In an incredible display of intelligence and connection, Eowyn the corgi has managed to understand and communicate using sign language with her deaf owner, Emily Cassese. Despite her inability to speak, Eowyn reacts with pure joy when she sees sign language hand signs.
Emily Cassese, 32, has been deaf since childhood and introduced sign language into her marriage with husband Derek, 34, an engineer based in Orlando. Their beloved 9-year-old corgi, Eowyn, has been an integral part of their lives, surprising them with her intelligence and stubbornness.
“If she doesn’t like what we’re doing, she will definitely let us know,” Derek said. “But she’s also very loving and protective.”
Eowyn has not been formally trained in sign language, but she has learned to associate certain signs with specific actions, much to the astonishment of her owners. For example, the simple sign for “dinner” will make her excitedly scramble for food.
Emily and Derek communicate entirely through sign language at home, with Eowyn finding her own silent ways to interact. Instead of barking for breakfast, she gently nudges Emily’s bed until she wakes up to feed her.