Countywide : 3 ‘Hearing Ear’ Dogs Available for the Deaf

Three dogs trained to assist the hearing-impaired are available free to qualified Orange County residents as a result of an anonymous donation by an Orange County group, according to Roy G. Kabat, president of Dogs for the Deaf.

The $12,000 donation paid for the training of four “hearing ear” dogs, one of which has already been placed.

Kabat, who for many years was an animal trainer in Hollywood before moving to Oregon, where the training center is based, said each dog is taught to respond to a minimum of five sounds, such as fire and smoke alarms, a person’s name, kitchen appliances, a crying baby and a telephone ring.

The dog, he said, will be able to recognize the sound of its master and indicate where the sound is coming from.

The dogs, which are identified by a glowing orange collar, are taken from a local Humane Society shelter, neutered or spayed, and given audio-response training for about six months, Kabat said.

As a result of the high demand for these dogs, Kabat said, his agency is already backlogged one year with applications. Orange County applicants must be 18 years old, and first priority is given to senior citizens, pregnant women, deaf persons living alone and mothers with small children.

Anyone wishing to apply for one of the remaining three dogs can call (503) 899-7177 or write to Dogs for the Deaf, 13260 Highway 238, Jacksonville, Ore. 97530.