The Canine Listener is a quarterly newsletter published by Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. to provide information on Hearing Dogs, placements, dog training, and other news about happenings at Dogs for the Deaf. Here are some sample highlights of our newsletter.
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Here's our most recent newsletter
Canine Listener Winter 2008
To view and print a complete copy of this newsletter, click HERE.
Mrs. Robin Dickson, President/CEO
WINTER 2008 ~ No. 103
Fed. Tax ID# 93-0681311 CFC #10969
The Canine Listener is a quarterly newsletter published by Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. to provide information on Hearing Dogs, placements, dog training, and other news about happenings at Dogs for the Deaf. Here are some sample highlights of our newsletter. If you would like to receive the complete newsletter, write to
We found Angel, a two-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound, at the Yreka Animal Shelter. She had been found almost starved to death, and brought to the shelter. When our trainer walked past the kennel, Angel tried to stand up and come over to her, but Angel was too weak to stand. She just collapsed back to the floor. The trainer could not pass this dog by and leave her there, so Angel came to DFD and immediately to our veterinarian. They said they had never seen a dog so emaciated that was still alive. They treated her and gave us some medications for her. We didn’t know if she would make it but started feeding her small amounts of food at frequent intervals, plus giving her lots of love. Angel’s spirit was incredible. She was so loving and wanted so much to pleas e, in spite of the abuse and neglect she had endured. Within a couple of months, Angel was blossoming. She gained weight and her strength increased with walks and exercise. She learned some obedience and house manners. While she did not fit the Hearing Dog profile, she was perfect for our Dogs for Seniors program. Lorette and David W. were the perfect match for Angel. They do a lot of camping, and David is a chaplain at a local hospital. They also knew that Angel’s need for walks and exercise would be good for both of them and get them to be more active. David may even start using Angel as a Therapy Dog in his work at the hospital. Seeing the difference in Angel from the day she arrived to the day she was placed, and knowing she is now in a good, loving, home where she is making a positive difference is what DFD is all about. We couldn’t ask for more.
LOLA THE SHOW GIRL!
Recipient Charlene M. with Lola
Charlene M., Washington, had her first Hearing Dog, Haley’s Angel, for eight years. About a year ago, Haley’s Angel died, and Charlene was left without her best friend and “furry ears.” It was a long year waiting for her new dog, but that joyous day came recently when Lola arrived at Charlene’s home. Lola, a small, scruffy, one-year-old Terrier mix came from the Haven Humane Society in Redding, California. She proved to be an excellent candidate to become a Hearing Dog, and she had the confidence and energy to keep up with Charlene’s very active life style. Charlene has been deaf for 51 years. She is an advocate for disability access rights, a certified canoe instructor, and a driver safety instructor for AARP. In addition to needing the assistance and companionship of a specially trained dog, Charlene is continually working to raise public awareness about hearing loss. Lola and Charlene were the perfect match for each other. When Lola’s training was complete, she and her trainer went to Charlene’s home, where Charlene and Lola bonded right away. As Lola became accustomed to her new home, they practiced various sounds, and Lola began alerting Charlene to the sounds right away. They had lots of fun playing and going for walks together. Charlene is thrilled to again have the sound awareness that Lola brings to her, plus life is a lot more fun. Charlene affectionately told friends and neighbors that Lola is part Terrier and part porcupine! Lola is very happy with her new mom and her forever home. They will be very busy advocating for deaf awareness and having fun together.
WONDER DOG WYATT
Wyatt
Wyatt, a 2½-year-old Poodle mix was donated to us when his family was going through a major life change and could no longer keep him. He was cute and lovable, and, after careful evaluation, it was determined he had everything needed to be in our Dogs for Seniors program. He was matched with June H., a 78-year-young widow. June’s dog of ten years had died, and June quickly realized that she needed the companionship and motivation of another canine friend to get her out for walks again and more motivated to do things. Wyatt was the perfect dog for June. The trainer took him to June’s home and helped them get acquainted. June learned how to maintain Wyatt’s training, and Wyatt became accustomed to his new home. Not only is Wyatt providing companionship and activity for June, he also has a fun sense of humor. He regularly steals one of June’s slippers and plays hide and seek with it, and he loves to play ball and tug-o-war. They also go for lots of walks together. Wyatt has found his forever home, and June is benefiting from the exercise, laughter, and companionship that Wyatt is providing.
LOVELY LILLY
Lilly with her recipient, Pat B.
Pat B., Washington, has had a hearing loss since 1959. She got her first hearing aids in 1997. As her hearing loss got worse, she realized she couldn’t “do it” by herself – she was burning food, not hearing the tea kettle, and missing people at the door – and she decided to apply for a Hearing Dog. Her husband Bill was very supportive, and they both looked forward to the companionship a dog would bring into their home, in addition to the sound awareness for Pat. Pat filled out all the necessary application paperwork and went through the extensive screening and interview process and was put on the waiting list. The wait for the right match was difficult, but Pat knew it would be worth it. Finally we had the right dog ready for her. We had found Lilly, a 3½-year-old, beautiful Spaniel mix at the Safehaven shelter in Albany, Oregon. She was sweet, loving, and enjoyed learning to alert her trainer to sounds. When she was finished with her training, Lilly was matched with Pat and the placement was scheduled. Pat was so excited about Lilly she told the trainer, “I wish I had a tail so I could wag it when you and Lilly get here.” When the trainer and Lilly arrived at Pat’s home, they immediately went to work. Lilly became accustomed to her new home and people, and Pat learned how to maintain Lilly’s training. It was a busy week and they all learned a lot. Lilly bonded quickly to Pat, and Pat is thrilled with the increased independence and freedom Lilly is providing her. Bill and Pat are both enjoying Lilly’s companionship, and Lilly loves her new home and all the love she is receiving.
Dear DFD,
Alex with recipient Doris W.
Thank you so much for entrusting Alex to me. We have been a team for about 4 ½ years now. I treasure every moment. To me DFD has provided more than just a Hearing Dog in my life. DFD has actually given me a life worth living! Doris W. North Carolina
Hattie & recipient Jen W.
Dear Carrie I’ve been trying to find the words to tell you exactly what Hattie has brought to my life. The problem has been, there really are no words. She has brought “sound” back to my life, I smile more now, I laugh often. She has brought me companionship, confidence, independence… I feel like I’ve been re-born and I am able to finally breathe again. I never know what new things the day is going to bring, but I look forward to it now. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a bundle of “chocolate fur” with gorgeous orange eyes and a wet nose would give me my life back, but that is exactly what has happened. Since Hattie arrived it seems to be the “firsts” in my life are ever coming! I had my first pet walk-a-thon for the Humane Society where I could walk my own dog. I had my first food delivery EVER since living on my own, and that was a HUGE milestone for me. I had my first experience setting smoke detectors off and knowing it was happening. I have so much company now, and I know they are at the door! I’ve been blessed enough to have my first nose-nuzzle in the morning with a wagging tail, which I thank God endlessly for every day! I’ve had my first experience of baking cookies and not burning a single dozen because Hattie faithfully alerted me to the oven timer! The list could go on forever. My wish this Christmas is that you and everyone at DFD will know just what you’ve given to my life. As the tears roll down my cheeks, know that is a first for me, too. They are tears that are full of joy, happiness, peace, and love. Thank you so very much for what you have unselfishly sacrificed for me so that I can have the life I do now and the life of many “firsts.” I thank YOU and DFD for the time, dedication, love, and commitment you show to each and every animal you train and place. The care and commitment you have shown to me during placement and even thereafter are wonderful. Words could NEVER express what my heart now holds. I just hope this letter helps you understand. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Love, Jen W. Pennsylvania
Dear Robin, Thank you for your kind response to my e-mail. I feel it is a real privilege to sponsor a dog to assist a person and am happy to find myself able to do so. My aunt lost her hearing at about two years of age as a result of scarlet fever, so I am aware of the limitations brought about by that loss, even though she does not consider herself handicapped. I remember the times we visited her when she sat up in a chair at night with a string tied from the doorknob to her wrist so she would know when we arrived. I know a dog would have been an immense help to her, but she is now 85 and does not think she should take on the responsibility of caring for a dog. Perhaps my gift will help someone who does need the help and affection a Hearing Dog can provide. I look forward to seeing news of the dog I sponsor and the lucky recipient in the future. Thanks again for all of your good work. Joella C. – Arizona
Dear Dogs for the Deaf,
Sadie
Enclosed please find a donation. I wanted to update you on our wonderful dog Sadie. You gave her to us almost two years ago. She didn’t make the Hearing Dog program, but she is THE BEST DOG EVER! I have been around dogs all my life and never had such a well adjusted, smart, sensitive, and social dog. She is very emotionally sensitive and has provided real comfort to my partner who has suffered from depression. Our home is certainly a happier, warmer place with Sadie in our midst. She is providing wonderful service, and we are blessed to have her and very thankful that your wonderful program gives second chance dogs an opportunity to find their calling. Dawn M. – Washington
Selena and Shelly K.
Dear Judy, It is with a heavy heart I write to inform you of Selena’s passing. I got her from DFD in ’05. She had been a breeder somewhere in southern Oregon, stopped her cycles, and the breeder gave her away. You somehow got her, and when you had her spayed, found she had a uterine infection that was slowly poisoning her. She recovered with your excellent care, and I was the lucky recipient of the sweetest dog in the world. Just recently she developed an aggressive cancer. From the time of discovery, it was less than two weeks before it metastasized and started affecting her breathing and other organs. I believe the biggest responsibility of owning a pet is not to let them suffer. Her absence leaves a cavernous ache in my heart, but a gratitude and vision of her romping now with an able body and a free spirit. She would have been nine years old in January. I only got to have her sweet company for a year and a half, but there wasn’t a day in that time that she wasn’t the brightest joy of my day. I applaud your hard work and dedication to helping both animals and people, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share in the joy. With gratitude and best wishes for the New Year. Shelly K. – Oregon
Dear DFD, Our eight year old daughter Abby loves dogs…well, actually she’s an all around animal lover. For her birthday this year, she had everyone bring gifts for DFD and our local humane society instead of gifts for her. We are very proud of her mature and unselfish choice. We enjoy your stories in the newsletter and even read one to the girls at the party. We got comments from other parents who decided to pursue this idea for future parties. Thanks for all you do. Keep up the good work. Janice, Marlin, and Abby H. – Minnesota
Wedding Donation Kristin M. and Timothy V., Pennsylvania, were married last year. In lieu of gifts, they asked their friends and family to make donations to DFD. Thank you, Kristin and Timothy
Robin Dickson and Tybo
Even after being a part of DFD for almost 27 years, each time I prepare one of these newsletters, I am amazed and emotionally moved by the wonderful things we are able to do for the dogs we rescue and the miraculous things they, in turn, do for the people they are partnered with. The stories in this issue had a particularly profound impact on me for some reason. There is Angel who was starving to death when we found her and brought her here. Now she is thriving and making life happier and more active for her people. She may even go on to be a Therapy Dog and help countless people through hard times. Then there is Lola who went from a homeless dog to a wonderful life providing sound awareness and companionship, plus filling the hole in Charlene’s heart left by the death of her first Hearing Dog. And, there are many others in this issue that are equally important. How can we accomplish these wonderful miracles? It is only with your help and support and with the expertise and dedication of a fantastic Staff and Board of Directors, and an incredible group of Volunteers. Your donations enabled us to bring Angel back to being a healthy, active, vibrant dog. Even in her darkest moments when we first found her, she was so loving and wanted to move and play—she was just too weak from lack of food and care. Now she is loved and well cared for, and she is greatly enhancing the lives of all those around her. It is only with your help and support that we are able to provide the training for the dogs and people, plus provide lifetime follow up support and guidance to assure that each partnership is receiving maximum benefit from each other. Knowing that people are at the door, knowing that you will be alerted when the smoke alarm goes off or someone calls your name, having a reason to get up in the morning and go for a walk with a friendly, loving companion—this is what we are doing together. With your continued commitment and dedication, we promise to continue to use your generous donations in the most prudent and cost effective manner. The quality of care, training, and follow up is always our primary focus so that we can train and place the absolutely best dogs possible who are going to have the greatest benefit for the people who receive them. Our DFD expansion plans continue to be developed. This expansion is desperately needed in order to meet the ever-increasing need for our specially trained dogs. In the next newsletter we expect to be able to have some more details on our expansion. Until then, share this newsletter, tell people about DFD, and know that your support is an integral part of our team effort.
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