When I founded Deaf Dogs Rock 18 months ago, I had no idea of the impact our organization would have on deaf shelter and rescue dogs all over the United States. Every morning I get up to a full email box of deaf dog listings to be put in our Adoptable Deaf Dogs in need of homes section on DeafDogsRock.com
When I first stated this website it was a huge learning curve because I was learning WordPress and trying to stay on top of all the deaf dog listings, deaf dog news, deaf dog training information and videos. A few months ago I decided to put in the effort to try to track some of the adoptions that take place because of our advocacy and website. This entailed a little extra work. With every listing I do, I now send a confirmation email letting the shelter or rescue know their deaf dog is now featured on DeafDogsRock.com with a link to the deaf dog’s listing. I also ask them to please send me an email when the dog gets adopted so I can update the dog’s status and try to keep track of some of our adoption numbers.
Photo by Sam’s mom Annette Alie Bene: This is one of my deaf rescue pups Sam. I rescued him out of SW VA. He was dumped in the country because he was deaf.
I started the new page on DDR so I can move the deaf dogs that are listed under Adoptable Deaf Dogs section over to the Adopted Deaf Dogs section once they have found a new home. This does two things for us as far as tracking and re-listing. The new page helps DDR keep a track and count the number of our deaf dog listings that get adopted each month and also allows us to move the listings back and fourth between the two sections with one click if for any reason a deaf dog is returned. I can easily move the “Adopted Deaf Dog” back over to the Adoptable Deaf Dog section if the need arises. I’ve already had to do this several times and it is much easier for me to move them rather then starting from scratch and having to write a brand new listing.
I can’t tell you how many emails I get from rescues and shelters with the following comments: “We have had our deaf rescue dog listed up for adoption for over 6 months with no interest what so ever. This all changed drastically the day our deaf rescue dog was listed and networked by DeafDogsRock.com. Within just a few days after our rescue dog appeared on DDR we received emails from 15-20 people who are interested in this dog”…After a few days comments like this are usually followed by and email to me “the dog has been adopted and went to a really good home”.
Every time I receive an email with the comments mentioned above, I know Chris and I are on the right track. Now that our Adopted Dogs section has been up for a few months, I am happy to report in January 2013 30 deaf dogs were officially ADOPTED from DDR Adoptable Deaf Dogs section. For February 2013, 28 dogs were adopted! This is an average of one dog every single day. If we can account for one deaf dog a day being adopted because of DeafDogsRock.com through listing, education, promotion and networking, we can save over 350 deaf dogs per year. This is only the beginning of our journey.
Photo: Courtesy of Anne Murphy – Angel Dog Foundation – Pippa being transported on 3-2-2013 to her new home. Pippa is officially ADOPTED!
If you would like to help us on our mission to educate the public, eradicate discrimination, rescue, transport, reach out to shelters and rescues throughout the country to provide information as to why Deaf Dogs Rock, then please join us by supporting Deaf Dogs Rock. Click here to make a donation.
