Baroun is deaf, and Josie was given to her for free by Dogs for the Deaf, an Oregon-based organization that rescues, trains and places dogs to help deaf people and others with special needs.

Josie alerts Baroun to important noises, like the alarm clock, microwave, doorbell, door knock, smoke alarm and phone.

Eager to please, the friendly beast with the white-tipped tail showed her skills during an experiment in class.

A microwave was run for a minute, and Josie heard it and paced back and forth.

When it was done and started beeping, she excitedly ran to get Baroun and lead her to the noise.

"She just pats me on the leg," Baroun said.

Josie received a treat after escorting Baroun to the micro-wave.

Life has changed since Baroun received her new best friend several months ago.

"I’m more independent now. I don’t have to rely on my kid to come and get me. I don’t miss any phone calls," she said.

Rohrer started the drive with her class, and the entire school got involved. She is proud of the amount of items raised.

"I’d like to say thank you to all of the Farmington families that so generously donated items and money for the Dogs for the Deaf Drive. Items donated include cash, dog treats, blankets, batteries, film, dog toys, clippers and dog food," she said.

In 27 years, Dogs for the Deaf has placed more than 2,500 dogs. It rescues dogs from shelters that might euthanize them.

By Mitch Maersch
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2006/March_06/03132006_05.asp