Deaf rescue dog trained with sign language joins National Guard deployment

A deaf dog that was surrendered as a puppy is now set to be deployed with the Michigan National Guard.

Axel, a Dogo Argentino that was born deaf, was surrendered to an animal shelter as a puppy after his owners discovered his condition.

Karazim, a religious affairs specialist with the Michigan National Guard, recognised Axel’s potential and decided to train him as a ministry dog.

Axel knows over 50 commands, including some in sign language

As per a news release from the National Guard, Karazim developed a system of hand signals and visual commands, including some based on American Sign Language. He now knows more than 50 commands.

After some time, Karazim introduced Axel to her unit, and he attended drill weekends, rode in Humvees, and interacted with soldiers.

“Axel is loyal, loving and made for an active lifestyle, so I thought he would be a good fit for the infantry,” said Karazim. “When I first adopted him, I began training him but with the understanding that I would have to wait and see if he would integrate well with the unit when he grew up.:

Axel has since become the ministry dog of the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, working alongside Karazim to support soldiers during counselling. While on duty, he wears a special vest and collar.

“This whole experience has been incredibly rewarding,” said Karazim. “Axel has been a great asset to the ministry and has helped make everyone light up. […] He is an icebreaker, and he has helped me connect with soldiers I otherwise would not have connected with.”

Axel has now undergone many hours of additional training to prepare him for deployment. He is set to deploy alongside Karazim and the Michigan National Guard battalion, where he will continue working as a ministry dog and help support soldiers during the mission.

For more on dogs, check out our coverage of the dog who shot a woman with a shotgun in Nebraska, or the oldest dog DNA ever found.