Birds of a Feather

Lisa Jordan & Hearing Assistance Dog Cleo
Author: Vera Mariner

Lisa Jordan and Hearing Assistance Dog Cleo are birds of a feather. In fact, Lisa claims that Cleo is actually her, but in dog form. Both Cleo and Lisa can easily be described as funny, intelligent, delightful, and so darn charming!

Cleo is a three-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever who is in Lisa’s life as a substitute pair of ears. Lisa has Cochlear Implants that help her hear, however, background noise can interfere with the effectiveness of Cochlear Implants and also cause other discomforts for Lisa. Furthermore, there are often times when Lisa needs to have her Cochlear Implants off; it is invaluable that Cleo is there to hear for Lisa and alert her to sounds she would miss otherwise.

Cleo alerts Lisa to several common sounds in their home environment including a door knock, alarm clock, timer, smoke alarm, and phone. To alert Lisa to a sound, Cleo uses her nose to nudge Lisa and then she leads Lisa to the sound. Cleo takes her work seriously and her awareness of sounds around them helps Lisa be more aware, too.

“It creates a peace of mind to live without the stress of what sounds I might be missing.”

Cleo is all about Lisa! The team’s success is a testament to both Lisa and the staff at Can Do Canines. Although Cleo was well-trained when she was matched with Lisa, it still took a lot of hard work, training together for the two to become a fluid team. Lisa wants everyone to know how grateful she is to every single person involved in what she calls a first rate organization; Lisa also notes the user-friendly, streamlined process that Can Do Canines has fashioned that makes this big life change successful.

It’s important to know that assistance dogs do not come perfectly trained. Their skills are honed and finely polished once the match to a human is made. Then the real work begins. Getting to know each other, living together, bonding and a strong connection can begin to form. Human and canine both need to be trained.

Several life changes have occurred for Lisa since Cleo became her Hearing Assistance Dog and it has strengthened their bond. Shortly after they certified as a team Lisa and Cleo had major events occur including a cross-country move, working at a special camp together, and Lisa’s engagement (yes, Cleo will be in the wedding!) “Cleo loves doing everything!” Lisa exclaims, and it is evidenced by Cleo’s good behavior in the home, workplace, out in public and lots of traveling.

Because of volunteers and donors like you, Lisa is living a more carefree, independent life with Hearing Assistance Dog Cleo. Thanks to you, Lisa and Cleo are a successful team!

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Puppy Raiser – Kari Johnson
Special Thanks – Christopher & Cheryl Gibbons; The Inmate Handlers at The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault
Name-A-Puppy Donor – Cologne Leos Lions
Dog Source – Julie Mach