Central Point, Oregon — Sprite’s life looks very different today than it did six months ago. One of the dogs rescued from a hoarding case in Eagle Point, Oregon, Sprite has been given a second chance—and is now beginning a new life as a Hearing Assistance Dog.
Sprite, pictured with client Joyce, during her placement as a Hearing Assistance Dog in September
Sprite was among the schipperke dogs who came into the care of Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) in February after Jackson County Animal Shelter reached capacity following the hoarding case. DBL, located about 20 minutes from the shelter, provided temporary space and care for the dogs while Midwest Schipperke Rescue coordinated their next steps.
As DBL staff and Assistance Dog Trainers got to know the dogs, Sprite quickly stood out. In late February, she was selected to enter DBL’s Service Dog Program and began training to become a Hearing Dog.
Throughout her training, Sprite proved herself outside the comfort of familiar surroundings, taking on new environments and challenges and developing the skills needed to work reliably alongside a client.
“She is going to do a phenomenal job being a reliable hearing dog. Looking at her now, you would never know what she went through to get here,” Sprite’s trainer Dana said.
That journey has now led Sprite to her next chapter, and it’s a special one. She was recently placed as a Hearing Assistance Dog with her new client in Oregon, where she will alert to important sounds and help provide greater independence in daily life.
“Sprite has already helped me not miss any phone calls since placement. Even now when you called me, I didn’t have my aid in and she told me I was getting a phone call,” Joyce recalled. “She is not only my hearing dog, but also my lap dog and cuddle buddy, and I could not ask for anything better,” Joyce added.
Sprite enjoys beds, blankets and toys in her new home with Joyce
Dogs for Better Lives National Program Director, Emilia, spent a week placing Sprite with Joyce.
“I was so amazed at how quickly Sprite reciprocated the love that Joyce was pouring into her from the moment she hopped out of my car in her driveway. She knew she was home and this was the life she was meant to live,” said Emilia.
Sprite’s story is also part of a larger positive outcome for the dogs involved in the Eagle Point case. As of August, all of the dogs who came through the temporary care arrangement at DBL had either been adopted or transferred to Midwest Schipperke Rescue for continued placement efforts.
The response to the hoarding case brought together animal welfare organizations, shelter staff, rescue volunteers and community members who wanted to see the dogs safe and given a chance at better lives. DBL was proud to provide temporary care and, for Sprite, an opportunity to discover a completely new path.
For a little dog who started out in a difficult situation, Sprite has found her second chance—and a new purpose helping the person who will now call her partner.
About Dogs for Better Lives
Dogs for Better Lives is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that professionally trains and places Assistance Dogs free of charge with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, children with autism and professionals working in facility settings. Founded in 1977, the organization has campuses in Central Point, Oregon, and Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Sara Ifert
Vice President of Marketing
Dogs for Better Lives
774-255-3518
sara@dogsforbetterlives.org
