For six long years, Cleo has shown up to adoption event after adoption event — more than 30 in total — each time with quiet hope in her eyes. But each time, she’s gone home without a family of her own.
“She’s a pro at meet-and-greets by now,” said Vicky Ham, Cleo’s longtime foster mom through Safe Haven Animal Rescue. “But she keeps getting passed over — mostly because she’s a big dog at 80 pounds, and she’s deaf.”
Despite the constant compliments — “She’s so sweet,” “She’s gorgeous,” “I wish I could take her” — no one has yet taken that next step to give Cleo a forever home.
Cleo’s journey started in 2016, when she was rescued as a puppy from the devastating Louisiana floods.
Energetic and affectionate from the start, Cleo was eager to bond — and never let her hearing loss hold her back.
At first, Ham didn’t realize she was deaf, but it quickly became clear Cleo was simply learning the world in her own way.
“She responds to hand signals, facial expressions, and even flashing lights,” Ham said. “The only real difference is that you need to make eye contact to communicate.”
Cleo has been adopted twice over the years, but both times, she was returned after only a few months — not because she did anything wrong, but simply because the families weren’t the right fit.
Still, she loves unconditionally. She thrives outdoors, adores car rides and walks, and is rarely seen without one of her beloved toys in her mouth.
Whenever a guest walks in the door, Cleo runs to greet them — always making sure to bring a toy to share.
For a while, Ham stopped bringing her to adoption events. “It just got too hard,” she admitted. “But I recently brought her again, hoping maybe this time, her family would finally show up.”
Cleo is living her best life with Ham, but she deserves more than a temporary home. She deserves someone who sees her deafness not as a limitation but as part of what makes her extraordinary.
“She’s not scared of thunderstorms or fireworks,” Ham said. “She’ll just sit in the yard with her toy and watch the lights.”
With July 4th around the corner, everyone’s hoping that this year, Cleo won’t be watching the fireworks alone — but from the comfort of a home that’s finally hers.
If you’re ready to welcome Cleo into your heart and home, you can fill out an adoption application here.
