Deaf dog misinterprets NFL referee's hand gestures — assumes he's signing for her

In certain moments, people get to see how much attention pets pay to what they are being taught and how fast they catch onto actions and phrases. Highlighting such a moment, a deaf dog was intently watching an NFL match. She thought that the referee was signaling to her and she followed it immediately and went off, leaving her owners in splits. The dog mom, who goes by @saraaaandipity on TikTok, took to the platform to share the adorable moment with the internet.

As the video began, the dog, Dory, was looking at the screen intently as the match went on. "After watching intently for three minutes straight, my deaf dog thinks that the referee signed to her," the text overlay of the video read. Dory was completely hooked to the screen and wouldn't even take her eyes off it. But the moment the referee did a hand signal, the dog immediately followed it. She turned around and ran away from the place in an instant. The video received over 3.7 million views and more than 640.9k likes. The caption read, "Dory is the biggest sports fan in our house, especially football; it doesn’t really matter who’s playing."

"But I do think she especially likes when the teams wear colors she can see. Dory is deaf and I suspected recently that she was paying attention to the referee's hand signals as well, but now I have actual proof of it on video. After she saw the hand signal, she walked over to lie down on her bed. Love her so much!" the person continued. The dog was intently watching the match between Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. People took to the comments section of the video to appreciate the adorable dog's dedication to the game and her ability to follow signs at all times, even when they aren't really meant for her.

@emidough18 wrote, "Now I want to put on a football game for my deaf dog." The creator replied, "Give it a try! It’s the only TV Dory seems to really enjoy watching. The logos that fly towards the screen before replays get her especially excited. Say hi to your dog from us!" @katiejobraun877 commented, "I work at a dog daycare and had to learn 'sign language' we have several deaf dogs. Very good dog you have there." @ktricamo remarked, "I love it, my deaf dog would get so confused when people would be moving their hands when they were talking but not using sign language."

@karenpritchett398 shared, "Seriously, contact them…The Ravens are amazing at working with the community. Maybe they could do a partnership to help dogs in shelters find homes. Dory is adorable." @moon184u expressed, "I fear I may need to get a deaf dog and learn their ways because I'm convinced now that all deaf pets are silly as heck." The woman replied, "They’re great! But also a lot of work like any dog. There are some great resources like 'Deaf Dogs Rock,' as well as support groups online and books! Definitely many who need a good home." The woman, Sara, also shared a longer video of the moment to show how hooked her dog was to the match before the referee used the hand signal.

You can follow @saraaaandipity on TikTok for more lifestyle content.