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Thinking about getting a furry companion? Sign up to get a service dog. Lauren tells you about their talents, abilities and why you should get one. Woof!

	About the Author
	Lauren Ridloff Lauren Teruel Ridloff is originally from Chicago, IL, but graduated high school in Washington DC, and college in Northridge, CA. She finally settled in Manhattan with a Masters in Education. As Miss Deaf America 2000, Lauren showcased The Giving Tree, using that as a starting point for her platform - the importance of reading together as a family.

Capricia: Hi, Thanks for sharing your vlog! =)

Tamara: A few links I found so far for anyone wanting information about service/assistance/hearing dogs: - http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/ - http://www.pawswithacause.org/dogs-hearing.asp - http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/index.php Hope that helps.

Mary G.: Hi Lauren , could you tell me if there is any service dog training or service dog shelter in my area I live in state of Indiana thanks smiles

Mina: I would love a hearing dog. Where are the links at? I've seen hearing dogs as small as a pomeranian. They come in different sizes, depending on which breeds are suitable. Even cats can be used. They will also protect you if someone attacks you. By the way, Mark, why shove your preference down our throats? That tactic is what hearing people usually do. I would prefer a hearing dog. Everybody has their preferences. By the way, thank you for shaming me. [smile] In return, I would like to thank you for being so nice. If anyone would like a hearing dog, I suggest checking it out. If you find it will fit you, then I encourage you to go for it. As far as I know, service centers give a big trial period so you can see if a hearing dog will fit you.

Mina: I would love a hearing service dog. Where are the links at? I've seen hearing service dogs as small as a pomeranian. They come in different sizes, depending on which breeds are suitable. They will also protect you if someone attacks you. By the way, Mark, why shove your preference down our throats? That tactic is what hearing people usually do. I would prefer a hearing service dog. Everybody has their preferences. If anyone would like a hearing service dog, I suggest checking it out. If you find it will fit you, then I encourage you to go for it. As far as I know, service centers give a big trial period so you can see if a hearing service dog will fit you.

Cheryl: I have thought about getting a hearing dog, even though I don't particularly like dogs. I have had a huge flood in my condo from not hearing the running water. I have also had many grease fires over the years that have ruined my kitchen. The UPS delivery person refuses to deliver packages if I don't answer my phone from the front entrance. This leaves me with serveral attempts to deliver my mail. It is such a hassle and the cost of hearing devices for such things are expensive too. There are a lot of good reasons to get a hearing dog, even for those like me who don't really want a dog. I would rather have a hearing cat!

Mark: Service dog for deaf people is BIG NO NO! because I am deaf and live independence and don't want rely dog for hearing. Come on! and I don't want hearing people think deaf people are handicap! I know it is advantage for access where dogs are not permit. but I am strong against service dog for deaf. Shame on you all who have service dog! You are all selfish so Reserve service dog for Blind!

Nan: A comment about using the HC tag. I got mine because some parking lots are dark and it is hard to "hear" in the dark. Not to mention the possiblity of getting hit by cars if you can't hear them. Yes, my dog alerts me to oncomming cars, but it takes time to get out of the way.

Nan: I trained my own hearing dog. We started with basic puppy training and our way up. It was lots of fun and hard work. Charnce is a Belgian Sheep Dog. Not all dogs have the temperament for public work. You need to remember to be responsible for your dog as well as yourself. Having a service dog is worth the effort. Your dog can save your life. Meanwhile, you and your dog share love and companionship.

Jennifer: To Marty: Yes it is unfortunate when people try to use their deafness to their advatage in order to not pay a fee for a pet, however typically when renting an aprtment there is paperwork that must be shown and put in your file to prove to the landlord that the dog is a service dog.

marty: It really disguse me seeing deaf people take advantage of using service dog in order to avoid paying deposit on pets when renting place, This will confuse people later when someone tell them how to reconize service dog then the landlord or whoever rent out the place will think how rude deaf people are, This is same with handicapped tag or hang on mirror, I have seen so many deaf people with this and parking in handicapped spot when they could walk or there is nothing wrong with them this is an abuse and its very sad cuz they are giving everyone wrong picture of all the deaf communities. Do you all agree wuth me? I have sent email to governor Crist asking him to do something about the handicapped or service dog abuse but so far no response but thats ok.

Bug: Greetings to you. Nice video but I want you to be aware that is not a service dog. It's a hearing dog. A service dog is a type of assistance dog, specifically trained to help people who have disabilities other than visual or deafness. The correct words are “Hearing Dog”. Lot of people are confused with "guide dog, service dog, search dog, hearing dog, police dog, etc. Do you really need a hearing dog? You might want to read my story at http://fookembug.wordpress.com/2007/02/11/do-you-really-need-a-hearing-dog/ Thanks, Bug

Shelly: Hi Lauren! I've seen Deaf/HH folks get a regular dog, and with time and training, the dog becomes like a service dog at home. Companionship plus valuable help notifying the owner about the door, strangers, night sounds, the phone etc... Often the person takes the dog with them in the car on outings. Really neat to see such a positive, empowering relationship with the pet! Shelly Hansen

Michelle: Lauren, Cool..Do you have any dog?

Michelle: Lauren, Cool blog. Do you have any dog?

Michelle: Lauren, Cool! Do you have a dog?