Elementary School Throws Deaf Therapy Dog a Surprise Birthday Party: Video

A school in New Jersey recently threw a birthday party for their deaf therapy dog, and the inspiring moment has gone viral.

The party took place on Monday, Nov. 17, at Dr. William Mennies Elementary School in Vineland, N.J., and was for Cole, a 9-year-old pit bull. Footage from the party was shared on Instagram by Cole’s owner, music teacher Christopher Hannah.

The video shows Cole wearing a birthday crown and shirt as he’s wheeled into a school auditorium by several students. The children then sing “Happy Birthday” while signing the lyrics in American Sign Language — which they learned specifically for the occasion, Hannah exclusively told PEOPLE.

Cole can also be seen enjoying a special birthday snack while excited kids gather around him.

“Cole, a pit bull mix that was born deaf, has been working alongside me as the school therapy dog for the last seven years,” Hannah explained.

He continued, “Being the music teacher, I have the privilege of teaching the entire student population, so Cole interacts with everyone, every day. He greets the buses every morning and he’s there to see them off every afternoon. Cole is truly a huge inspiration to the kids.”

“He teaches everyone about accepting one another’s differences and that a disability is not an inability (and in Cole’s case, a superpower). The relationship between Cole and the students is truly remarkable to witness.  But even more powerful is the way they rally around the lessons learned from his journey,” he added.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Dr. William Mennies Elementary School principal Karly O’Donoghue said that Cole is “such a special part” of the school community.

“His birthday party wasn’t just a fun moment or another school assembly — it really showed how much he means to our students and staff … It was a beautiful way for our students to show communication, empathy and respect — three of the Portrait of a Graduate skills we talk about all year,” she said.

She continued, “I feel very lucky … to see Cole in action every day. He stops by the office each morning for his treat, and it’s become something we all look forward to. Starting our day with him brings a real sense of calm and joy to the building.”

“Cole has a way of connecting with kids that you can’t teach. His presence makes a difference, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate him and share the impact he has on our school community,” O’Donoghue added.

Cole was named the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) dog of the year in 2023. A video profile on Cole from the time explains that he was brought to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter as a 5-month-old puppy in 2017.

“There was a husband and wife, and they said, ‘Why would you want to adopt a broken dog? He’s never gonna be a good dog because he can’t hear,’ ” Hannah recalled in the video.

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“And when [they] said that about this little puppy, then what would [they] say about a kid like my nephew? My nephew was also born deaf. And it became a mission [for me] to change the way the world thinks about difference and disabilities,” he explained.

Hannah went on to found the Team Cole Project, which works toward a more accepting and compassionate world for those with disabilities.

Cole is also a hospice therapy volunteer and the official mascot of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home, according to an ASPCA media release.

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“During weekly visits, Cole helps aging veterans find new strength and enthusiasm for life,” per the release.