We are asking your help to get Jake the medical testing and training he needs.

Jake, a 3-year- old Shepherd/Australian Cattle dog mix, had been recently transported up North to CAS and immediately adopted. But shortly after going home with his new family, they realized he might be deaf.

Though the adopter initially planned to keep Jake with support from CAS for testing and specialized training, they ultimately made the difficult decision to return him to us.

We are determined to give Jake the best chance at a happy, confident life with a family who can meet his needs.

We need your help to do so.


First, we must confirm that Jake is deaf and determine the extent of his hearing loss. The test to fully diagnose him is called a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response, or BAER test, which measures how Jake’s brain responds to sound. It is a 10–15-minute, non-invasive procedure. This test will confirm whether he can hear and how each ear functions.

With this information, we can find just the right adoptive family for Jake, then offer training with a trainer who specializes in working with families who have hearing impaired dogs. This personalized training plan will help Jake navigate the world confidently and set both him and his future adopter up for success.

In the meantime, Jake is thriving in a safe and loving doggie daycare. The staff reports that he is relaxed, eating well, and making friends during group play. He’s particularly good at fetch and has a talent for letting everyone know when he’s ready for a belly rub and or his turn-down service at night. Everyone who meets Jake remarks on how sweet he is almost immediately.

We've scheduled the Baer test and have located an excellent trainer.

All we need now to make this happen is your generous support. As CAS supporters, you know that providing this level of care takes time and resources. Diagnostic testing, specialized training, and quality boarding add up quickly, but they are essential to ensuring Jake’s long-term success and well-being.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to Boris & Natasha's Veterinary Fund.