Dogs And Hearing Dogs

Who would have thought that dogs could be more than just a man’s best friend? They can be deaf man’s best friend too! Dogs are trained for many things these days, such as police assistants, guards, and normal house companions. However, there is a new dog in town! The term “hearing dog” sounds like a strange concept for hearing folks, however it’s become very common in the deaf world. These dog’s have helped many deaf people adapt in the hearing world, and have saved many lives with their capabilities.
The first company to start the hearing dogs business is “Dog’s for the Deaf”. They started in 1977, which is when the hearing dog concept was created. Many companies followed in the footsteps of Dogs for the Deaf, such as Canine Companions, NEADS, and PAWS with a Cause. However, Dog’s for the Deaf was the first one of it’s kind and it has a very interesting start up story.
Everyone has a backstory, and Dog’s for the Deaf is no different. This flourishing company started when a deaf woman in Minnesota trained her canine to alert her to warning sounds. However, as the lady became older and more deaf, the dog became more of a need than a want. The dog had learned to alert her to more than just an oven timer, but to sirens, microwave beeps, other people yelling and much more as time progressed. Tragically enough, before long the dog she depended on so much had passed away, and she wanted another dog like the precious one she’d had before. She was so determined to find another pet to replace her’s she contacted the American Humane Association. Hearing her plea, they began some experimental work with training dogs to complete certain tasks. And then Roy G. Kabat enters the picture.
Roy G. Kabat is the the man with a plan. He wasn’...

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...lieve that hearing dogs are going to go far in the Deaf Community. With so many different companies having the same idea, there will be lots of deaf peopled helped by these many opportunities. Also, as the world now begins to change, technology becomes a bigger aspect to everyone, but also to the deaf. Things are becoming easier for them because of the technology people are creating. However, having a steady steed at your side won’t fail, like technology sometimes will. Surprisingly enough, even famous people are all for the hearing dogs. Last year, Betty White started an auction to raise money for this company. Up for auction was the chance to meet her in person and watch the Cavalia’s “Oddysseo” in Burbank, California with her. Insanely enough, Betty White has been supporting this company for many years, with many generous donations to the wonderful company.