It was hard to get Jack to stand still for his close-up! He’s so busy herding the geese at his new home and playing with his new pal, an Australian shepherd who has the same genetic hearing and visual impairments that he has.

Imagine being born deaf and almost blind – and then, after two years, losing the only home you ever knew. Everything familiar was suddenly gone when Jack found himself at our shelter. Confused and frightened, he must have wondered what went wrong at home.

As is so often true, what went “wrong” in Jack’s owner’s life had nothing to do with him. Circumstances made it impossible for his person to keep him – but finding a home for him promised to be a real challenge for us.

We sent Jack home with a foster-care volunteer right way, so he would feel safe and secure. The volunteer continued with his obedience training, using the same hand signals he was used to, and even taught him new tricks to keep his mind off being upset.

After posting Jack’s profile and picture on a national Web site and showing him as a special-needs pet on our own site (www.ddfl.org), we held our breath and kept our fingers crossed. It wasn’t long before a couple who knew about deaf dogs – because they already had one – contacted us. Soon, they opened their hearts and gathered him in.

Jack is still adjusting to his new surroundings, new people and new four-legged pal. He still gets anxious at times, but his family adores him. They are patient and kind – and, of course, there’s the herding to be done.

The happy ending to this story is made possible by YOU and your past generosity. You helped Jack and so many other animals receive the care they needed until they were ready for adoption.

How I hope I’ll be able to share more happy endings like this in the coming year. But with the number of homeless and helpless animals on the increase in our community and in many other parts of the country, I fear we will see more and more animals brought to us.

We need your help now more than ever before. Please … can I count on you to provide second chances for more kittens and cats, puppies and dogs that depend on us?

Your gift today will help us provide:

• A safe haven for animals in distress
• Treatment for illnesses or injuries
• Foster care for young kittens and puppies
• Subsidized spay/neuter services for cats and dogs in underserved communities
• Adoptions of pets to loving homes
• And so much more

I know if Jack could talk, he would thank you for helping him find a happy home where he feels safe and loved. So please send your tax-deductible gift today. You’ll be saving the next needy animal who comes our way, and that’s a great feeling.

Warmest Regards,

Robert D. Rohde, President