Update - Recent Placements

Ledo the Torpedo

Meet Ledo. He joined the DFD family in late March of 2009. Most pictures of little Ledo come out blurry because this guy is always on the move... and that is why we call him Ledo the Torpedo!

Ledo was placed with a recipient in Oregon as a Hearing Dog in October of 2009. He will provide his recipient with sound awareness, as well as fun, love and companionship.

Congratulations, Ledo!

Update - Recent Placements

Ryan D., New Jersey, recently lost his first Hearing Dog, Digger O’ Doyle, to old age, and he knew he needed another dog to help him with sound awareness and independence. He is now an accountant and ready to move out on his own, and a Hearing Dog would be a big help with this. Deaf since birth, Ryan knew how much Digger had helped him through his final high school years and into early adulthood, and he wanted to continue having the benefits of a dog trained to alert him to things happening around him. The right dog for Ryan came along sooner than expected. Pippy, a four year old, female, Papillion cross had been placed a couple of years ago with a woman in Texas. Recently the woman developed health problems that made it impossible for her to keep Pippy, so Pippy was returned to us. After evaluation and some refresher training, Pippy was ready to go again, and Ryan was the right applicant for Pippy. Pippy and her trainer arrived at Ryan’s home, and she quickly learned that Ryan was the one she needed to alert out of the five people living in the home. Both Ryan and Pippy grew in confidence every time she alerted him to a sound. Ryan was so happy to again be aware of what was happening around him. Ryan and Pippy are becoming a real team. Pippy is enjoying the love and care she is receiving, and Ryan loves his new partner and the help she is providing.

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