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