Graduate Team Heather and "Marina" with husband, Frank and son, Julian

Anyone who has a severe hearing loss, lives in California or Nevada and is at least 18 years old may be eligible to receive a Hearing Dog. To learn the techniques and responsibilities of keeping a canine in peak training form, students along with their new working partners attend a comprehensive week-long course at The SF/SPCA Hearing Dog Training Center. For those who are physically unable to attend the class, in-home training and placements may be considered. Both Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people enjoy the benefits of Hearing Dogs in their lives. Our applicants come from all walks of life — men, women, young and old. Each applicant is interviewed in their home by one of our staff members. We ask the applicant lots of questions about their likes and dislikes, their families and lifestyles and try to answer all of their questions, too. If we both agree that it makes sense to have a Hearing Dog, then it's just a matter of waiting until a dog can be trained for them. An applicant may have to wait six to nine months (or sometimes longer) to get their dog, but everyone agrees that it's worth the wait.

Susan, Joe & "Teddie"

Winnie, Rich & "Teaser"