Dogs for the Deaf launches pilot Autism Assistance Dog Program

Dogs for the Deaf is happy to announce the launch of our pilot Autism Assistance Dog program. If you'd like to read more about this program, please visit our web site or you can view a recent newscast of a report on the launch of the Autism Assistance Dog program by visiting KDRV Channel 12.

Placement - Duke the Miracle Mutt

Duke, an 8 year old, standard long-haired doxie, came to us from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in October of 2008, and he is one special dog. His recipients, Dan and Helen of Oregon, are certainly very special people. So, quite naturally, they are a perfect fit for our Miracle Mutts (Special Dogs for Special People) program.

Congratulations Duke, Dan, and Helen! Duke has found his forever home, and Dan and Helen have found a new friend for life.

Miracle Mutts are special furry friends that provide companionship, motivation, and emotional support to people who need a helping paw. These dogs help with depression and loneliness; they provide a reason to get up in the morning and motivation to exercise; and they generally make life worth living.

If you'd like more information on Miracle Mutts (Special Dogs for Special People), or any of the other types of dogs that Dogs for the Deaf places, please click here to VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

KKG

Hearing Dog Placement

Congratulations Dijon!

Dijon, a two 1/2 year old Bichon Frise, came to Dogs for the Deaf from Paws across the Northwest in December of 2007.

After working hard with DFD Trainer, Erik A., and showing a definite aptitude for his new career, Dijon was ready to be placed as a Hearing Dog.

In October of 2008 Dijon was placed with his recipient, Jessica of California. Erik reports that Jessica and Dijon are a great pair and took to each other right away. Dijon has found his forever home, and Jessica is benefiting from the sound awareness that Dijon brings to her life.

KKG

Recent Hearing Dog Placement

Brenda E. and Calvin of Virginia

Calvin, a 2-year-old, Terrier-Lhasa Apso mix from a shelter in Fresno, California, has found a new calling as a Hearing Dog for Brenda. "Calvin," says Brenda, "has been a lifesaver. I travel a lot, and he is my ears." Several times Brenda learned that she had slept through fire alarms while staying in hotels. "You never really relax after that happens," she said.

Brenda carries a portable smoke detector on the road and informs hotels of her hearing challenge. "But not once has anyone bothered to wake me, and detectors only work when the smoke is already in the room."

"Calvin works at home, too," says Brenda, noting that Hearing Dogs are invaluable for notifying humans about oven timers, smoke detectors and alarm clocks. Hearing Dogs help recipients by being their ears while the recipient is shopping or going for a walk, providing freedom and confidence.

Article by Kimberly M., DFD Information Resource Coordinator

Notes from Robin

Notes from Robin

On December 3rd, DFD celebrated our 31^st anniversary. It is truly unbelievable to think that we have been saving dogs and helping people since 1977. It has been a labor of love on the part of many, many faithful staff, volunteers, and donors. Through this newsletter, we try to convey to all of you the wonderful, miraculous differences these specially trained dogs make in the peoples’ lives, and also how much the dogs’ lives are enriched. DFD would not be the successful organization it is today without everyone’s help and support. We would not have been able to rescue the thousands of dogs and help all the people we have helped without your faithful and generous support.

This new year is bringing some very exciting times to DFD. After 20 years in our current facility with no remodeling, we are finally ready to begin phase one of an expansion plan. Our office is very overcrowded, and we are thrilled to announce that we just received county approval to add on to our office—providing much needed space for our current staff and some additional staff and volunteer work space. It will also provide adequate space for tours. We have a lot of tours of groups and individuals who come to see our training facility, and currently it is very difficult for us to do group tours because of the cramped space we have. This additional space will enable staff and volunteers to be more efficient in doing the necessary support work needed to keep DFD operating. If you would like to help with this addition, please send in an extra donation and designate it to the Building Fund.

Also this new year, we will be placing our very first dog with a child with Autism. This new addition to our work at DFD, is going to enable us to help more people and rescue more dogs. Even though our primary focus will always be our Hearing Dogs, the Autism Assistance Dogs will become an important part of our work, and you will be reading more about it in up-coming issues of the “Canine Listener.” I guarantee you will be amazed at what these special dogs will be doing and how they will help children with Autism and their families.

I know that our wonderful country is going through some turbulent and uncertain times right now, but I have faith in our country that things will improve, and I have faith in you, our DFD family, that you will do all you possibly can to help us with our mission. You have never failed us in the past, and I know you will not fail us now. Together we will continue this very special and important mission.

As we enter this very special Holiday Season, I would personally like to wish all of you the richest blessings for the coming year.

Robin Dickson, President/CEO

Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.

31st Anniversary!

Today, December 3, 2008, Dogs for the Deaf celebrates our 31st anniversary!

Dogs for the Deaf (DFD) was founded in 1977 by the late Roy G. Kabat, a long-time Hollywood and circus animal trainer who raised animals for motion pictures and television shows including "Dr. Doolittle" and "Born Free." His daughter, Robin Dickson, is his successor and the CEO/President of Dogs for the Deaf.

Our dogs are chosen from animal shelters, where they might otherwise be euthanized. The dogs are usually mixed breeds, small to medium in size, and up to 36 months of age. The trainers look for dogs that are friendly, energetic, healthy, and confident. Those passing the aptitude tests are brought to our facility for a medical evaluation and vaccinations. All dogs are spayed/neutered and then entered into an intensive four to six months of training. The dogs learn to respond to verbal and hand signals and are taught to work for toys and affection.

Dogs are placed FREE of charge with applicants nationwide and in Canada.

Dogs for the Deaf rescues/trains/places five types of dogs to help with different disabilities, challenges, and needs.

Hearing Dogs are trained to alert people to household sounds that are necessary for everyday safety and independence. They are trained to make physical contact and lead their person to the source of the sound.

Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to enhance the safety of children with Autism by acting as an anchor and preventing the child from bolting into unsafe environments such as traffic, bodies of water, etc.

Miracle Mutts (special dogs for special people) are dogs who either originally came to DFD to be Hearing Dogs but did not like the work, or dogs from shelters that for a particular reason do not meet the criteria to be Hearing Dogs. They are still wonderful, loving dogs. After veterinary care, training, and confidence building, these dogs are placed with children and adults who have special physical, mental, or emotional needs such as depression, loneliness, stroke, seizures, mental or emotional challenges, or any of a wide range of needs.

Harmony's Hounds (dogs with special needs) are dogs we rescue from shelters and, during the medical evaluation or later in training, are found to have a special physical or emotional need that prevents them from completing training. These dogs need someone willing to provide a stable, loving home and possible medical care. In the right environment, these dogs can thrive and provide lots of love and companionship.

Career Change Dogs are wonderful dogs who are happy and healthy but just not interested in working for a living. These dogs make loving pets and companions and are looking for their forever homes.

So... help us celebrate our special day. Visit our Dogs for the Deaf website and read more information on our organization. While you are there, read our newsletter, send an e-card, add yourself to our e-mail list, shop our on-line gift catalog, or make a donation. We'd love to hear from you. Please contact our helpful staff if you'd like more information at info@dogsforthedeaf, or call (541) 826-9220.

KKG

Welcome Winnie & Wilbur!

Welcome to two of DFD's newest family members, Winnie (top) & Wilbur! These two were both rescued from animal shelters and are both currently in training to be Hearing Dogs.

We'll keep you updated on their progress.

In this video, Winnie & Wilbur play together after their bath...

KKG