Cole, a certified therapy dog, recently turned 9 years old

NEED TO KNOW

• An elementary school in New Jersey threw a birthday party for their deaf therapy dog
• The students learned how to sign “Happy Birthday” in sign language specifically for the special occasion
• The inspirational moment has since gone viral

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.