HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- A Dalmatian is helping hospital patients in Los Angeles heal, despite his own disability. You might be tempted to call out to Charlie the Dalmatian, but he may not respond.

FRAMINGHAM — When Dan Ringer’s first daughter, Delaney, was born deaf 16 years ago, he learned American Sign Language. It's a skill that he brings, along with his natural compassion, to assist deaf ...