Jake Kendall-Ashton

WHEN it comes to learning new tricks, this Hampshire hound is the paw-fect student.

The future was looking bleak for Noddy, the deaf Staffordshire bull terrier, after his owners callously dumped him because of his disability.

But now his tail is wagging thanks to the dedication of staff at the Blue Cross Centre, in West End, who have taught him sign language to help him get a new loving home.

It is believed that the 18- month-old, who was abandoned in April with nothing but his lead, was born deaf.

But that hasn’t held him back, surprising staff with his progress and his ability to pick up new commands so quickly.

While primarily cared for by canine behavioural adviser, Tasha Cole, it has been young volunteer, Daniel Vincent, who has overseen the majority of the loveable pup’s development.

After working with him every day, Noddy has successfully learnt to sit, stay, fetch and twist in response to a variety of hand signals.

Lara Alford, deputy manager at the centre, said: “We think he was abandoned because he was deaf and his owner did not want to put the time in to train him with his special needs.

“But we have found his disability does nothing to hold him back – he picks things up quickly and is really rewarding to work with.

“Noddy should not have been written off just because he can’t hear – he is a gorgeous dog with a fantastic personality.”

Tasha added: “Noddy is a fun and happy dog, who, for the right owner, would make a very rewarding and enjoyable pet.

“A potential owner would need a degree of patience and have a lot of time available to spend with him.

“He builds loving bonds quickly and he just needs some consistency back in his life.”