Written to a sponsoring foundation about Hearing Dog, Jesse:

July 15, 2003

Dear Friends:

NEADS recently informed me of your gift which provided sponsorship for my hearing dog, Jesse. We both thank you for this wonderful support.

I have had Jesse for almost two years now and she has done an unbelievable job of changing my life for the better. She is a healthy, happy companion and a serious, hard-working caregiver.

We haven’t missed a phone call or a doorbell since she came to take charge of the sounds I can’t hear. I had worn aides for thirty years and finally went beyond the point where even the new high tech aides were not working for me; I listen to an orchestra and only hear a drum solo. As a result I was becoming very isolated and very depressed. Jesse has changed all that. Not only notifying me of all the sounds (including the fire engine behind me) but also telling everyone I meet that I am deaf. This leads to louder and clearer voices and lots of support from friends and associates.

During the summer we both work at a local golf course as a ranger. Jesse knows that golf carts were invented for her. She spends six hours a day, three days a week in the cart helping me keep slow golfers moving at an acceptable pace. Before Jesse I sometimes encountered some resistance to my urging and even an occasional resentment. No more. They all pat Jesse, admire her and pick up the pace with smiles on their faces.

We rangers carry two-way radios with us. I can hear the message if I put the radio to my ear, but I can’t hear them calling me unless I hold the radio at my ear at all times. Jesse tells me when there is a call but 20 other people are on the same system so she notifies me on all traffic. We are working on a system of “clicks” on the radio and I have high hopes that we will have selective response by the end of the season.

Last summer Jesse and I ran a golf tournament to raise money for NEADS. It was a success and she had the best time posing with each group and being “fussed over” all day.

Excuse my long ramble and accept our very heart-felt appreciation for your generosity.

Very sincerely,

Dexter Galuscha and Jesse