Lady Brings Smiles & Sound

Karen C. lives with her husband in Hampton, Virginia, and has been deaf for almost 18 years. She works as a government contractor. Losing her hearing, probably due to autoimmune disease, was very frustrating for Karen. She knew she was missing so many sounds and things going on around her, and she wanted some help. Karen applied for a Hearing Dog and went through our screening process. Volunteer interviewers went to her home and talked with Karen and Robert. The interviewers videotaped the home and had Karen and Robert answer all of our questions. After evaluation, Karen was approved for a dog and went on our waiting list. Finally, we had the right dog ready for Karen. That dog was Lady, a two-year-old red Spaniel/Doxie cross. We found Lady at the West End Shelter in California. Her friendliness and sweet temperament attracted our trainer to her, and, after further evaluation, Lady came to DFD. She received medical care, additional evaluation, and then began training. She loved learning to take her trainer to the various sounds. She learned to respond to the smoke alarm, telephone, oven timer, name call, and door knock. Lady was also taught the important obedience skills so she would be well behaved.

Lady was then matched with Karen and plans were made for Lady and her trainer to travel to Virginia. Karen was so excited; she could hardly wait for them to arrive. The trainer and Lady arrived at Karen's home, and they began teaching Karen how to maintain Lady's training and how to properly care for Lady. Karen was absolutely thrilled when Lady alerted her to the doorbell while she was making breakfast the second day of the placement. They had only practiced this sound once the day before, and there were a lot of distractions. Lady didn't let this bother her; she immediately alerted Karen and took her to the door. The smile on Karen's face couldn't have been wider!