Gentle Wake-Up Routine for Deaf Dogs Charms Viewers

Quick Smiles:

• A New Jersey man’s gentle method of waking his deaf dogs has charmed TikTok users.
• Chris Hannah’s therapy dogs, Cole, Cece, and Alice, help him teach at a local elementary school.
• The viral video aims to raise awareness about the abilities of animals with disabilities.

A New Jersey dog owner has captured the hearts of social media users with his tender approach to waking up his deaf dogs from their naps.

In a TikTok video shared last month, Chris Hannah demonstrated his loving technique for rousing his pups without startling them.

The clip, featured on @deafcole, shows Hannah arriving home to find his three therapy dogs peacefully napping on the couch, blissfully unaware of his presence.

Rather than jolting them awake, Hannah uses soft touches, warm hugs, or a gentle kiss on their heads to wake them.

This affectionate routine resonated with TikTok users who were quick to express their admiration in the comments.

“Omg. I would never leave the house lol,” commented user @tash_and_lachie.

Another user, CC, shared, “My soul just instantly filled up with happiness.”

User King Koda added, “Oh my heart is fully melted!! Their reactions when they realize you’re home,” while lizakabli857 remarked, “That’s heaven for me right there.”

Hannah’s trio of deaf dogs, Cole, Cece, and Alice, are certified therapy animals who assist him in his role as a music teacher at a local elementary school.

“The dogs in the video are our three Deaf dogs, all of which are certified therapy dogs that work in my elementary school. When I come in, I always gently touch them—sometimes with a pet, sometimes a hug, sometimes even a kiss on the head. They are very secure with their surroundings, so they don’t startle,” Hannah explained.

His journey with deaf dogs began with the adoption of Cole, whose condition inspired Hannah to become an advocate for individuals with disabilities—both human and animal.

“When I first adopted Cole, my life mission and direction entirely changed,” he shared.

Eventually, Cece and Alice joined the family, along with Sullivan, a fourth special needs dog who is both deaf and blind.

The TikTok video is part of Hannah’s larger mission to highlight the unique abilities and contributions of animals with disabilities.

“I try to share our entire journey in hopes to show the world that a disability is not an inability,” he expressed.

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