More than eight years ago, a co-worker walked into the lunchroom and asked, "Does anyone want a free puppy?"

I had been thinking that I would like to have a dog, as a good friend had one and I enjoyed spending time, walking with the two of them in the woods and doing all things dog owners do. I asked, "What kind of dog?" and when she said, "Dalmation" I knew there had to be a catch.

"What's wrong with them, why are they free?" I asked.

"They're deaf" she answered, "But they can learn sign language..."

My intrigue turned to desire after I visited the kennel and met the puppy that would come to rule my world...