Two Deaf Dogs Attend Firework Display, Reactions Couldn’t Be More Different

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Alyce Collins is a Newsweek Life and Trends reporter based in Birmingham, U.K. with a focus on trending topics that are both engaging and relatable. Since 2019, she has covered a variety of human-interest stories, from health concerns, wellbeing, fitness and beauty trends. Alyce joined Newsweek in 2023, having previously worked in U.K. press agencies to supply stories to a range of newspapers and magazines. She is a graduate of the University of York. Languages: English. You can get in touch with Alyce by emailing a.collins@newsweek.com

Life and Trends Reporter

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Fireworks certainly aren’t for every pup, but one owner has revealed the hilarious contrasts between his two deaf dogs when it comes to watching the displays.

Dog owner Chris Hannah, 46, regularly showcases the realities of owning deaf rescue pups on social media (@deafcole on TikTok). Whether that’s how they train, being a therapy dog, or how they respond to the world around them, Hannah just loves to share the daily antics of his canines, Cole, 8, and Cece, 4.

In many ways, the dogs couldn’t be more different. Hannah, of Millville, New Jersey, told Newsweek that Cole is the most laid-back and lovable pup, while Cece is “already ready for an adventure.”

Their different personalities were encapsulated in a recent video of the dogs attending a firework display. While neither dog could hear the loud bangs, Cece was nonetheless mesmerized by the sparkling lights in the sky, and she felt every vibration.

Meanwhile, Cole couldn’t care less about the fireworks, and he used it as a prime location for a nap instead.

“I knew Cole would probably nap because they were past his bedtime,” Hannah said. “Cece is very sensitive to vibrations, so I had a feeling she would react the complete opposite to her brother. Her barks of excitement were so adorable.”

He continued: “It was so hard not to laugh at Cece, like a little kid that just can’t contain their excitement. Cole never ceases to amaze me with his level of relaxation.”

The hilarious video showing the dogs’ very different reactions to the fireworks has gone viral on TikTok, leading to more than 630,000 views and over 120,000 likes at the time of writing. Internet users can’t get enough of Cole’s lack of enthusiasm as he “unlocked a new level of relaxation.”

Hannah loves sharing the everyday lives of his two rescue dogs online as he hopes to show people that being deaf doesn’t hold the canines back. Too often, people avoid rescuing an animal with a disability through fear of the unknown. But if Cole and Cece prove anything, it is that their lives can be just as fulfilling and joyful as the next dog’s.

“Really, their deafness is their superpower. They are able to relax when they choose and take out some of life’s external stimuli. Being watchdogs is certainly not their forte, though,” Hannah said.

“Deaf dogs are left sitting at shelters because people think that they can’t live a full life like a hearing dog. With time, love, and patience, they can thrive. Just ask me; we have four.”

The online reaction to the clip has been overwhelmingly positive. Social-media users are obsessed with Cole and Cece’s contrasting approaches to life, leading to more than 125 comments on the viral TikTok video so far.

One comment reads: “I strive to be like Cole. Calm in every situation.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “Not a single thought behind Cole’s eyes.”

A third person posted: “Cole is the level of unbothered that I strive to be each day.”

One commenter added: “Cole said it’s not his fault the fireworks were scheduled during bedtime.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.

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