PROGRAMS
A New Life for Shelter Dogs
HISTORY
1988 | Attorney Sheri Soltes creates Hearing Dogs with the double mission of helping people live better lives and using shelter dogs instead of breeding.
Training utilized positive reinforcement in contrast to traditional industry methods using force.
Expanding Services
1991 | After a request from an individual with a spinal cord injury, we expand to train Service Dogs. We continue to provide all dogs and lifetime follow up free of charge.
Helping Child Victims
2015 | SDI introduces our Courthouse Facility Dog program to serve help our littlest victims find their voice in court. We train them to work with Victims' Services staff within District and County Attorneys' offices. Dogs like Sumi, support children during forensic interviews and on the witness stand.
Heroes for Heroes
2018 | In response to a District Fire Chief's plea for help with first responder suicides, we created our First Responder Facility Dog program. These dogs work full time helping build resiliency among firefighters, paramedics, hospital staff and law enforcement agencies. First responders suffer from a suicide rate 30% higher than the general public. Emergency Services Facility Dogs help destigmatize mental health.
Campus Expansion
2024 | We tripled our training staff, adopted the largest number of dogs in our history and 100% succeeded, progressing up to 6 weeks ahead of schedule. 2025 | We cut the ribbon on our new quarantine kennel built and donated by C.C. Carlton Industries. In the first two weeks, we have adopted 5 new shelter dogs for our training program. With your support, we are helping more people and dogs than ever before!
Our team
Our pet care team
Bill N. Okelley
Jason F. Sisk
Sheri Soltes Founder & CEO
