IHDI's mission is to train and place hearing dogs with persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, with and without multiple disabilities, at no charge to the recipient. IHDI is a non-profit organization funded by donations.

 

General Information Hearing Dog History Who Qualifies Donations FAQ Summer Health Tips Notices Contact IHDI Click here for IHDI Order Forms

General Information IHDI has trained more than 850 hearing dogs for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing since 1979. All of the dogs selected for this special training come from local animal shelters. The dogs are generally mixed breeds, six months to a year in age, in good health, with aim-to-please, energetic personalities. Each dog receives a thorough medical examination before training begins, including blood work, vaccinations and spay or neuter if necessary, to ensure a long healthy life. The dogs learn to respond to many sounds in the home, such as the door bell or knock, telephone, alarm clock, smoke alarm, or a baby's cries, during daily training sessions. General obedience and socialization rounds out their 4-8 months of custom training. IHDI also trains dogs to assist deaf/blind individuals (in the home only) by guiding slowly to the source of the sound. Each dog is selected with the needs and lifestyle of its new master in mind. A professional trainer delivers the hearing dog to its new home and works with the team for five days, teaching the recipient how to maintain the dog's training to ensure a good working relationship and proper care of the dog. After placement and sucessful completion of a 90-day trail period, the dog is certified as a hearing dog and receives its orange collar and leash and official I.D. card. Hearing dogs have legal access to all public places when accompanied by their masters. Back to top   Hearing Dog History The roots of International Hearing Dog are in Minnesota where the first seeds of training dogs to assist the deaf were planted in 1974. Agnes McGrath,a dog trainer, was working at a kennel in White Bear Lake when a deaf lady came to the kennel to see it a hearing dog could be trained for her. The lady had a dog that worked naturally for her, but it had died of old age. With the help of the local lions, Agnes trained the first six hearing dogs in Minnesota. When monies ran out, the project was taken on by the American Humane Association, which along with Agnes, received a grant to conduct a four-year pilot study in Colorado. Martha Foss, Emlynn Wood, and Sandi Sterker joined in to help with the pilot study, which was completed in 1979. On May 7 of that year, International Hearing Dog was formed as a non-profit organization. Agnes was President; Martha, Vice President of Training; Sandi, Trainer and Secretary; and Emlynn, Accountant and Kennel Manager. In 1986, Agnes McGrath passed away, and the Board of Directors voted Martha Foss it's new President & Director. Today, over 800 animal shelter dogs have been trained by International Hearing Dog to assist the deaf throughout the U.S. and Canada. The facility has expanded to include kennel space for 42 dogs, additional training areas, and modern offices. Because of the quality of it's program, International Hearing Dog was chosen to provide training for Japan's first hearing dog program. Other foreign countries have also expressed an interest in a similar program. With a growing need for it's professionally trained dogs, International Hearing Dog is looking forward to the 21st century and many more years of service to persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Back to top   Who Qualifies For A Hearing Dog? Priority hearing dog candidates are adults over 18 years old who: have at least a 65 decibel hearing loss (unaided) live alone or with other persons who are deaf or hard of hearing do not have another dog in the home are physically able and willing to care for and continue the training of a hearing dog. Applicants who feel they do not meet the exact above criteria should not be discouraged from applying, as each applications is considered on a case-by-case basis. Hearing Dogs come in many sizes, small (up to 20 lbs.), medium (20 - 35 lbs.), large (35-60 lbs.) Back to top   Donations Help Hearing Dogs in Training! In-kind donations of dog treats, chewies, rawhides, toys, towels, crates, and office supplies are always needed and very much appreciated. International Hearing Dog depends on individuals, foundations, service organizations, corporations, clubs, church groups and special fund-raising projects for funding. With 40-50 hearing dogs trained and placed each year at a cost of $5,000 each, the search for funding is endless. As an individual, your tax deductible cash donation in any amount will bring help and hope to those waiting for their own special pair of "ears." And a wonderful dog will be given a second chance as a helper and companion. Back to top   Common Questions About Hearing Dogs How Much Does a Hearing Dog Cost? Hearing dogs are provided free of charge to those who receive them. The cost to train and place the dogs, $5,000 each, is paid for through the kindness of individuals and service clubs, foundation grants, and IHDI fund-raising activities, such as Adopt-A-Dog or Silent Partner sponsorships. How Long Does It Take To Receive a Hearing Dog? There is a waiting list of six months to a year, however most successful applicants will receive their hearing dog within one year after applying. Each dog is custom trained to meet the needs of each applicant. Dogs trained for persons with special needs may require more time. Great care is taken to make a good match between applicant and dog. Activity level, lifestyle, and health of the applicant are all considered. Can My Dog Be Trained To Become A Hearing Dog? IHDI's by-laws require that all dogs be selected from local animal shelters and evaluated by its trainers. Each dog must meet standards of health, intelligence, youth and temperament. Chosen expressly for these traits, these formerly unwanted or abandon dogs are given a second chance and become the way to a new and broader life for their deaf masters. Due to liablity concerns, personal pets cannot be trained, nor can we accept private donations of dogs. I Live In Another State. Can I Still Apply For A Hearing Dog? Yes. IHDI has one location near Denver, Colorado, but its dogs are placed with persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing throughout the U.S. and Canada. Back to top   Summer Health Tips to Ensure Happy Dogs Summer is on the way, so here are some tips to remember to keep your dog in good health: Frequent brushing for long-haired dogs and use a shed-n-blade on short-haired dogs. On hot days, leave your dog at home. Don't leave your dog in a car - not even for a few minutes! Dogs normally eat less food during the hot summer months. Feed only name brand dry dog foods. Do not feed canned food or table scraps. Have plenty of cool, clean water available for your dog at all times. Your dog's tender paws can be burned easily on hot pavement. Treat you dogs pads for several weeks by applying rubbing alcohol to the pads daily, or buy the spray product to toughen pads. Watch your dog's feet so they don't become burned. Summer is heartworm season. Your dog should be taken to the vet for a blood test and then begin taking the heartworm preventative. Back to top   Garage Sale Wednesday, June 13 & Friday, June 15 9:00am - 2:00pm at IHDI Computers, components and software. Plus many other items too numerous to mention. To donate your good condition items or to volunteer to help at the sale, call (303) 287-3277. Back to top   Contact IHDI For more information or to request an application you can contact us by mail at: International Hearing Dog, Inc. 5901 E. 89th Avenue Henderson, CO 80640 (303)287-3277 Voice/TDD (303)287-3425 Fax You can also reach us by e-mail by clicking here:  International Hearing Dog If applying for a hearing dog, please include your name, address, phone number, and some general information about your situation and we will send you an application. Please visit these other organizations that IHDI is proud to link to: www.traylorantiqueshows.com

Internet shoppers are urged to visit these authorized web sites where a portion of your purchase will benefit IHDI. Non-Profit Shopping Mall - www.npsmall.com/hearingdog.asp Over 140 internet merchants, such as JC Penney, are included. A portion of the commission is paid to IHDI. In-kind donations and a variety of shopping can be done through CharityAmerica.com which also donates a percentage of purchases to IHDI. For more information about more than 620,000 non-profit organizations, including IHDI, a popular site continues to be www.guidestar.com. IHDI is continually working on our website to include upcoming events and links to other related sources and supporters.