A recently placed Hearing Dog sends her DFD trainer an email
Carrie,
Hi! I asked my mom if I could email you and she said I could.
Two weekends ago mom took me to her church for a special service called "Blessing of the Animals" for St. Francis day. I was very good! You would have been VERY PROUD OF ME! My mom was. Everyone was very impressed with how well I behaved. There were 34 dogs there besides me and one cat. I was a little excited but I still behaved and listened to my mom... just like you taught me.
We have also gone to the park. I walk all around and sniff. My mom and I work on obedience. I am doing very well listening to her. She got a really long line so we could work on recalls. We are doing pretty good with heeling... mom is getting better at it than when you were here (giggle). We play soccer and go to my grammie nana's house a lot so I can run in her big backyard.
We have lots of special things coming up we are getting to do together. The Humane Society's Pet Walkathon is next Sunday. We got sponsors to help the homeless animals at the shelter and we are going to walk for them. I am excited and can't wait. I want to help homeless animals find homes just like you did for me.
I am very happy here and I am settling in really well. I think my favorite sound to work is the doorbell and oven/microwave timer. We have worked lots on the smoke detector and the alarm clock too! My grammie nana comes in and helps a lot with that. We even practice at the back door too for the door knock.
Well, I know you are at work, so I shouldn't keep you any longer. Mom and I are going to go for another walk. We walk A LOT!! Mom has lost a lot of weight since I came. I miss you and love you and thank-you for giving me such a special home with my new mom. She reads all the letters to me that you send. I send you belly rubbins and smooches too!
Love,
Your one and only Hattie
A LIFE of MANY FIRSTS
Editor’s note: Jen received her Hearing Dog Hattie a few months ago. This letter shows first hand how these special dogs change the lives of the
Jen & Hattie
people who receive them.
Carrie,
I’ve been sitting here reflecting on this past year. What a year 2007 has been for me! It’s been a whirlwind. I can honestly say it has been a year of unforeseen blessings. It’s been a year of many “firsts” for me. I just wanted to share this with you so you really know what an impact you and Dogs for the Deaf have had on my life.
I had my first ever “shower.” Considering I’ve never had children or ever been blessed enough to get married, Hattie’s puppy shower was a wonderful experience for me. It’s one I will cherish forever.
Since Hattie has arrived, it seems that 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 ever food delivery since living on my own. That was a huge milestone for me. I had my first experience with setting off the smoke detectors and, because of Hattie, knew it was happening. I’ve had so much company now, that I know is here… the firsts for that are endless. I had my first “creepy” visitor and I truly believe Hattie was my guardian angel and protected me. I’ve been blessed to have my first nose nuzzle in the morning with a wagging tail, which I thank God for endlessly 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. I’ve had my first swim at the lake, my first belly rolling laughter. My first smile of the day every morning!
I’ve had my first snowman in years and even a snowball fight… all because I am blessed with the world’s most wonderful companion. I will have my first Christmas in years where there will be gifts to share and open on Christmas morning, even if they are for the kitties and Hattie. For the first time in the three years that I’ve lived here, I got to see “Santa” riding his big red fire truck and handing out candy canes to people in the neighborhood. Supposedly they do it every year and I never knew it until Hattie alerted me. I got a candy cane from Santa and Hattie got a dog biscuit. What a world Hattie has opened up for me!
This list could go on forever. So, if I could have one wish this holiday season, it is to share all of these “firsts” with you so that you and DFD know just what you’ve given my life. As the tears roll down my cheeks, Carrie… I would like you to know that is a first for me too. Tears that are full of joy, happiness, peace and love. Thank you so very much for what you have unselfishly given to me so that I may have the life I do now. A life of many “firsts.”
God bless you this holiday season and all the years through. Thank you for what you’ve done at DFD and for me. I truly appreciate you.
Jen W., Pennsylvania
HONORING A GRANDMOTHER’S MEMORY
Marla K. from Floridashares her reason for donating to Dogs for the Deaf…
“This donation is in the memory of my grandmother, Rita D. She lost her hearing when she was in her thirties. Her love of dogs was endless, so when she received her first hearing assisted dog in her mid 70’s she was overwhelmed. She lived in a very small town in where she worked very hard to get hearing assisted dogs available to deaf residents.
I wanted to honor my grandmother in areas that were important to her, rescuing dogs and working to make the hearing impaired more independent. Your organization combines the two areas my grandmother was so involved with.
I know my grandmother is with God, whom she loved so much, and I know she is hearing beautiful music and playing with her four legged companions.
Thank you for all you do to help the deaf community.”
