Chelsey W. and Gracie
Looking Back on a Great Year – by Dee Perez, Grant Writer, Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.
This is an updated version of the article that appeared in our November 2013 print issue
Dogs for the Deaf was established in the Applegate Valley in 1977. Over the last 35+ years, Dogs for the Deaf has grown from one man’s dream to a national nonprofit organization that has placed hundreds of dogs with people living with a variety of physical and mental challenges for more than three decades–all from right here in Southern Oregon.
As we look back on our accomplishments from last year, we are so pleased with what we’ve accomplished and where we are headed. Since January of 2013, Dogs for the Deaf has rescued 43 dogs from shelters throughout the northwestern United States. Once rescued and brought to our facilities in Central Point, dogs go through intensive professional training for about six months before they are ready to be certified as assistance dogs. So far this year, Dogs for the Deaf has placed nine certified assistance dogs with people all around the U.S. We currently have 15 dogs in training. Our goal over the next couple of years is to rescue even more dogs, and to place 50 certified assistance dogs per year. We are on track to meet that goal.
In an effort to educate people about our important work, we also held a number of outreach events around the nation, including events in Portland, New York and Los Angeles. Our 22nd Annual Dog Walk was held in Jacksonville in June. Dog Walk is a chance for Dogs for the Deaf to share our work with the community, and have a day of fun for people and dogs alike. This is one of our favorite events as it brings the whole community together and allows us to see our many local friends and supporters.
Dogs for the Deaf relies on the hard work and support of approximately 100 volunteers to help us do our work. From ambassadors who share the mission and story of Dogs for the Deaf with interested groups in every state, to office workers, docents and our kennel volunteers who help care for our dogs, these tireless folks have donated nearly 6,000 hours to helping carry out the work of Dogs for the Deaf.
We could not carry out our work without the generosity and support of so many who believe in our work. Dogs for the Deaf is completely funded through donations, grants and other forms of giving. We receive no government funding, and we don’t sell assistance dogs, so we rely on donor support. We’ve enjoyed a year of growing financial support, with gifts in the form of bequests and estate planning growing by 37.9%. Donations from individuals have grown by 28.5%.
In April, the NonProfit Times rated Dogs for the Deaf among the 50 Best Nonprofits to Work for 2013. In a nationwide examination comparing key factors in employee satisfaction such as leadership and planning, corporate culture and communications, role satisfaction, work environment, relationship with supervisor, training and development, pay and benefits, and overall employee engagement, Dogs for the Deaf placed 40th overall and 14th for organizations with 15-49 employees. This is a remarkable accomplishment, of which we are very proud.
So far, 2013 has been an amazing year, and we look forward to even bigger and better thing to come! Thank you, Southern Oregon, for being a part of our story.
For more more information about Dogs for the Deaf, please visit our website at www.dogsforthedeaf.org.
Posted November 5, 2013