Most school mornings involve a mad dash for the bus, a forgotten lunchbox, or a last-minute scramble for homework. But for some lucky students, it starts with a hug from a deaf Pitbull named Cole.
Cole, once just a rescue dog, now holds the esteemed title of therapy dog, thanks to his human, Chris Hannah — a public school music teacher with an eye for potential. Hannah quickly realized Cole’s knack for sign language, and before you could say "good boy," he was certified and ready to work.
His mission? To spread the simple, profound message that being different isn't just okay; it's what makes you, well, you. Every day, Cole settles onto his bed, a sign propped beside him: "Can I please have a hug?" And because who can resist that, students line up for their daily dose of canine comfort.
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Start Your News DetoxThe Team Cole Project
Cole's impact isn't just limited to morning greetings. He, Hannah, and Hannah's deaf nephew launched the "Team Cole Project," a social-emotional learning program that helps kids reframe feelings of "brokenness." Instead of seeing differences as deficits, they learn to see them as unique strengths.
The project has since expanded, with Cole and the team visiting schools across the region. Because, as Hannah explains, everyone belongs. And apparently, the more therapy dogs, the merrier. The team now includes four certified therapy dogs: three born deaf, and one who's both deaf and blind, all working alongside Cole.
When summer rolls around, Cole trades school hallways for camp grounds, helping out at a camp for children with disabilities. He’s a pro at responding to sign language commands and, perhaps most importantly, completely unfazed by the delightful chaos of kids. He'll patiently accept all the pets and greetings thrown his way.
His dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2023, the ASPCA crowned Cole their National Dog of the Year, recognizing his work with young people and even his comforting presence in hospice care centers. Hannah puts it best: "Cole is life to so many of these kids." Which, if you think about it, is a pretty good gig for a dog who just wants to give hugs.
