How Little Girl Wakes Up Deaf Dog Dubbed the 'Cutest' Thing Ever

The heartwarming connection between a dog and his young owner has melted hearts online as she used sign language to communicate with the deaf pet.

PeeWee is a 12-year-old bull terrier mix who lives with owner Nikki Engleman in Anoka, Minnesota.

Born deaf and found as a stray in Indianapolis, PeeWee eventually landed in his forever home with the Engleman family. Before settling in his current home, he lived with two other foster families who gave him the love and care he deserved.

"Having a deaf dog isn't much different than a hearing one" Engleman told Newsweek. "He just needs support with knowing where we are at sometimes, so he doesn't think we've left, and using our sign language to communicate. Our family learned sign language for him, to be able to communicate with him. He learns new signs really quickly, and we've been signing with him for about 10 years."

The family's unwavering commitment to PeeWee was made even clearer in a viral TikTok video with more than 1.5 million views. Alongside the video, the caption read: "The cutest duo you'll ever see."

In the video, Engleman's daughter helps wake PeeWee from a nap using sign language after the usual method of flashing the lights doesn't stir him.

Engleman's daughters, aged 5 and 6, actively participate in caring for their dogs, and they've learned sign language to communicate with PeeWee effectively. Engleman explained: "They communicate with them when it's time to eat, go potty, or if they need water. Although PeeWee is deaf, he doesn't startle when he wakes, but the girls are always gentle with him, regardless if he's sleeping or not."

In hundreds of comments people shared their reactions to the heartwarming moment.

"Look how gentle she is," said Anouk Shanice, while KayRic37 said: "Thank you for loving unconditionally and teaching your kids how to love."

Others shared their amazement at the fact the dog could understand sign language. "I like how dogs understand sign language," said Renee, while fellow pet owner Cat said: "My dog is hearing and I teach her sign language because I'm deaf. Love this."

Engleman hopes that sharing the bond between PeeWee and his young owner will inspire others to help dogs in need: "We're inspired to showcase special needs dogs in a light that allows others to know they are just like any other dog. Whether they are deaf, blind, handicapped in any way, they can be just like any other dog. We easily communicate with PeeWee through sign language, and he's living such a great life."

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