Good Deed Turns Into a Legacy

It is always interesting to find out how people learn about Dogs for the Deaf and how they become part of our DFD family and decide to support our special work. We recently learned of a particularly intriguing story of how DFD became the beneficiary of a generous bequest.

John & Mildred Brawner

John and Mildred Brawner lived in Franklin, Indiana. In 1999 their beloved dog Laddie, a Sheltie mix, was tragically hit and killed by a car. As John was taking care of moving Laddie off the road, a passerby, Teresa S., stopped and offered to help him bury Laddie. He accepted her kind offer and, after the sad task was completed, he offered her $20 for her help. Teresa tried to refuse the $20 several times, but John insisted. So, Teresa agreed to take the $20, and then she sent it to Dogs for the Deaf in memory of Laddie. Teresa had donated to DFD once before, and received our newsletters. She thought this would be a suitable memorial.

As a result of her gift, John and Mildred received one of our memorial acknowledgment cards telling them of Teresa's memorial donation for Laddie, and they also started receiving our newsletter. Over the years, Teresa, John, and Mildred developed a friendship and saw each other often. In 2005, at age 93, Mildred passed away, and then John passed away this past January. We recently received word that DFD was included in John's will, and we would be receiving a legacy gift from his estate.

Laddie

This amazing story of a Good Samaritan who stopped to help a stranger deal with a very personal and heartbreaking moment evolved into a special friendship for them and led to an incredible financial benefit to the future of DFD. It is good deeds and loving people like Teresa and the Brawners who have made DFD what it is today. This commitment enables us to rescue so many dogs and help so many people through their generosity. This gift will save dogs and enrich the lives of people for generations to come, and John and Mildred's names will become a permanent part of our Bequest Wall.

Super Cooper

Cooper

We found Cooper, a 1 1/2 year old Doxi/Spaniel mix, at a shelter in Dallas, Texas. He was cute and lovable and began training to be a Hearing Dog; however, it became apparent that he didn't have enough interest in the work of alerting his trainer to the sounds. So, Cooper switched to our Miracle Mutt (Special Dogs for Special People) program.

When he was ready to be placed, Cooper was matched with Faraby N., Oregon. Faraby is retired and a widow. Her husband died five years ago and her dog died last year. She was very lonesome and having blood pressure problems. When we told Faraby we had the right dog for her, she was very excited, and when Cooper arrived, it was love at first sight. Faraby is now exercising more taking Cooper for walks, and she is laughing more because of Cooper's adorable puppy-like playfulness. She says Cooper has definitely lifted her spirits and her blood pressure has lowered, too, so she is healthier and happier, and Cooper is loving his new life.

Dear DFD,

Gizmo

Gizmo always wants to work and he loves his free time outside within the yard to release his energy. He alerts me to sounds, even when he is distracted with his toys. Thank you for Gizmo. We adore him! He gives us so much joy, and, I might add, gives me much-needed exercise. I will continue to take very good care of him.

Carol R. and Gizmo
Oregon

Mel B.

Mel is with me day and night. I was so glad she got me late at night for a phone call from my son. That gave me confidence that she will get me at all hours of the day or night. She stays very close to me at all times. She is so sweet and loving. Thank you for bringing her to me.

Dorothy W. and Mel B.
New York

My husband and I so appreciate your continued good works! Especially by using wonderful dogs found at animal shelters. Bless all who are associated with DFD!

Shari C.
Montana

I really enjoyed Hazel's monthly column. I am sure she was a wonderful dog and greatly loved. She is sorely missed by all.

Lydia S.
Lousiana

I continue to love what you do and how you do it, and the fact you do not hound me (no pun intended) for donations.

Karen P.
California

Robin Dickson, Pres./CEO, and Tybo, DFD Demo Dog

We are getting ready to celebrate the 31^st anniversary of DFD in December. It is truly unbelievable to think that we have been saving dogs and helping people since 1977. It has been a labor of love on the part of many, many faithful staff, volunteers, and donors. Through this newsletter, we try to convey to all of you the wonderful, miraculous differences these specially trained dogs make in the peoples’ lives, and also how much the dogs’ lives are enriched. DFD would not be the successful organization it is today without everyone’s help and support. We would not have been able to rescue the thousands of dogs and help all the people we have helped without your faithful and generous support.

This new year is bringing some very exciting times to DFD. After 20 years in our current facility with no remodeling, we are finally ready to begin phase one of an expansion plan. Our office is very overcrowded, and we are thrilled to announce that we just received county approval to add on to our office—providing much needed space for our current staff and some additional staff and volunteer work space. It will also provide adequate space for tours. We have a lot of tours of groups and individuals who come to see our training facility, and currently it is very difficult for us to do group tours because of the cramped space we have. This additional space will enable staff and volunteers to be more efficient in doing the necessary support work needed to keep DFD operating. If you would like to help with this addition, please send in an extra donation and designate it to the Building Fund.

Also this new year, we will be placing our very first dog with a child with Autism. This new addition to our work at DFD, is going to enable us to help more people and rescue more dogs. Even though our primary focus will always be our Hearing Dogs, the Autism Assistance Dogs will become an important part of our work, and you will be reading more about it in up-coming issues of the “Canine Listener.” I guarantee you will be amazed at what these special dogs will be doing and how they will help children with Autism and their families.

I know that our wonderful country is going through some turbulent and uncertain times right now, but I have faith in our country that things will improve, and I have faith in you, our DFD family, that you will do all you possibly can to help us with our mission. You have never failed us in the past, and I know you will not fail us now. Together we will continue this very special and important mission.

As we enter this very special Holiday Season, I would personally like to wish all of you the richest blessings for the coming year.