Monday, February 29, 2016

Another Dog for the Deaf

There was a pleasant article (and accompanying video online) in the Detroit Free Press the other day about a black Lab named Valley, who was brought to its new service dog team member in Michigan just a couple of weeks ago.

Valley was trained at Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon, and placed by Trooper's trainer, Laura Burke.

Valley, by the way, did her basic training at Guide Dogs for the Blind in Boring, Oregon, but couldn't quite pass the final test: sticking close to her handler and ignoring passersby and other dogs on the sidewalk.

That's not a problem with hearing dogs. Indeed, Trooper is always willing to give a big hello whenever he encounters another member of his species. Not that I don't make him stay at my side; we're working on those manners.

It's always bracing to read about the adventures of Trooper's brothers and sisters.

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