Dogs for Better Lives does a great job letting us know what the impact of our dollar is. We feel confident knowing that 100% of our donation goes to supporting service dogs.
I have been donating to this charity since it was Dogs For the Deaf and it is a wonderful organization that does what it says it does. They are dependable and are helping dogs and humans alike. It's wonderful to have organizations like this that can live up to their statements of purpose.
I have been a volunteer on the Northeast Regional Advisory Board of Dogs for Better Lives since March 2023 and I'm proud to represent the organization in my community. I am especially excited to highlight that, in addition to utilizing purpose-bred dogs, Dogs for Better Lives has partnerships with shelters and rescues to train shelter dogs to become Service Dogs. They also conduct trainings in the client's home which is typically much more convenient for the client.
As both a volunteer and an advisory board member, I consider DBL to be excellent ! I first encountered them when they purchased their Falmouth campus from our long time boarding kennel we'd used for our own dogs.
The staff immediately impressed me as top notch, and their name and their presentation as a non profit made me curious, so I looked into it.
I was struck by their decades long history, and the multi faceted service areasand commitment to the dogs and clients made such an impression I applied to be a puppy transport volunteer, and eventually expanded that to joining the Regional Advisory Board.
The spirit and enthusiasm of the employees and Board is engaging, and I've been able to meet clients and the service dogs now too, seeing first hand the quality of training and the impact they have on the client's lives.
I donate to Dogs for Better Lives because I believe in its work. As an older person slowly losing her hearing, I realize how important it would be to have help if I were deaf.
I’m especially happy when I read about the success of a dog that was rescued from a shelter. Taking an unwanted dog and giving it the skills to help and become a beloved helper - that’s sacred work in my eyes.
DBL is exceptional at keeping in touch with its supporters. I get emails regularly and the paper version of the DBL magazine. I like the paper version because I can share it with others, take it to the Senior Center or leave it in the doctor’s office so others can learn about DBL.
I believe DBL uses the money I give to them very responsibly. DBL is open about its finances and publishes annual reports.
A few weeks ago I was able to meet a DBL dog - at my local grocery store - and talk to the man he was assisting. The gentleman was very happy to tell me all about his dog and how DBL supports him - it’s not just “give him a dog and walk away.” He said his beloved DBL dog “got him off the couch and back into life.” It was obvious that DBL had done an excellent job of finding the right dog for this man.
Five stars for Dogs for Better Lives!!
I am a Puppy Raiser for DBL. I am currently raising my first pup, and she is doing great! My favorite thing about Dogs for Better Lives is that they are always ready to help those in need. DBL doesn't charge a thing for there dogs! Even though the dogs, through every step are poured into with love and passion. They are truly amazing with dogs and people! Dogs for Better Lives is my favorite non-profit I have volunteered at.
I have only wonderful things to say about this non-profit! They paired me with such a wonderful dog and he's helped me become more independent. The onboarding process was smooth and very supportive and I know they will continue to help me in any way possible. I am so grateful to have connected with them.
All the staff and trainers are professional and are subject matter experts in their field. They are always eager to make the volunteers' experience delightful and rewarding. We love working with this organization.
I have a wonderful certified hearing dog from Dogs for Better Lives! My pup, Albus, has been with me for almost two years now. During that time he has alerted me to a variety of sounds such as knocking at the door, oven timer, doorbell, smoke alarm, phone alarm, and even the occasional squirrel in the yard. I’ve worked with the amazing staff and training team at DBL to submit reports, update them on my pup, and just to say “hi” when I’ve been in Central Point. The team is so friendly and willing to help with any questions I had, even long after placement. My dog is my best friend and we have a strong bond. He’s become a little celebrity at the high school where I work. Everyone loves him! I am so grateful to the entire Dogs for Better Lives organization for pouring so much time, training, and love into these incredible dogs. They truly do make life better!
I became a puppy raiser for this organization in June. I am so impressed with the personnel and our puppy in particular. They took great care in their screening process to ensure I was up for the role. The puppy we are raising is an amazing animal. I have awesome support in every step of her development. The trainers give me the direction I need to raise this pup so she will be a life changer for the individual she serves. This is a very rewarding endeavor and I am proud to a small part of this wonderful program. Please understand the profound impact she will have once she is placed.
Our pediatric office has a facility dog through Dogs For Better Lives. They are our priority nonprofit. Their goals, compassion to help others, and empathy for people is amazing. Hands down one of the best nonprofits. Their hard work carrie’s over through the animals to so many other people. Dogs have blessed and richly helped so many children, families, and employees In Our office. We can never thank them enough! Helping the blind, deaf/hearing loss, and so many more clients to perform everyday activities is so fulfilling. .
People who support Dogs For Better Lives should take value in the fact that their money and donated volunteer hours enhances the quality of life for people who are lucky enough to be partnered with a DBL-trained dog. The behind the scenes selection process, the puppy raisers and trainers are all dependent on donations. Donations for which there are hundreds of competing service-oriented groups. The degree of detail in the DBL dog selection process, the hundreds of hours of professional training, the ADI accreditation and the thorough client selection process are all showcased by the growing number of working teams across the United States. And, for a DBL team, it doesn't end at placement - donations and volunteer efforts provide for the continued relationship between the dog, their handler and DBL for the life of the dog. Rare are the organizations with that life-long commitment and the resources and willingness to keep it up.
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Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) is one of the best charity organizations I have encountered - as a donor, and as a end-user. While i've made small gifts of money and my personal time to DBL, I am also the recipient of one of their trained assistance dogs. Though you expect the background training and the good deployment service, what one gets with DBL which is not always apparent with other organizations is a life time of commitment to dogs they deploy and to their handlers. And because they are centralized with two campus locations but serve the United States (CONUS) DBL has perfected the art of communications. They get in touch and stay in touch with donors - even small contributors as I have been. They introduce their projects, they flesh out the details and they explain how they spend the money they receive. Too many organizations just paint a glowing big picture, DBL gives donors the nuts and bolts.
They practice the same kind of communication skills with dog handlers. Ask a trainer a question remotely - you get an answer. You get an invitation to comment back and you're likely going to get a follow-on phone call - sometimes from a training supervisor, perhaps from a board member. And if you - the dog handler - feels the need, there are video training review sessions available which are priceless to me.
All of this work is what I think puts DBL near the chart top in charitable organizations, likely not just on the West Coast, but nationwide. A good service, provided by a strong, committed staff and offered to end-users at zero cost - that's what makes DBL stand out in my book.
My certified hearing dog Noodle is the best thing that has happened to me ever! I’ve gained such independence by having him and it’s amazing to see how intuitive he is with me.
Things with Dogs for Better Lives don’t just end upon being placed with your service dog. It’s just the beginning of a long-term relationship filled with caring,understanding, and supportive people,who genuinely care for you!! I love my goofball Noodle and am so glad that Dogs for Better Lives trusted me to place him in my home. We are the dynamic duo!
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Dogs for Better Lives is one of the most authentic agencies I’ve dealt with in my life! Not Only do they match people with a service dog, but they search for dogs who need rescuing from a shelter! What a mission!!
Two United and two rescuing one another. As a member of the deaf community, DBL has helped me by giving me independence and the best companion ever!
This organisation is a great example of how a group of committed kind people - and of course amazing pups - can make a huge difference in the lives of so so many people
They started small, in the Applegate Valley, many years ago, as Dogs for the Deaf. Roy Kabot and his daughter did an awesome thing to start this. They have built a wonderful business over the years and have helped many many people continue their lives. A GREAT Organization.
I am impressed by their commitment to the organization’s mission, the care and well being is the animals in their program, and of course their dedication to the individuals they serve.
I had a Hearing Guide dog named Mocha for 14 years. He was trained by Carol she is probably retired now. That time it was called Hearing Dogs for the Deaf before the name was changed. Mocha was amazing, smart, cute, very sweet, and a great working dog. Wonderful program and staff. I'm forever grateful for Mocha and this program. I have pictures of him taken from my regular camera I will need to use my phone camera to take a picture of one of them. Thanks so much for the love, care, and everything you do. Mocha is still deeply missed everyday even tho he passed in 2001.
We got a career dog from them and loved her so much we got a second one. They take such good care of their animals. They make sure the dogs go to a good home and delivered both dogs. They were also well behaved because of the amazing training they had. I highly recommend Dog for Better Lives.
I was the chair of their regional advisory board in CA for a year and helped drive awareness and recruit puppy raisers. The organization allocated 100% of proceeds into training service dogs to provide them to people in need at zero cost. They are an amazing group, who is passionate and strives to enrich the lives of both people they serve and also the animals.
This a is great organization that is professional yet personal. They are innovative yet in touch with the needs of their clients. They are passionate about their mission of providing dogs to make for better lives.
I first saw an ad for Dogs for the Deaf over 30 years ago in Rural Living magazine. I am not deaf nor know of someone who is, but I thought it was a great idea to train shelter dogs to assist the hearing impaired. I have been donating ever since. I am happy to see the organization is still going strong. It's a win-win for dogs and people including dogs who don't pass their hearing certification; they are either adopted or trained to assist people in other ways.
The best part about being a DBL client is how much everyone cares and the way they put the dogs first and foremost. I cannot express my appreciation and gratitude enough.
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I am profoundly deaf and I was placed with the most wonderful hearing assistance dog, Mindy, on 12/07/2018. DBL has been amazing; they not only care and follow up on Mindy from 3000 miles away, but they have also been a source of invaluable support to me in my journey. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I couldn’t have gotten the confidence boost and personal growth in the past two years if it wasn’t for DBL and Mindy.
Professional and warm. Best volunteer experience ever. DBL team was so warm and welcoming, helping me with every obstacle while puppy raising.
The trainers are outstanding. They really understand both dog abd human behavior (it's more about training the puppy raisers to be effective handlers than anything else). They lea with kindness and compassion, encouraging the best in both dog and human handler.
Every training plan is personalized according to the pup's personality, strengths, and challenges, all in the hopes that each dog will one say become a great assistance dog.
I'm proud to be part of this organization!
I have had a hearing dog from DBL since 2015 and have loved the experience. The followup care is second to none. The training was excellent, and the guidance DBL has provided over the years has been a source of comfort. This is a first class operation run by dedicated people.
I have found this organization to be truly caring and concerned about the dogs they place. Although I have been waiting for a while, they have found a dog for me In the meantime, they maintained contact with me and they are always quite professional. I have had other service dogs before that have not been properly trained, but Dogs for Better Lives has a fantastic track record!
I have a progressive degenerative hearing loss, which has resulted in near total deafness. I recently received a certified hearing dog, Dolce, who has greatly enriched my life. Since she has come to live with me, I feel safer, more included in life happenings, and my overall quality of life has improved greatly. Everyone I have dealt with since first inquiries, application, transfer of Dolce, in home training, and continued support has been so kind, helpful, and professional. I have been truly blessed by this organization.
I have been on several boards during my 50+ years in private industry. I was a board member for DBL 2012 - 2018. I continue to volunteer from time to time for special projects. My observations, DBL is one of the best run companies, Non Profit or for Profit that I have encountered. Progressive, well thought out goals for improving operations and achieving them. Staying the course in achieving worthwhile long range growth paths and constantly searching for ways to squeezing more effectiveness out of their donations and other funding while keeping a focus on constantly improving ways to serve their clients. . During Covid, they exemplified how firms should manage and support their staff and care for their operations (in this case the dogs in training) Great organization.
My life has changed due to Dogs for Better Lives. I have been deaf since I was a teen (although I can read lips). I heavily relied on someone (friends, sister, parents, husband, co-workers) to help keep me safe and to hear for me. I hesitated to do new things because I couldn't hear. After applying for a hearing dog, Dogs for Better Lives reached out! They were energetic, responsive, patient, and answered all of my questions. I was soon blessed with a match! My hearing dog came with five days of training at home and at work. Everyone was so nice! As I write this, the doorbell at work rang and my hearing dog just tapped me to tell me! I have forgotten what my life was like before Dogs for Better Lives entered. They will continue for ten+ years to support me and my hearing dog! I cannot stop saying good things about DFBL!
I have been with Dogs For Better Lives since 2001. I have my second hearing assistance dog from them named Morris. Dazzle was my first assistance dog from September 2001 through November 2014. Morris has been with me since 2016. This service dog training 501(c) charity is the best I've ever dealt with. Dogs For Better Lives has improved my life in many, many ways. i'm grateful to them always.
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My hearing assistance dog, Morris, and I have been together since 2016. At home he helps me with the door knock, alarm clock, oven timer, smoke alarm and dropped objects. Outside, while on walks, he alerts me to people and cars nearby. He's very loving, affectionate and a lot of fun to play fetch with! I have a safer, richer life because of him and because of Dogs For Better Lives. I love them all.
When choosing a charity to get involved with, impact was of the utmost importance to me. I can confidently say that Dogs for Better Lives is doing incredible work on the ground and I know that volunteer time and donor dollars are going as far as possible.
Noodle came into my life from Dogs for Better Lives. This has been a blessing for me to become more independent and not feel as anxious when I have no one to help me. He’s so alert and even alerts me to things in my surroundings that he just had the natural instinct to do. I can go on and on about the incredible support I get from Noodle. Dogs for better lives provides support at all times!! They don’t just pair you up with your service dog and then leave…….they follow you through your journey of independence with your fur child.
I’m blessed and cannot thank this agency enough for all that they’ve done for me and my family!!! Oh…. And he’s an amazing emotional support dog as well for those around me.
This is a great cause and well needed in many occasions for many reasons and brings a better quality of life to many who need it
It’s amazing to see all the ways that Noodle has made such an incredible impact on my wife’s Maria’s life since she got him. Dogs for Better Lives did an outstanding job in training and matching Noodle with Maria. There continued help they they provide after placement is fantastic and we are in year 4 of having Noodle. Thank you so much for all you do. I have included some pictures of Noodle enjoying some relaxation and goofing off.
I have been aware and supporter of DFBL for over 15 years (since they were Dogs for the Deaf). They do and and have done fabulous work for people and children needing assistance. I will be continuing to support them
Always highly rated by Charity Navigator for best practices and use of donations. Been a supporter for a decade, giving service dogs to people who need them for no cost, and providing for their care forever. They also rescue shelter dogs, and train them for hearing dogs for folks who are deaf or profoundly hard of hearing. If a dog proves not to be suitable as a service dog, they are adopted out as companion animals to well screened applicants. They really care for their dogs, and the people who get them. Can't recommend highly enough.
Dogs For Better Lives is a fabulous organization that trains dogs to give children/people and dogs a better life! I was on the receiving end of one of their program dogs working to calm me during a robotics competition that was making me a little wound up watching the team I was coaching. Incredible! After that I started volunteering to walk their dogs and am now fostering one. Love DBL!
Love them! My friends dogs was career changed from GDB and went on to live out a wonderful carrier with this organization
I have been fortunate to have two service dogs from DBL; and will get my third one in October. The training and follow up done by this organization cannot be compared. They truly go the extra mile to make sure clients and dogs are well matched and make a good team.
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I'm deaf and have been fortunate enough to receive two hearing dogs from Dogs for Better Lives (formerly Dogs for the Deaf). I'm the Chapter Leader of a local HLAA Chapter and travel in my RV. My hearing dog attends all the HLAA meetings regularly and is a favorite of all those who attend the meetings. She definitely puts a smile on everyone's faces. More importantly, for me, is that the wheels of my RV do not leave the driveway without her. She alerts me to my cell phone, a knock on the side of the RV and the smoke detector. She affords me the security that allows me to travel confidently not to mention making new friends wherever we travel. Since I am deaf, I am shy about approaching new people and introducing myself. Glitter draws people in and when they approach, it's an opportunity for me to explain her work and how I came to receive her. A win-win when it comes to goodwill for service dogs! The training and the follow-up I have received from DBL has been amazing. They came down and trained us as a team and have been available every step of the way in her training and journey. I am so happy to be a recipient of one of their amazing dogs.
My daughter's bff works here and the photos that I now get to see and the stories I get to read about the training the dogs go through and the people they have helped make the world seem a better place. Proud of this wonderful organization.
I am a member of the BPO Does and have been on our local Drove's committee to raise funds for Dogs for Better Lives (formerly Dogs for the Deaf) for nearly 25 years, many of them as chairperson. I have been very impressed with the people and dogs that I have met over the years. I am proud to be a supporter of this organization. Some day it may be me who needs assistance from one of their trained dogs. I also appreciate the fact that they rescue dogs to train.
Twice I have raised funds by cutting my hair, $$ per inches cut. The funds were donated to DBL and my hair sent to Pantene Beautiful Lengths for wigs for cancer patients.
Dogs for Better Lives is a wonderful organization. Training dogs for the deaf is a life changer for so many people. It’s a charity I’m always happy to donate to.
A truly excetional team committed to creating positive human / dog relationships that enhance the quality of everyone's life. From day one, each puppy is loved and cared for like a treasured family member, trained with positive reinforcement, and thoughtfully placed in an environment where all can thrive. Seeing these remarkable dogs in action is a testament to the power of love.
I have received 3 hearing dogs from this nonprofit and absolutely love working with them. They are always professional, considerate, and respectful in their interactions with me. I believe this is why they consistently rate at highest levels on charity navigator. They are my number one nonprofit.
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Dogs for Better Lives rescued and trained my first hearing dog, Chuckie to help me hear sounds after my apartment burned down and I was the last one out due to my hearing loss. He helped me sleep better knowing I had help to hear emergency alarms and knocks. I'm on my third dog from them and love every minute I spend with this organization. Awesome team!
Working with people who have disAbilities when someone needs a service dog and can't travel my first recommendation is Dogs For Better Lives
The people are great to work with
They provide a win win situation saving and training shelter dogs and sharing the benefits with people who other wise could not have access to a Service Dog
This was my first time having a home hearing assistance dog (Weston). Everything is new to me but the transition and help that I have received has been wonderful. I was truly blessed with an amazing dog! Weston has been my second set of ears so to say and is a very happy dog (which means happy handler!)!
A donation has been made in honor of Elizabeth Wheeler who is an incredible teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing. She has taught us so much about how to support and advocate for students with hearing loss. Thank you, Liz!
Had Fizza,my hearing dog, for 7 years and is my best friend any helper. She helps me with everything concerning my hearing and also works for my husband as well. She makes us laugh and is a wonderful companion. She also has saved me from being hit by a car while walking on the side of the road. She now understands two languages and can spell. She's worth her weight in gold and we highly recommend anyone needing an assistance dog to consider DOGS FOR BETTER LIVES.
As a disabled person who will eventually need a guide dog, I am thankful that people care enough to do this for the disabled.
I value their work and hope they are very successful!
I found Dogs for Better Lives after considerable research into hearing assistance dogs. After reading everything I could find on-line, I started asking them questions. Not directing the question to particular parties, but pot luck through informational requests, blind emails, etc.
What I found was that there answers never varied - what I was told up front held true through my dog's placement and the now nearly two years partnered with a DBL dog - Floyd.
DBL staff did what they said they would do, provided what they promised and came through when I needed them.
Sometimes non-profits don't do that for one reason or another. Their consistency, their access, their follow-on work with me and Floyd is the reason I recommend them to anyone in need. And the primary reason I work as an ambassador for DBL.
They do good work. Today, tomorrow and for the past 40+ years. It's an enviable track record for any agency.
Dogs for Better Lives is a fantastic organization. I am a psychologist and I run an anxiety clinic. I was fortunate enough to discover DBL and applied for a dog because I knew that would be helpful to many of my anxious clients. After surveying me for what type of dog would best fit my practice, DBL selected and trained a dog for me and it has worked out even better that I had hoped for. My dog, Georgie, is probably more popular with my clients than I am! And, if for some reason, Georgie can't come to work with me on a particular day, my clients always ask where she is and when will she be coming back.
Dogs for Better Lives provided me a hearing service dog four years ago, Roux has helped me to feel more relaxed at home knowing he is there to alert me to sounds, he’s an amazing dog who provides a great service and companionship. During the recent Oregon wildfires Roux assisted me in knowing when a deputy was at my door to tell us to evacuate and he stayed by my side while staying at friends, never faltering in his sound work. Shortly after we safely returned home, Roux got sick and was hospitalized for ten days. DBL was there to provide emotional and financial support, thanks to their help Roux is home and back to his sound work. DBL has been a lifesaver for me, and Royx.
I first learned of Dogs for Better Lives when they had a different name from my sister. We visited their facility and got a tour in 2017. I hesitated signing up as I do have hearing when I wear my aids and figured best not apply for a dog when others may need it more than me.
I changed my mind and after my application was approved I was rewarded with my best friend, Flynn. He's a home assistance dog and helps me with the door knocking, smoke alarm, and oven timer and I test him weekly. Mostly gets an A but gets spoiled sometimes and drops to a B. He was trained for notifying me when the phone rings but I stopped that as too many robo calls and he'd be crazy running around sometimes 6 times a day for nothing.
All of my interaction with the original trainer, and the follow up trainer more than met my expectations. These folks know what they are doing and have a quality facility and great employees.
About the only thing that bothers me is being unable to have a companion for Flynn. So we make do with the cats and 110 pound tortoise.
My name is Janis and I'm a 64 year old woman that received a Cochlear implant in 2017 on the left side. When I have to take my Coheaer off I have very little Hearing in my right ear so I needed a Hearing Dog to alert me to sounds at home. I received my Certified Hearing Dog from "Dogs For Better Lives" 2 months ago and My Hearing Dog (Casey) is a trained 3 year old Labrador Retriever that alerts me to the telephone, door knocking, doorbell, oven timer and most important The Smoke Alarm. My Dog is well behaved in public and is a wonderful companion. Casey loves His walks and when I let Him run without His leash He always returns when I call His name. Casey enjoys Human companionship and He is a loving Dog. Everyone that meets Casey wants one just like him. "Dogs For Better Lives" has provided a safety net for me since I live alone and can't hear without my Cochlear. Thank You "Dogs For Better Lives" for providing me with Casey to lead a more quality of Life on my Hearing Loss Journey. Janis Singleton
I have had a service dog from DBL for over 2 years. The support given to their clients is really exceptional. When Tracy was placed with me I had a hands-on week of training so that I could learn the commands Tracy already knew. More important was the training I received to enable me to teach Tracy new tasks. There is monthly followup and at one year a visit from a trainer to make sure things are going well. I can get help at any time via phone or email and the Facebook Client Group is invaluable for keeping skills up to date. People in grocery stores, airplanes, and restaurants have commented on Tracy’s exceptional behavior. I am a huge fan on this nonprofit - top notch!!
Dogs for Better Lives saw fit to place Deacon, an incredible Facility Dog, with me this year. As a special education teacher working with students with learning differences, medical diagnosis and autism spectrum disorder, Deacon is a perfect fit for my classroom and my students. I can not begin to express how exceedingly fortunate I feel to have been chosen for Deacon. The care, time and love that went into his impeccable training from Dogs for Better Lives has made him the most amazing gift. Deacon is trained to work not only with my students in calming, redirection and motivation, but he's also willing and happy to work with my colleagues during this unusual (and difficult) distance learning season.
DBL has made the whole process seamless and have gone above and beyond to ensure that the transition for Deacon and me was perfect.
I look forward to many years with this amazing animal and to sharing all of the gifts he brings with my students.
All around amazing organization! Highly trained and passionate staff with a crystal clear mission that stands out wherever they go and with whomever you meet. From the Executive Director to any and every other person- everyone is really wonderful to work with.
This was so fabulous to learn all that you do for the hearing impaired And service dogs for the autistic assistance dogs. Thank you Kelly, great tour guide.....Destini & her assistance dog to show us what she can do!
I love this business. So many helpful people who want the best for people who need 4-legged help in their lives. I love my dog that I got a couple months ago. She’s perfect and I couldn’t be more thankful for Dogs for Better Lives!
Everyone was great. What a wonderful organization. I am so proud of you and I thank you.
For all your good work.
Our family really enjoyed the tour and learning more about Dogs for the Deaf. Definitely worth visiting to learn about this great organization!
Known through Oregon Good Sam, had a very inspiring tour. Can't imagine a better place to contribute or volunteer. Such great work for people needing assistance as well as all the rescued dogs. Thanks for the tour and all of our great work..
I volunteer by walking dogs once a week. It's very rewarding and how I found our little Olive .
She has found her forever home.
Love Dogs for the Deaf! Donate to this wonderful organization because my niece is deaf and I see how she could become isolated without these wonderful people and their rescue dogs!
I came out for a tour and general info on volunteering here. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, and all are so excited by the wonderful mission of this amazing organization! Kudos to them!
We had a wonderful tour today with Fernando. He answered all of our questions, and showed us the facility. We look forward to finding a career change dog that will be right for us!
We came to Dogs for the Deaf today to ask lots of questions, watch an informational video, tour the facility, and even got to meet a couple dogs in training and see a dog demonstration. Wonderful! Very friendly, knowledgable staff and volunteers. My daughter cannot wait to start her application process. Thank you!
Our visit was extraordinary! Staff and volunteers were so kind and considerate while taking us on tour. We learned so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We will come again. Our family MUST see this. We are so very grateful. Our dog Indy and this organization has saved my sister, Phoebe's life. Saved our family, really. Thanks again. Rose Nikas ( sister of Phoebe D.).
I came here to learn about how I could benefit from a hearing dog due to my hearing disability and I learned so much . The staff were very knowledgeable and TRUELY loved what they do. I am looking forward to working with them when I am reading for a hearing dog.
We love Dogs for the Deaf! Our Bailey was a career change dog from DFD, and he was a great addition to our family. Thanks DFD for all you do for dogs and their people
This place is awesome! We learned a lot about how it was started and how it's kept going. My niece is very interested in possibly working here someday, I will continue to encourage these ideas and passions!
I received my hearing dog, Bear from DFD in 1999 and he served me well until his passing in 2013. We live in North Carolina. Today I feel so emotional, getting a chance to tour DFD where Bear received his excellent training. I imagine him walking and playing around the complex when he was not hard at work learning to respond to sounds. Thank you DFD and Good Sam for providing me with a wonderful, well loved companion!
Thank you for the tour,, my volunteers appreciated learning about your facility. Have a great summer and please keep up the good work you are doing!!
Thank you very much for the tour of the facility. I believe this organization serves a great purpose. I hope that you can find ways to promote and expand to help both dogs and people. I recommend visiting if you are in the Medford, OR area.
I reallym enjoyed my experience here. The volunteers do amazing work, and I am so glad that DFD exists!
PS. cute dogs
The staff was more than helpful and just a wonderful establishment threw and threw. It's an amazing experience working with people that trully care
thanks for giving my business Total landscape and irrigation the opportunity to be apart of such a wonderful cause , and we hope to have a long and wonderful friendship
WE just finished a wonderful tour of your facility. Thank you for all you do. It was fascinating and informative. All our questions were answered.
Well worth the visit. A worthy mission and program helping dogs and people reach their full potential
We love coming to visit the dogs for the deaf! The staff is always so accomidating to the needs of the tours,answering questions ,and we asked to watch the longer version of the video they show & without hesitation they said yes
Wonderful work is being done at Dogs for the Deaf. This is a nonprofit that is certainly deserving of the donations of this community. We especially love the lifetime commitment that the organization pledges to the animals they take in. It makes a big difference to know that if you make a donation, the money goes directly to the dogs, who will never end up in a shelter again. Great work!
What an amazing place and such a great mission! The tour was really informative. Thanks for everything you are doing.
Thank you for the great tour. Very informative. Amazing what is accomplished here! Thank you for all you do!!!
Ed & Alyce Masters
San Diego, CA
This organization is obviously well-run and fully dedicated to thei r cause. An excellent venue for volunteer work and financial support.
Judith Stevens
Great tour and great organization! Love that they rescue twice! Spent an hour here with four kids ages 11 and up plus grandparents and we all loved it! We are all dog lovers but we would have found this interesting either way.
Dogs for the deaf is a good program for the animals and the people in need . It is a privilege for myself and my company to be of service at DFD , and the staff is very friendly .
Michael Cuccia Total Irrigation LLC
This was our second time stopping here, and I am so glad we did. It was a wonderful learning experience, and I recommend coming if you are passing through, or just looking for something to do! We met spine of the dogs and she was really sweet. Very fun!
I brought my children to come and tour it was wonderful. We loved seeing and hearing how these awesome dogs are helping others. Everyone is so friendly. I highly recommend the tour.
This is a neat place to exspand your mind about dogs for the deaf! We had an amazing time with Lucy the demo dog,she is very smart,I'm sure ALL the dogs here are just as amazing as she is! What a blessing Roy karat was to keep a place in his heart for people and dogs!! Whoooo hoo
We went for the tour at Dogs for the Deaf while driving through Medford. What a wonderful place it is! I am amazed at how well the dogs are trained and how committed they are to their animals. Jenny, Kelly, and Lucy did our demo and were fantastic. We learned so much during our visit and plan to return very soon!
I see that the reviews here are pretty old. There is no doubt that the dogs placed by DFD make a wonderful difference in people's lives. But the sad truth is that DFD is a struggling organization with many problems and a lack of leadership is making the problems worse.
As I write this in January 2015, DFD has only placed 2 dogs in the last seven months. And yet they have an annual operating budget in excess of $2million. What are they doing with that money? They're certainly not rescuing, training and placing dogs! But they do own TWO country club memberships for the enjoyment of their management team. They hired a new CEO who is making more than $100K per year, and yet is inexperienced, does not understand nonprofits, and has managed to lose almost half the DFD staff - including nearly all of their dog trainers - since he took the reins. DFD is dishonest with donors about how money is being used -- their administrative and fundraising expenses are MUCH higher than they claim. They use very creative accounting to keep the number artificially low. Read their 990 carefully and you can see that.
And finally, although DFD was founded to rescue animals from shelters and train them to be hearing dogs, they have now decided -- at the urging of their new CEO - to start a breeding program. If you're interested in animal welfare, this should make you angry. Rather than reduce the numbers of dogs in shelters, DFD will now start contributing to the problem by producing puppies - many of which will not pass the training programs and will be discarded. They will rescue even fewer dogs than they do now. To me, all of this speaks to an organization that is falling apart. I don't support them philosophically anymore, and I sure wouldn't give my money to them.
Dogs For the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon. It is the oldest and largest training center for hearing dogs in the United States. These dogs are rescued from shelters, given special training and then placed free of charge with deaf people nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico. Dogs For the Deaf receives NO Government funding. Donations from individuals, service clubs, businesses and foundations enable this special work to continue providing the priceless gifts of love, freedom, independence and life itself. Dogs unable to successfully become a certified hearing dog are adopted out to loving homes and are never returned to a shelter. It is my favorite place on earth
Three years ago, I was blessed enough to receive one of Dogs For the Deaf's highly trained Hearing Dogs. Since Hattie has come into my life the possibilities of my life are endless. Before Hattie came into my life, I walked through my home filled with fear and dread due to the sounds I was missing in my daily life. The severe to profound hearing loss I have does not allow me to hear the sounds in life that make everyday living a simple pleasure. I would lay awake at night consumed with fear that I would not hear the smoke detector if it were to alert me to any impending danger. I burnt many meals because I did not hear the oven timer, company rarely was greeted at the door because I failed to hear them knock. I would walk through my home with the telephone in hand with the hopes I would hear it ring if someone were to call. Now, I am no longer filled with dread and fear, thanks to Dogs for the Deaf. I often say the day Hattie was placed with me was the day my life truly began. Without Dogs for the Deaf training and placing Hearing Dogs for those of us with hearing loss the independence and peace of mind I currently posess would not be possible. By training and placing Hearing Dogs with individuals like myself, they enable us to take a disability and change it into infinite possibilities. I can sleep a peaceful nights sleep, I can eat a well cooked meal and I now know when family and friends stop by to visit. Hattie has transformed my life in ways I never knew was possible. There are truly no words to describe what an exceptional organization Dogs for the Deaf truly is and there are no words to describe what they have given to my life.
Eleven years ago, Dogs for the Deaf graciously matched me with a certified hearing dog, my first, when I was 52 years old and had been severely hearing-impaired all my life. Although educated with a master's degree and having taught deaf and hard-of-hearing children for many years, living life independently and well (I thought), my angel dog Harley has changed my life to the point of giving me independence and quality of life I never dreamed existed. After spending all my time listening for sounds, Harley took over the work of listening so that I can spend time in thought, or reading for pleasure, or relaxing in nonthought or nonaction. I am able to relax, be more effective in my life, be a better teacher, and a happier person as a result of Harley's help both when there is a sound and when there isn't. Dogs for the Deaf's staff is gifted in the work of training, matching, and placing. No one except a recipient, close friend, or family member can fully appreciate the value of a hearing dog that is well-trained and well-matched. My husband of 40 years wishes we had always had a hearing dog because his life is so much easier and my life is considerably better with the dog than it was without. Dogs for the Deaf, I will never have enough right words to thank you for the difference you and Harley have made in our lives.
All that I can say is that, I know for a fact, Dogs For The Deaf has made a significant difference in the life of one of my special friends. She struggled her entire life with a hearing impairment, always being misunderstood, because her meniere's disease was not something that very many people had ever heard of, much less knew how to deal with. It wasn't until she & Hattie were united, that she is now able to live a full life, free of all of the fears that she once had. Thank you, Dogs For The Deaf, for making it possible for Jen & Hattie to become an awesome team.
DFD is an amazing group of people. I work closely with their web/marketing staff and continually am impressed with their love of the company/clients/dogs. I find they consistently show why they have been helping people for so long by their desire to fulfill a need in the community and their compassion for their clients. The dogs are treated well, their customers even better, and their staff shows their dedication everyday. I proudly support DFD and all they have done! Good job, keep up the great work and THANK YOU for everything you do.