PLEASE wave 'hello' to Barney.

Barney is a delightful little terrier mix, he is just two years old, and is a joy to be around.

Barney was born deaf. He has lived in a silent world since birth. Barney doesn't know he's deaf, all he knows is he's a dog. To him, deafness is normal, he's a normal little guy, with normal needs, and maybe need a little bit extra help learning, but that's normal for lots of hearing dogs too.

Barney may be able to live with another dog - in fact a calm, well-mannered girlfriend could help him understand the world around him. His previous owners have said that he is ok to be left alone for periods of up to four hours, he is house-trained and he has lived happily with cats and other small pets. Obviously any potential adopters would need to bring their resident pets to meet him, just to make sure the chemistry is right.

Deaf dogs are able, with training, to do virtually all the things that hearing dogs do. They just require someone who is able to think outside the box and experience life from their point of view. Ideally a potential adopter will have experience of this problem but, if not, they must be prepared to research all that they can and, hopefully find a trainer who can help them build up a good relationship with their new pet.

If you'd like to meet Barney, or any of the stray, unwanted and homeless dogs at Newport City Dogs Home, please contact the staff on 01633 290 902 between 11am and 1pm or 2pm and 4pm