer a sense of connection, comfort, and joy. But for those who can’t hear, that connection doesn’t have to be lost. A group of students recently proved just that in a video, using sign language to sing a song for their deaf therapy dog named Cole.
Students learn deaf therapy dog’s ‘favorite song’ in sign language in heartwarming viral video
The video, posted to the Instagram account @colethedeafdog, captures an emotional moment between a group of elementary school students and their deaf therapy dog, Cole. In the clip, the students stand together to sign and sing “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon — a song that Cole’s owner, music teacher Chris Hannah, regularly performs for him using American Sign Language (ASL). On-screen text explains that although Cole can’t hear the music, he understands it through signs, thanks to his unique bond with Hannah. Inspired by that connection, the students asked if they could learn the song in ASL, too, just to surprise Cole.
From the start, Cole was quick to adapt to life as a deaf dog. After Hannah adopted him, he quickly picked up hand signals, but it was Hannah’s deaf nephew, Kevin Guinan, who introduced Cole to full ASL. With Kevin’s help, Cole began to understand and respond to a broader vocabulary in sign language, making him even more responsive and engaged. Now, six years later, Cole is a full-time therapy dog at the school where Hannah teaches music.
Hannah told Newsweek that Cole thrives in the classroom setting, especially since, being deaf, he’s completely unbothered by all the noise. “As the students always say, Cole can’t hear with his ears, but he listens with his heart,” he said. That heart has earned Cole plenty of recognition, including the 2023 ASPCA Dog of the Year for his outstanding work supporting kids.
