Canine Companions For Independence Seeks Qualified Hearing Dog Applicants

By Cheryl Heppner

Editor: I don't think I've ever met a person with a hearing dog who thought the decision to get one was a mistake. And now Canine Companions For Independence is recruiting applicants for their dogs. Here's Cheryl Heppner with more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As many of you know, I have been the very fortunate recipient of two hearing dogs from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) -- first Dana, and upon her retirement, the amazing Galaxy. CCI is a national program with regional training centers in Santa Rosa, CA; Oceanside, CA; Delaware, OH; Farmingdale, NY; and Orlando, FL. It also has satellite offices in Chicago and Colorado Springs.

About CCI

CCI has been training assistance dogs since 1975. Its focus was originally on service dogs, and I was one of the early recipients when it was building its hearing dog program. I am very pleased at how CCI has continually improved the quality of its programs, and I admire its leadership in the field of assistance dog training. It is one of the founders and a very active, accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, Inc., a coalition of not for profit organizations dedicated to improving training, placement and utilization of assistance dogs, as well as staff and volunteer education.

Hearing Dog Program

In 2007, CCI placed more hearing dogs than in any previous year. Despite this accomplishment, the breeding, raising and training programs are so successful that its waiting list, once as much as two years or more, is now very short. As a result, it is seeking qualified applicants. If you have been thinking you would like to have a hearing dog, I strongly encourage you to consider this program. Having a hearing dog is a big responsibility, but it has given me such peace of mind to have Dana and Galaxy -- and great pleasure during our daily play times!

All the CCI dogs are specially bred Labrador and Golden Retrievers. CCI hearing dogs and follow up services are free of charge.

Getting a Hearing Dog from CCI

To receive a hearing dog from CCI you must:
- Be at least 18 years old and deaf or hard of hearing
- Contact the nearest CCI training center for an application packet
- Find a friend or family member to be a training assistant
- Apply (This process requires several steps designed to ensure success)
- Upon acceptance of the application, attend a two-week Team Training class at the CCI Northwest Regional Training Center in Santa Rosa, CA
- After the training session and joyful graduation ceremony, attend ongoing and follow-up support services at a CCI regional training center

For More Information

I encourage you to explore the CCI website at http://cci.org/
I would also be glad to answer questions about CCI hearing dogs or the process, or pass your questions on to others. You can contact me at cheppner@nvrc.org