Josh Thole Gives Signs At The Plate And At Home

For one day, let's forget about the Mets' inability to hit with runners in scoring position. Let's not dwell on their failure to capitalize on their emotional extra-inning victory against the Phillies on Sunday night. Let's not even discuss Josh Thole's slow start both at the plate and behind it.

However, we can and will discuss Josh Thole in regards to a set of signs he's giving in his household, signs that are helping a beloved family member cope with an otherwise difficult disability.

Josh Thole, his wife Kathryn and their dog, Picca, showing signs of a loving family. (Photo by NY Mets/Daily News)

According to an article by Nicholas Hirshon in today's Daily News, the Thole family adopted their dog, Picca, two years ago in Syracuse. But shortly thereafter, Kathryn Thole noticed that their Maltese-poodle mix wasn't acknowledging her whenever she'd call for her.

After taking their beloved dog to the veterinarian, it was discovered that Picca was deaf. However, instead of giving her up, the Tholes realized that Picca needed the love and support they were willing to give her. Therefore, Josh decided to pick up some sign language books and taught Picca how to respond to sign commands.

With a few simple hand gestures, Picca has now learned how to sit and stay, making it far easier for the Tholes to communicate with their dog and live a happy and normal life together. Well, normal in mostly everything. As Josh Thole says, Picca has been helpful in a few impromptu running exercises...

"If I was to go up to get the mail or something, my dog would follow me and take off. I couldn't call her. I'd have to chase her."

Studious Metsimus salutes Josh and Kathryn Thole for going the extra mile for their dog, Picca. She may not be able to hear her owners express their love for her, but she doesn't have to. After all, it's all in the signs.