SF/SPCA Closes Hearing Dog Program

We're sad to report that the SF/SPCA is ending their thirty year old Hearing Dog program. The Hearing Dog program trained dogs to help the deaf and hearing-impaired respond to auditory signals (like doorbells and fire alarms), in the same way that Seeing Eye Dogs help blind people.

You can read the SF/SPCA's official statement about the closure of the program here, and pick up the June issue of FETCH to read a more detailed report, including an interview with SF/SPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith.

Typhoon was the demo dog for the Hearing Dog program.

Comments

[Lisa Stanziano]

The closing of this program was done in a callous manner, with no notice to the staff and no transition plan. At least seven trained hearing dogs were not placed with hearing-impaired clients but adopted out from the regular shelter. The closure of the SF SPCA Hearing Dog Program and the way in which it was done brings up many questions: Why were these dogs not assigned to someone who needs their expensive skills--a deaf or hearing impaired person? Why was there not a concerted outreach to the contributors of the SFSPCA for funding if lack of funds was the rationale behind the closure? Why was there not a plan in place to prepare those with hearing dogs before this decision reached the public? This is hardly sound management and calls for thorough investigation and accountability. Please read and sign the petition to reinstate the hearing program: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-SFSPCA-hearing-dog-program.

[Thomas Ryan]

I was a long term volunteer with the Hearing Dog Program. The most distressing thing to me about the closure was the cold, unprofessional and inhumane way in which it was carried out. The people, the dogs and the program itself were treated like expired food products and simply tossed away.
These were people and animals who have emotions and had a connection to and pride in what they did.
The callous way in which all involved were treated is indicative of a new and destructive direction that the administration of the SFSPCA is taking.

[Oliver]

As one who was laid off because of this decision, I would like to request further investigation as to the misleading and lack of information provided to the Board by Dori and Jan. The Board was improperly influenced to make a wrong decision. One example is that of the 3,000 dogs placed by Dogs for the Deaf only 1,000 were Hearing Dogs. Dori clearly gave misleading information to te Board. Furthermore, Jan withheld information regarding bequests when she informed the Board of the low donations reported.

Please do follow up to get the REAL TRUTH!! thank you.

[Jennifer Canote & Whimsy SFSPCA Hearing Dog]

I am fortunate enough to have received 2 remarkable hearing dogs trained by the SF SPCA HDP. Whimsy, my current Hearing Dog has been everything, and more than I ever expected. Because of the hard working trainers, dedicated staff, and volunteers. I now have so much more independence. When people approach me asking about Whimsy, it puts me at a social level I could never have without her. Whimsy comes to work daily with me. I am an instructor for Mission/West Valley College. I work the Older Adult Program Community Education. My work encompasses going to retirement centers, adult daycare programs, convalescent hospitals and rehab facilities. My students include geriatric, special education, and mentally ill adults. Whimsy is not only my EARS, but a big part of the classes I teach. I also, teach ASL for Home School Programs. The children are hearing and age range from 5 to 15 year olds. Whimsy is forever doing demo's for the children classes, and loves to work. In my Adult classes, we have done demonstrations for staff as well as students. She has taken the role of "Therapy Dog" at several different facilities. When Whimsy shows up, everyone has smiles on their faces. She seems to know who to sit next to. She walks around and does in-room visits with those who cannot get out of bed. They all wait for her visits eagerly. Because of this program, I am able to live my life with a much more social level. I am known as "The girl with the dog" not the "deaf teacher". People are always fascinated by what the SFSPCA HDP has done with these stray/unwanted animals. When we mention the SPCA HDP it is with PRIDE. Now what? Do I stop educating the general public about this program? It's gone! To quote "Dori Villalon" in her letter to Karen Kister re: tie-die "I am sorry to say we have discontinued the Hearing Dog Program" What do I say to people we come in contact with daily who ask about whimsy and her training? My heart breaks for the Summer graduating class who's dogs were taken and adopted without warning. The treatment of the highly skilled HDP staff is an outrage! At least the dogs they trained, got to move over to adoption (Another BIG mistake!)rather than be escorted off the grounds. This act of inhumanity is not justified. It won't go away! Deaf have a voice! Mine will be at the rally tomorrow with Whimsy by my side.
Jennifer Canote

[Kris]

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

If you're interested in attending the rally, you can find more information here:
http://www.yelp.com/events/san-francisco-rally-to-protest-the-closure-of-the-sf-spca-hearing-dog-program

[bugsy seagal]

quit your whining and go start your own program. Cry babies!

[Barbara]

Obviously you've never volunteered with the HDP.
Whining? Sounds like you're a budding board member...
I'm sure the talented trainers will form another great program.