Deaf Dalmatian teaches dozens safety skills
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JACKSON, Tenn.-Dozens of children had a “spot on” lesson in safety from a not so typical teacher at the Jackson-Madison County Library Wednesday. Even though classes are out for summer, kids are still getting schooled in lessons of safety. Only this time the teacher has four legs and black spots. The “Tennessee Safety Spotters” are a group of rescued deaf Dalmatians. They travel throughout the South teaching fire safety, reading and dog bite prevention. “One hour of safety education reduces death and injuries by 80 percent,” said owner and trainer, Patricia Belt. Belt says about 30 percent of Dalmatians are deaf. She said in her experience, training the deaf dogs is much easier than those with hearing abilities. Belt uses sign language and feet to communicate with the dogs.
