We know that dogs are a human’s best friends, but have you ever seen it go the other way around?
Cole, a deaf therapy Pittie mix, is one of the few dogs who can say he has a bunch of besties – and he definitely deserves it.
After seven long years of service to his elementary school students, it is safe to say that Cole has officially earned the status of a legend. That’s why his little hooman friends decided to throw him a birthday party to remember!
The Perfect Way To Say ‘Thank You For Everything’
More than seven years ago, Chris Hannah, a public school music teacher from New Jersey, adopted Cole from a shelter. Back then, this deaf Pittie was labeled “special needs” and people said he wasn’t worth the trouble. But, Chris didn’t see it that way.
Instead, he provided his new buddy with endless love and support, which ultimately yielded amazing results. Chris realized Cole was a highly intuitive dog who understood human emotions perfectly despite his disability.
Just one year later, Cole became a certified therapy dog in the New Jersey elementary school, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Today, he celebrates another birthday – and his favorite students decided to throw him the best surprise ever!
Before the official event, his dad honored him with a heartwarming message in an Instagram post.
“Happy 8th Birthday to Daddy’s Beautiful Boy. I cannot put into words just how proud I am to share this world with you, Cole. You are my heart, my soul, and my inspiration. Now let the festivities begin because you deserve it, Hero,” he wrote.
Then, the official party started!
Cole first got to ride in a birthday carriage all the way to the school hall while wearing an adorable outfit.
Never in his wildest dreams could Cole have imagined what awaited him next. When he entered the hall, there they were – dozens of students surrounding him in party hats and singing Happy Birthday in sign language.
They learned how to perform the song just for Cole, paying him back for all the kind work he did over the years… just adorable!
But, that wasn’t it!
When the song was over, Cole received another surprise.
His dad treated him with a delicious birthday cheeseburger, adding the perfect finishing touch to this amazing celebration.
Needless to say, the Pittie was as excited as a dog could be! Even though he’s a naturally calm dog, Cole was extra playful and super silly all day. Who wouldn’t be, right?
Therapy Is Not A Job, It’s A Mission
One thing is for sure… Cole will definitely carry on with his mission, which has now become a part of his identity. His therapy work is based on helping special-needs students realize disability is not an inability.
“We began a mission of showing the world that a disability is not an inability and in Cole’s case it became his superpower. It was never planned, it just happened, one incredible moment after another,” Chris wrote on Instagram.
He is truly a hero without a cape.