Connie Bombaci's Blog, page 5
February 16, 2020
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, Everyone!
Posted on February 14, 2014 by Bernice Rocque
Our guest writer is Bernice Rocque, author of Until the Robin Walks on Snow, and she offers beautiful imagery of a the world around us and the relationships that enrich our lives.
“Snow and ice, begone! To help celebrate Valentine’s Day beyond the 14th. I’d like to share a memory of love from a sparkling autumn day. The day was to hold a special gift.
On October 21, 2012, my husband and I walked with friends at the White Memorial Sanctuary in Litchfield, CT on pathways covered in leaves and pine straw. We were surrounded by clear colors and so many tall old trees.
At one point, a family of robins followed us, sailing along from tree to bush to tree. Our walk took in diverse country settings from forest to colored wetlands.
I realize now that the scene of two ducks foraging together was the preview — of the visual blessing we would receive later — on this brilliant afternoon.
About to depart the Sanctuary, the backdrop tugged at us to stay longer. Four friends, we stood for a while, warmed by the sunshine of a spectacular day, humble in the presence of this tree of life.
Onward we went, finally, to the Hopkins Inn Restaurant, a landmark of northwestern Connecticut. A patio view turned out to be well worth the wait.
Following our late lunch, I walked down in front of the Inn to take some photos of the stunning Lake Waramaug vista before us. Our meal had been delicious, but the true feast was the exquisite expanse before us.
While I shot some photos, I did notice this young couple sitting on a nearby bench, wrapped in mutual attention. For them, it seemed the view was secondary. Just as I was about to return to the restaurant patio, the young man approached me, and asked if I would take a few photos of them against the lake and foliage.
“Of course, I’d be happy to do that for you,” I said. After taking two photos, I extended my arm to return his camera. He paused. “Would I take another photo?” he asked. His smile was broad now. His eyes and face were as full as that tree of the ages in the Sanctuary — so lit with epic emotion. He returned to his beloved for the pose.
As I framed them in the camera window, I saw him turn and take a step back. Then, he knelt on one knee. Oh my goodness. I started clicking — and kept clicking as he spoke whatever wonderful words to her. Then, his arm unfolded, his hand revealing a small box. I clicked and clicked…
She seemed so still. All at once, her limbs began to thrust outward like a sparkler ignited on the fourth of July. She kissed him and hugged him, and then they embraced. I clicked more pictures, one after another. I think I captured enough shots that they could make a movie with the right software!
When they returned to fetch the camera, I said, “There just has to be at least one great photo in there!” Arm in arm, with giant eyes and electric smiles, their voices thanked me. I know they were elsewhere… I stood by myself for a few moments, realizing the gift bestowed on me. This beautiful scene would be forever more vibrant for me, too.
When I returned to the restaurant patio to my husband and friends, I learned that many on the patio had witnessed the event unfold. One table of women from Forest Hills, NY even cheered right after the event concluded. I hadn’t heard them cheer. I was sealed in that intense moment, like the couple.
Afterwards, I talked with the four women from Forest Hills. There was ease in the chat, like we were old friends. I think the other diners on the patio went home feeling as light in spirit as we did. Such a gift we had shared — the glow of love and leaves on this glorious afternoon.
Happy Valentine’s Day!”
February 7, 2020
The Jewel of Exquisite Craftsmanship
Guest Blogger, Monica Armstrong
Bijou: a Jewel of Exquisite Craftsmanship
I am an artist work who has lived and worked alone but for my daily companion Bijou. Fifty pounds of personality, black fur and glowing eyes, she accompanied me through a tumultuous period of my life. She listened patiently to my fears and sorrows, and made me laugh in the midst of misery. Bijou was my jewel. To her, I was the most delightful person on the planet. Imagine! Was she nuts? No, she was my poodle, and I was her person.
One terrible day I lost this beloved friend. It seems unbelievable that losing my dog could evoke such depths of grief. Lost was unconditional love, daily laughter, moonlit walks, and fun in the snow. Lost was a fierce and loyal protector when danger lurked, who raced to check on me every time I sneezed…jumping up to ask Are you all right? Are you all right? It always made me laugh and say “I’m all right”…and I was.
Bijou gave me thousands of hours in parks and woodlands. There was pure beauty in the sight of her flying after her ball. Pitching for her daily was a great incentive to work through my stiffness and pain from a surgery that affected my chest and arm muscles. She was a great caretaker of my health. She used her wet nose, eloquent eyes and insistent yips to declare “let’s play! Get up! Let’s go!”
Many a cold, dark night, I grumbled as I suited and booted up to go out in inclement weather only to gasp in pleasure at the sight of creamy clouds slinking across the face of a golden moon. There were hot and humid evenings when Bijou led me ambling into a twilit field, filled with the dancing fireflies. How many dawns and sunsets would I have missed with out her encouragement? Thousands!! 1
Bijou was 13 and vigorous almost to the end. I think I had convinced myself she would defy nature and live with me all my life. I have shed plenty of tears, politely and not so politely asked God to give her back to me. When I looked at pictures of her, it made me sadder. A dullness came over me, I couldn’t seem to shake it. Depression, anger, guilt, grief, came in waves.
Months after her death, I was still unable to concentrate on my work. One day, I gave up trying and succumbed to the lure of the darkened den. I searched for a movie that would distract me from my grief. I happened upon “Coco”, a story of connection with those we have loved and lost. Animated in brilliant color, the tale is set in the Land of the Dead. Charming as the story was, it was the presence of a dog, cat and bird as spirits that spoke most strongly to my heart.
As the closing credits scrolled I dashed to my neglected studio determined to make a spirit portrait of my beloved companion. I laid out a sheet of paper as black as the void I was feeling. While sketching her in with a white pencil, a ghostly figure emerged. It was strangely comforting to see her that way. It helped me accept her as Spirit, therefore not totally lost.
I wanted to to show her personality and essence, not her physical self; girly, beautiful, athletic and graceful, funny and lively. I began to color her shape with blue. Soon, memories of the acres of sky under which we walked and played so often began to soothe my heart.
Multicolored flowers began to form. Bijou’s flying, furry ears became joyful flags, her jaunty pompoms turned pink and blue. Rainbow wings sprouted from her shoulders and a radiant glow flowed from her bottomless heart.
I felt comforted as I expressed the joy of our mutual love and care for each other. I found myself smiling again. Bright and beautiful memories swept away the dark days of loss as I felt her spirit emerge. I no longer linger over photos of her now. I have Bijou’s Spirit Portrait. It always makes me smile and remember the joy of our life together.
It is undeniable that our pets are a divine gift in our lives. We learn the enduring wisdom of forgiveness, generosity, patience, tolerance and a giving heart from them. Pet Spirit Portraits are an opportunity to capture the spirit of your pet, and that special relationship, and if needed, to receive support in the process of healing. From your story I draw the inspiration to create a portrait that will keep the spirit of your cherished pet close with this unique keepsake.
To see more portraits and videos: https://bijouspiritportraits.lpages.c... Art and Text Monica Armstrong© 2020 3 4
February 6, 2020
Everyone is worthy of love and acceptance
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | The Middletown Press By Cassandra Day
HADDAM — An award-winning author from Killingworth who has written two memoirs about her experiences with a deaf Dalmatian that she taught to understand American Sign Language has penned a new children’s book. Connie Bombaci’s third book, “Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance,” is what she hopes is the first in a series written specifically to help teach young children learn to love and accept one another despite their differences, she said.
Bombaci, an award-winning author, also wrote “Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance” and “Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Christian’s Faith, A Courageous Journey.” Hogan is among the 12 percent of Dalmatians that are born with congenital deafness. Nearly twice that number are deaf in one ear, according to Bombaci. But with a pocket-sized handbook on sign language, Bombaci said she taught Hogan two signs — “sit” and “cookie” — within the first 24 hours. Over the course of 13 years, Hogan learned 75 different signs, including “stay,” “jump,” “papa,’ “I love you,” and even his name, signed with a letter “H,” Bombaci said.
Hogan died in 2008. But the idea for the stories about the dog came to her in 1996. With the first two books under her belt, Bombaci in 2018 won gold and bronze medals in the readers favorite category, the Dan Poynter Legacy Award, and earned gold status for her book trailer video, as well as in the nonfiction animals/pets category. Her first children’s book was written in response to readers’ requests, she said. All proceeds will go to charity.
Bombaci recently gave a presentation on the book to second-grade students at Burr District Elementary School in Higganum. The visit included a video, storytelling and reading. “Our presentation’s purpose is to spread the message that hope prevails for everyone, no matter what the hurdle,” Bombaci said.
Burr school literacy coach, Judy Nacca, said the program, which included a visit from Bombaci’s Dalmatian Judea, captivated the children. “Our second-graders were transfixed by Connie’s moving story of Hogan, and her accompanying videos showcasing his amazing journey. Her mantra of how essential it is to accept and love others was threaded throughout her presentation. “When Judea came out to meet the students, it was as though we’d all won the love lottery. I can’t describe the joy in the room. This was one of the most meaningful experiences by a guest author I’ve had in my 17 years in elementary education,” Nacca added.
Second-grade students enjoy visiting with Judea, deaf dog.
Bombaci introduced the idea that “everyone is worthy of love and acceptance, and that with hope, anything is possible.” Her new book aligns with school curricula that encourage young people to set themselves on a path in order to reach their full potential. “Our children deserve the encouragement to believe that, no matter what the challenge in life, everyone is worthy of acceptance and love and that the fulfillment of their hopes is indeed possible,” Bombaci said. “Knowing that our schools’ mission is to ensure that our students are engaged in a positive and nurturing learning environment that helps them develop intellectually, emotionally and socially, the newly published book is a perfect fit,” Bombaci said.
Bombaci first met Hogan at the Connecticut Humane Society in October 1993 after realizing her black Labrador needed a playmate, she said. Her husband was unconvinced they needed a second dog, but eventually gave in — with stipulations, Bombaci said. He wanted a male dog about the same age as their other one, who weighed about 55 pounds. He also insisted they adopt a neutered and short-haired canine. “He was sure that I wouldn’t find another dog meeting those qualifications,” she said. Bombaci accepted the challenge, and set off to call every rescue center she could find, including the Connecticut Humane Society. Many dogs were up for adoption, including a deaf Dalmatian, but Bombaci missed the canine’s full description, which said it was hearing-impaired, she said. “I didn’t hear ‘deaf,’ and became extremely excited. I wish that the public realized that the myths about our special-needs animals are untrue, and that they are all worthy of love and acceptance. Like any human who has special needs, we need to make adaptations and adjustments,” Bombaci said. She knew animals of all types — just like people — thrive on tender, loving care and attention. “Our wonderful animals deserve good care, love, and acceptance no matter what the difference, just as we would do for any human with a difference or challenge,” Bombaci said.
For information, visit Hogan’s Hope Book on Facebook.com/conniebombaci and https://conniebombaci.com.
‘Everyone is worthy of love and acceptance’ By Cassandra Day Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Connie Bombaci signs a command for her deaf Dalmatian, Judea, at her home in Killingworth on April 6, 2018.
January 30, 2020
Deaf Pups in Puppy Bowl
Inside Edition Staff
Published: January 29, 2020, 10:52 am
Tags: Animals
Forget the pigskin and jerseys. These little athletes are donning bandanas in the cutest sporting event of the year.
The Puppy Bowl is back for its 16th year and is unleashing more dogs than ever — 96 adorable rescue pups from 61 shelters will rep teams Fluff and Ruff on the field.
And filling out the lineup again is a puptastic group of dogs with special needs. Meet the five charming canines below!
Ferris the Labrador Retriever mix
Animal Planet
Recruited for team Fluff, this floppy-eared sweetheart has three legs and is from AHeinZ57 Pet Rescue in De Soto, Iowa.
According to pet experts Best Friends, missing limbs can lead dogs to feel vulnerable and have difficulty balancing on slippery surfaces. But Ferris here is living their best life — like the many pups who go one to live happy, long lives as they adjust to their new lifestyle!
Filbert the Shetland Sheepdog mix
Over on team Ruff, we have Filbert, who came to Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser Lake, Idaho, as a 7-week-old fluff ball. The ranch is a sanctuary for dogs with special needs, which has been crucial to Filbert's development because he is deaf and sight impaired.
Dogs with no hearing and limited sight rely on smell and touch when moving through their day, according to petplace.com. To help their fur friends, it's important for owners to establish a routine and refrain from moving around objects in the dog's environment.
Kismet the Great Dane
Standing tall on team Ruff, Kismet is an affectionate and playful puppy who's deaf, according to the Green Dogs Unleashed rescue in Virginia that took her in. "She enjoys long walks and cuddles on the couch," said a post on their Facebook page.
Deaf dogs are good at learning hand signals instead of human speech as commands, according to Best Friends. Some owners use signs adapted from American Sign Language or come up with their own gestures.
Animal Planet
Paprika the Chihuahua mix
Animal Planet
Paprika is a spunky little guy playing for team Ruff. He is hearing impaired, but that won't stop him from putting his best paw forward for team Ruff!
"It's estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of dogs in the United States suffer from deafness, either in one ear or both ears," The American Kennel Club said on its website. "But most dogs with hearing issues cope well with their disability, are very trainable, and can even go on to compete in dog sports."
Rooster the American Staffordshire/Bulldog mix
Animal Planet
This little guy is affectionately called "potato" by the Virginia rescue that's caring for him. He has was born with a cleft palate, a birth defect that can make it difficult for newborn puppies to nurse.
Feeding equipment must be used to make sure these lovable pups receive adequate nutrition when they're young, according to Best Friends. And Rooster was certainly fed well, making for some tough competition on team Fluff!
November 22, 2019
Thanksgiving Warnings from Hogan's Hope
Much appreciation to the person or organization that designed this wonderful picture!
Thanksgiving is less than a week away and holiday guests might want to slip treats to our pets. Not only that, but holiday leftovers might be tempting for our precious animals to steal. Fatty and spicy foods, bones, raw bread dough, alcoholic beverages, onions/ garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are on the please do not feed list!
A well-intended treat could trigger intestinal upset, diarrhea or even pancreatitis. Sugar-free sweets could contain xylitol that can be lethal to pets. If guests want to give some extra attention to our pets, they can provide a walk or some extra cuddle time. We can provide healthy and safe alternatives that our animals will love and our guests will feel happier being able to spoil a loving, warm and furry family member who is insisting on getting a treat as everyone else.
Please be extra diligent during this festive season when our parties and gatherings can turn upside-down if our beloved pets become ill or even worse.
Be sure to have special treats on hand.
Keep food up where our four-legged family members can’t reach.
Instruct children, seniors, and guests on what not to feed our pets.
Tethering your pup to your side is a great way to keep them close and under a watchful eye.
Happy Thanksgiving, and let’s make certain that it’s all happy for everyone!
October 17, 2019
Hogan's Hope and a Deaf Dog share special time with our deaf community
Almost a week has passed since our wonderful visit to Ocean City, New Jersey, where we were graciously invited to sign our books, Hogan’s Hope, at Sun Rose Words & More.
The most memorable moment of the day was when friends from the deaf community stopped to spend time with our deaf dog, Judea, who shares their world of silence and use of American Sign Language to communicate. Their instant connection was glorious and incredibly heartwarming. Happy tears and hugs spread throughout the crowd of onlookers.
Experiences like these make it crystal clear to me that we are all more alike than we are different. We all need to be loved. We all need to be accepted, and we all need to have others in our lives who understand us. Being different indeed makes us uniquely special, but our need for bonding with others and feeling the warmth of companionship makes us very much the same. Whether two-legged, four-legged, or winged, countless examples of caring, protection, and love make this vividly apparent.
For me, it begs the questions, “Why are we not loving? Kind? Accepting? Forgiving?” “What evil exists in some people to be cruel, to hold grudges, to judge, or to abuse others physically, mentally, or emotionally?”
My prayer is that we open our eyes and ears to truly see and hear one another. I pray that we learn to love and accept each other even when we disagree. “Agreeing to disagree” is not always a wrong approach to our differences. We gain so much when we embrace rather than abuse or attack. Justifying cruelty is not an option. We must take full responsibility to be kind, to care for all God’s creation’s, and to share His unconditional love.
Watching loving, innocent, four-legged Judea with loving, two-legged humans is wondrous - an amazing example for all of us.
Blessings to you today, tomorrow, and always!
October 13, 2019
Hogan's Hope in OCNJ
I truly believe that, if we all looked closely into our hearts and ask ourselves the question about whether we want to be accepted as we are, we would have to love and accept each other. Our innate desire to belong is critical and many of us go to great lengths to find our niche.
I believe that it's quite simple. “Do unto others as we want others to do to us.” Jesus’ beautiful command. If everyone were to follow His words, then our world would be filled with the greatest of all things - love!
Blessings, my dear friends.
September 19, 2019
Hogan's Hope (Christian edition) Receives 5 STARS
Bright and early this morning, a message came through my phone telling me to check Readers’ Favorite for the review of the Christian edition of our children’s book, Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance. I just had to share the good news with everyone. Hogan’s message continues to meet with wonderful success as he lives on through the love and hope of our Lord.
Review Rating: 5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance (Christian Edition) by Connie Bombaci is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of a dog different from the others. Hogan is born in the Brown family’s farmhouse during a storm. Anna decides to keep the puppy since no one is willing to buy it as it is deaf, but she can’t have him inside the house. Her father wants nothing to do with dogs in the house. So, feeling lonely and rejected, the pup is rescued by a man who offers it a ride in his truck and eventually a home. Hogan quickly discovers hope and a strong connection with his new owner and finds meaning and happiness, in spite of the fact that he is unique.
This is a story about a dog that inspires strong Christian values. From the first pages, the reader is introduced to the idea that being different doesn’t mean being less. This is through the way that Anna looks at the puppy after everyone rejects it: “Anna guessed that Ten was different and believed with all her heart that being different meant being special!” The puppy’s journey towards self-acceptance and hope is one that will open the eyes of young readers to the beauty in others. While this is a story about a puppy, it has manifold lessons for humans and also reflects the way that God looks at each of us. Hogan’s Hope: Finding a Forever Home of Love and Acceptance (Christian Edition) is beautifully imagined and well-written in language that is simple and punctuated by biblical verses that provoke meditation. Connie Bombaci’s book is a tool to start conversations with young readers on themes of love, acceptance, and compassion and how these values can transform relationships and people.
August 30, 2019
The Benefits Of Peroxide and Pet Safety
Loving hearts keep our precious animals safe.
Hello! I cannot take credit for writing this informational blog. I received it from a dear friend, and it reminded me of the many ways that we can use peroxide for a cleaner and healthier life, especially with our pets. Peroxide also offers us a safer way to maintain the environment for our precious pets.
My friend has a friend who is married to a doctor. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach, she was using to clean her toilet and counter tops.
This is what she said to her:
'I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drugstore. What does bleach cost?
My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide.
Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy!
Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!
Did you also know bleach was invented in the late '40s? It's chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops.
Peroxide was invented during WWI.. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.
Please think about this:
1. Take one capful of hydrogen peroxide (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to 10 minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold or plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for 10 minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help get rid of boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.
14. Another place it's great is in the bathroom, if someone has been careless, has peed on the floor around the toilet, and it's begun to smell of urine. Just put some peroxide in a spray bottle spray. In the blink of an eye all the smell will be gone and the bacteria eliminated!
I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!
This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too.
July 19, 2019
Vibrating Vest Offers Communication with Deaf Dogs
Article shared from This Dogs’ Life
“A VIBRATING VEST CAN TEACH A DOG COMMANDS WITHOUT SAYING A WORD”
Image Credit: Jonathan Atari
July 15, 2019
What began as a final project for a graduate course at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel may turn out to be a groundbreaking aid for detection dogs working in disaster zones.
Yoav Golan, a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering, and Ben Serota, who earned his M.A. in neuroscience at BGU, developed a remote-controlled dog vest that uses vibrations to stimulate touch and motion.
“We were surprised to learn that not a lot of work had been done with dogs and technology, and decided to investigate this issue further,” Golan tells This Dogs Life of haptics, which focus on stimulating touch and motion.
The vest works by producing different vibrations — defined by length or where it occurs, including on the right or left side — that are associated with various commands. The commands are delivered through a remote control to the dog.
Related: Here’s What Not to Do When You See A Service Dog at Work
Tai.
Image Credit: Jonathan Atari
The team used Golan’s dog, a Labrador mix named Tai, as its tester.
Yoav Golan and Tai.
Image Credit: Jonathan Atari
“It was surprisingly easy to teach Tai,” says Golan. Tai had already mastered the vocal commands, including turn, lie down, come and back up, so the training was more of a translation lesson. Of course, a supply of sausage pieces made the process easier.
It took Tai about half an hour to learn the first command, says Golan, but noted, “It depends on the trainer, the dog, the signal type, the training history and a thousand more parameters that I can’t hope to quantify. I can only say that it seems that haptic training doesn’t take significantly longer than vocal training.”
Which is good news for professionals and their working dogs.
Haptic technology can be an important tool for search and rescue and detection dogs. For example, says Golan, working dogs wearing this vest in noisy environments, such as disaster zones, busy airports or even combat zones, will be able to receive commands tactically.
Related: After Saving Pennies for 4 Years, Boy Finally Gets His Service Dog
“When there’s a lot of noise, it can be hard to give a comprehensible command to the dog without being very close to it, which isn’t always an option,” says Golan. “Using this vest, you could remotely send a vibration command to the dog, who is more likely to respond to it than an audio command.”
Also, for many situations and environments where dogs work, the vest’s silent form of communication can be critical — and lifesaving. For instance, in the case of police and military dogs, and for search and rescue dogs when silence is needed for human responders to hear survivors.
There are other potential situations where the haptic vest can be extremely beneficial. Golan says this type of vest could be used to give commands to deaf or near-deaf dogs. Even when deaf dogs learn sign language commands, the vest can be used when a dog is not looking.
While working dogs are ideal for this sort of vest, it can be used for pets. “Even for everyday dogs, the vest can be a stimulating new way to train dogs, especially from a distance,” says Golan. “Imagine calling your free-roaming dog home for dinner by pressing a button!”
Though they haven’t investigated all the vest’s potential uses, the idea that a dog will associate a vibration with a command — rather than a particular individual — has implications. For example, Tai will sit when his owner gives the command, but not consistently if another person gives the same command. Now, when Golan or anyone else presses a button on the vest corresponding to the “sit” command, Tai will sit.
“This could potentially allow better interchangeability of handlers for working dogs on a mission,” says Golan.
The results of the study were presented at the IEEE World Haptics Conference 2019 in Tokyo in July. Golan reports that he received a lot of intriguing suggestions and questions. “Since there is very little work that has been done with dogs, there is a lot left to do,” he says.
Jillian Blume is a New York City–based writer whose feature articles have appeared in magazines, newspapers, and websites including the New York Observer, Marie Claire, Self, City Realty, the ASPCA, Petful.com, Best Friends Animal Society, The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, The Pet Gazette, and many others.
