Dogs for the Deaf
Blake Matray, Executive Director of Dogs for the Deaf drops in to visit with Marcie and Lovey about the incredible work they are doing to rescue dogs from animal shelters and humane societies throughout the western United States and train them as hearing alert dogs. Blake talks about how they identify, screen and recruit shelter dogs. The next step is to begin training them in a variety of “sound work” tasks such as alerting their human partner to the telephone or a knock at the door. Blake also shares what Dogs for the Deaf has in common with Hollywood and the MGM lion!
BIO:
Proven leader and innovative program manager. President & Chief Executive Officer of Dogs for the Deaf, Inc., a 501c(3) non-profit organization that rescues dogs from shelters and professionally trains them as Assistance Dogs. Past Board Member at The Alaska Center for Children and Adults in Fairbanks, AK. 23 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Alaska Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Previous Assistant Director of Strategic Operations for Red Flag Alaska at Eielson AFB. Former Commander of the 168th Operations Support Squadron of the Alaska Air National Guard. Further experienced in the non-profit sector as the past Executive Director a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting children with special needs and their families in Alaska.