When Bob and Anita Seidemann moved to the friendly Cascaya neighborhood 3 ½ years ago, they brought with them years of cherished memories from their time in Ibis. In 2000, the couple had purchased a lot in Egret Point and built their dream home, moving in by 2001. For nearly two decades, they enjoyed life in the spacious home, creating a lifetime of memories. But by 2020, it was time to downsize, and they made the move to Cascaya, a warm and vibrant community filled with dog lovers. It was here, in this new chapter of their lives, that a very special dog shared their world—a companion who would not only bring joy but serve a vital role in Bob’s life as his hearing slowly declined.

That special dog is Harrison—better known as Harry—an intelligent, gentle 10-year-old Pomeranian-Corgi mix. Harry didn’t have the easiest start to life. He came from a kill shelter in California, a frightened and timid soul, unsure of the world around him. But his destiny took a remarkable turn when he was selected to be part of a life-changing program at Dogs for Better Lives, a nonprofit organization based in Oregon that trains dogs to assist individuals with hearing loss and children with autism.

It took 1 ½ years of training to transform Harry from a fearful shelter dog into a highly skilled hearing dog. Throughout his training, Harry’s trainers noticed his soft reddish fur and spunky attitude—similar to none other than Prince Harry. And so, his name was chosen in honor of the prince. By the time the Seidemanns were ready to bring him home, Harry had learned how to alert his owner to important sounds—like the doorbell, the phone ringing, or someone entering the yard.

Bob’s hearing had been gradually deteriorating over time, making these everyday alerts challenging to detect. Anita had been tirelessly searching for ways to help her husband, and it was during one of her internet searches in 2013 that she discovered Dogs for Better Lives. She immediately knew this organization could make a difference, not only for Bob but for their entire family. After joining the program’s waiting list, the Seidemanns patiently waited 1 ½ years before they could finally meet Harry.

The moment Harry came into their lives, everything changed. Though initially a bit timid, Harry quickly adapted to his new home. The once-frightened pup from the shelter had blossomed into a confident, friendly dog, eager to fulfill his new role as Bob’s hearing assistant. It’s as though Harry understands the weight of his responsibilities, and he performs them with an unwavering loyalty that makes him stand out.

But Harry isn’t just about work. He has a playful side too, showing a deep love for squeaky toys. He never tires of fetching them, and his joy is infectious. Whether he’s playing or simply lounging around, Harry has a way of bringing lightness to the Seidemanns’ home. His personality, once shy and cautious, now shines with the love and trust he’s gained over the years.

One of Harry’s favorite things in the world is going on car rides. The Seidemanns discovered this during their two summer road trips to Massachusetts. Harry was a natural traveler, sitting proudly in his own seat, gazing out the window as the world passed by. For him, the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination. Those road trips are some of Bob and Anita’s fondest memories with Harry—watching him experience the thrill of travel with an eager tail wag and a curious eye for every passing sight.

Back home in Cascaya, Harry enjoys his daily routine. He loves his twice-a-day walks around the neighborhood, where he’s become quite the social butterfly, greeting neighbors and making friends with fellow dogs. His favorite spot, however, is doggy daycare on Burns Road. Once or twice a week, he eagerly heads to daycare, where he gets plenty of exercise and social time with his furry friends. The facility is well-supervised, and the Seidemanns appreciate how much attention is paid to the dogs’ care.

Harry’s journey from a scared shelter dog to a beloved, confident hearing companion is truly inspiring. Not only has he changed Bob and Anita’s lives, but he’s also a shining example of how dogs trained for specific roles can help people in profound ways. For the Seidemanns, Harry is not just a pet—he’s a hero in their home, a loyal guardian, and a cherished friend.

If Harry could choose any adventure, it would undoubtedly involve hopping into the car, settling into his seat, and heading off on another road trip. His love for travel and new experiences speaks to his adventurous spirit—a far cry from the timid dog he once was.

As Bob’s hearing continues to decline with age, the Seidemanns are comforted knowing they have Harry by their side. He barks when someone is at the door, when the phone rings, and when Anita calls for Bob—his every alert serving as a lifeline for the family. It’s hard to imagine life without Harry, and for Bob and Anita, his presence is more than a blessing; it’s a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and their pets, and the ways in which animals can truly transform lives.

 

Dogs for Better Lives (DBL, formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf) is a 45-year-old 501(c)(3) national nonprofit with campuses in Central Point, Oregon and Falmouth, Massachusetts. DBL rescues or breeds, trains, and places Assistance Dogs free of charge with clients.

Since 1977, DBL has placed more than 1,600 dogs with people across the United States. Each dog has made a profound impact on the life of the person they were placed with.

Dogs for Better Lives is one of the few national Assistance Dog organizations that trains shelter dogs to become Assistance Dogs in addition to purpose-bred dogs. They support every dog who comes into their care with a lifetime commitment to them and their client. Every decision is rooted in their wellbeing as they make sure their dogs are fulfilled and doing work they’re suited to do.

You can reach learn more about DBL at dogsforbetterlives.org

Quotes: 

“I’m calmer knowing that a noise will be detected by Fiddler. Before, I would hear a noise and wonder, what was that?! Where’s it coming from? I couldn’t relax. Now, I have confidence that Fiddler will alert me,” Laurel, DBL Hearing Assistance Dog Client

 

“Prior to having Ganache, I found myself rushing through grocery shopping and avoiding town outings in general. But Ganache is so confident in town that she quickly eased my anxiety because I grew to trust her ears to keep us safe – from alerting to noises happening to her spatial awareness of people walking up behind us,” Lauren, DBL Hearing Assistance Dog Client