HOUSTON — A dog with floppy ears and a crooked smile was at the Houston SPCA when he caught the attention of trainers from Service Dogs, Inc.
The nonprofit saw something special in Camaro who ended up at the SPCA due to "unfortunate circumstances."
Camaro began training with Service Dogs, Inc. in October 2023. We're happy to report he's now beginning a new life with a veteran who is hearing-impaired.
Camaro will "become the ears" for Julian Rodriguez, a United States Air Force veteran who is deaf.
"Camaro alerts Julian by touch and leads him to essential every day sounds like his phone, the doorbell, oven timer, and most importantly, his two young children calling for their father," SDI said.
Rodriguez was partnered with Camaro following personalized training provided free of charge by SDI.
“I feel more complete, much more independent with Camaro in my life,” says Julian. “Before Camaro, I struggled with even the little things that people often take for granted, like knowing when your children are calling your name. Now, Camaro alerts me to that. I can be the father I want to be.”
Camaro's SPCA buddy, Cadillac, was also chosen for SDI's program and his training continues.
It's all part of SDI's 36-year mission to transform shelter dogs into service dogs for veterans and other Texans living with disabilities.
“Thanks to the support of the community, we have adopted and trained more dogs this year than ever before,” says Service Dogs, Inc. CEO Sheri Soltes who founded SDI in Houston in 1988 after leaving a successful career as a trial and appellate attorney. “So many people love that we help both dogs and people, they want to be part of something that’s a win-win.”
SDI has expanded through the years and they also train shelter dogs to comfort children before they testify in court cases and first responders who have a suicide rate of 30% than the general public. The nonprofit is launching a new program to teach veterans how to train service dogs at SDI.
