Pupils devastated after dog called Burt Reynolds which teaches sign language disappears while out walking
Burt Reynolds the dog
A DISABLED dog called Burt Reynolds who helps teach sign language to pupils at a special school in Northampton has gone missing and the pupils are appealing for his return.
Burt, a two-year-old Shih Tzu, is a regular visitor at Billing Brook Special School in Lumbertubs to help the pupils learn to look after a pet, and he also responds to sign language commands so deaf children can talk to him.
But the children have been devastated to learn that Burt went missing last month during a walk in Bletchley with his owner, Claire-Louise Nixon.
The school is now asking that anyone with information about his whereabouts should come forward to lift the gloom that has been hanging over their classrooms since his disappearance.
Headteacher Caroline Grant said: “Burt Reynolds helps them to face up to their fears about dogs and overcome them and shows them how to look after an animal properly, so he is very well-loved.
“When Claire-Louise turned up last time and she had five dogs instead of six, the children certainly noticed there was one fewer dog. They are very upset and don’t really understand why he’s not there any more. They’re desperate to have him back for September.”
Burt Reynolds lives with several other dogs, all of who have famous names – including his “girlfriend” Sophia Loren.
Despite his own disability – he has a neck problem caused by a dog attack when he was a puppy, which leads to his head to flop to one side – he has taught autistic children to speak, helped agoraphobic youngsters venture outdoors, and takes commands from deaf children.
His instincts are so good he can seek out a distressed child and climb up for a cuddle.
Claire-Louise said: “We have a cocker spaniel called Thomas Cook who was born with a hare lip and cleft palate and a Polish lowland sheepdog, Denzel Washington, who was born without a tube that should connect to his liver.
“They show the children that they have disabilities too and have overcome them.”
Burt went missing during a walk in the Manor Fields area of Bletchley, Milton Keynes. Despite the promise of a £1,000 reward, there has been no trace of him.
Anyone who has information about Burt’s whereabouts can contact Claire-Louise on 07912 142603.
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Comments
There are 8 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
poppiesforever
Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 10:27 PMAnd you cely should not comment based on the headline,when it clearly says in the article RESPONDS,no wonder your comments are usually twaddle,try reading the whole article next time,dur!!
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Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 10:51 PMAnd another thing, this dog does not wear a wig.
Cely
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 07:01 PMYou should read the heading poppiesforever it quite clearly says "dog called Burt Reynolds which teaches sign language"
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Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 05:25 PMLooks more like an hamster to me. How can you go missing during a walk? I have been on many walks but have never gone missing Can it teach me woodwork? I have always fancied carpentry as an hobby.
poppiesforever
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 04:19 PMAnd this website needs to load comments a bit quicker!!
poppiesforever
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 04:18 PMOh Cely,how bad is your reading comprehension? It says the dog RESPONDS to sign language,it doesnt teach it,you would need to have thumbs for that anyway. Someone needs to go back to school!
poppiesforever
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 04:15 PMOh cely how bad is your reading comprehension? the dog RESPONDS to sign language he doesnt teach it,you need thumbs for sign language for a start,someone needs to go back to school!
Cely
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 12:47 PMA dog that teaches sign language? Cleverer than a lot of human teachers then.
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