Cleo’s life began with hardship, but her spirit has always shone brightly. In 2016, devastating floods swept across Louisiana, leaving countless families and animals displaced. Amid the chaos, a tiny puppy was pulled to safety — that puppy was Cleo. Rescued from rising waters, she was taken in by Safe Haven Animal Rescue, where she was first introduced to her foster mom, Vicky Ham.
At first, Cleo appeared to be a typical, energetic young pup, full of joy and curiosity. It wasn’t immediately obvious that she was deaf. Over time, however, Ham realized Cleo wasn’t responding to sounds like other dogs. Yet, what could have been considered a setback never stopped Cleo from exploring the world around her. Instead, she adapted quickly, relying on visual cues, hand signals, body language, and even flashing lights to understand what people wanted from her. Her resilience became a central part of her personality — a reminder that animals, no matter their challenges, have an incredible capacity to thrive.
Despite her early rescue and undeniable charm, Cleo’s journey to finding a permanent home has been long and filled with heartbreak.
The Dog Who Knows Adoption Events By Heart
Over the last six years, Cleo has been a regular at adoption events, attending more than 30 meet-and-greets. Each time, she walks in with wagging tail and eager eyes, ready to charm a family who might finally see her for who she is. Each time, she leaves without a forever home.
Her foster mom, Ham, describes Cleo as a seasoned professional at these events. “Cleo has become a pro at this,” Ham explained. She greets strangers with excitement, often holding a toy in her mouth as a peace offering. Visitors coo at her sweetness, admire her beauty, and often say, “She’s so wonderful — I wish I could take her.” But when it comes to making the final decision, potential adopters usually walk away.
The reasons are painfully predictable. At 80 pounds, Cleo is considered “too large” by some families. Others hesitate when they learn she is deaf, even though her foster mom makes it clear that it doesn’t stop her from enjoying life or bonding with people. For Ham, watching Cleo get passed over time and again has been emotionally exhausting. “I actually stopped taking her to them for a while. I kinda gave up on finding her a home,” she admitted. Yet, something inside her always sparks again, pushing her to give Cleo another chance at being noticed.
Life With Cleo: A Loving, Energetic Companion
Anyone who spends time with Cleo quickly realizes she is far more than her challenges. She is playful, affectionate, and thrives on being part of daily life. Her foster mom describes her as a bundle of love and energy who adores being outdoors, going on car rides, and exploring new places on walks. Cleo has a goofy habit of carrying a toy in her mouth almost everywhere she goes, as if she wants to make sure playtime is never far away. When visitors arrive, she rushes to greet them with one of her beloved toys in tow — her way of saying, “I’m ready to be your friend.”
Living with a deaf dog requires some adjustment, but Ham insists it is not a burden. Cleo responds eagerly to hand signs, facial expressions, and body language. Communication is simple once a person takes the time to learn. In fact, her deafness sometimes makes life easier. For example, she has no fear of fireworks or thunderstorms — noises that send many dogs into hiding. Instead, Cleo calmly sits in the yard, toy in her mouth, watching colorful bursts of light fill the sky.
Cleo has already experienced what it feels like to belong, if only briefly. Twice in her younger years, she was adopted, only to be returned months later. The reasons were not due to misbehavior but to circumstances beyond her control — families who couldn’t commit long-term. These disappointments, however, have not dampened her spirit. She remains open-hearted, eager to give love, and patient for the family who will finally stay.
Why Cleo Deserves A Forever Family Now
After six years of waiting, Cleo is ready for her story to change. She deserves a family who will see past her size and deafness, recognizing instead her loyalty, resilience, and boundless affection. She has already proven that she can thrive in a home, adapt to challenges, and provide companionship that is second to none.
Her foster mom has given her a safe and happy life, but even Ham acknowledges that it’s time for Cleo to experience permanence — the security of being someone’s dog forever. Watching her thrive with a stable family would be the perfect ending to a journey that began in disaster and has stretched out for far too long.
For the right family, Cleo is not just a pet — she is a source of daily joy. She brings laughter with her toy-carrying quirks, comfort with her gentle presence, and adventure with her love of the outdoors. She is living proof that being different doesn’t mean being less.
