1 Pilot 3

Pilot 3

Why Organizations Participated in Pilot 3

Most caregivers have had the thought, “I wish I could just ask the dog a question and the dog could answer me.”  Organizations participated in Pilot 3 because the pilot offered participants the opportunity to make that “wish” a “reality”.

Pilot 3 allowed each organization to request communication with 2 dogs. Giving Animals Voice arranged for an experienced animal communicator to conduct a separate recorded session with each of the 2 dogs.

Here are some examples of participant’s questions:

  • A blind dog (named Chance) was exhibiting agitation, especially at night. The organization asked the dog “what could they do to help him feel him more comfortable in the kennel.” The dog provided several suggestions which were then posted on his kennel for volunteers to see. See Chances story
  • Blackie was returned one day after his adoption with the comments that “he was reactive toward them and wasn’t a good fit.” The organization asked the dog, “about his experience with the adopter and what his ideal home would be.” The dog responded to both questions. See Blackie’s story 
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  • A dog that exhibited aggression toward other dogs and was territorial about food and toys was asked  “what kind of dogs would she like to play with.” The dog’s response was a surprise.  See Arabella’s video

 

How Pilot 3 Worked  FAQ

Giving Animals Voice designed Pilot 3 to minimize the time and resources needed to participate.  

  • Participation was FREE. Communicators generously volunteered their time and skills, and Giving Animals Voice covered the cost of administration.
  • The process had 3 steps, and, from start to finish, all that was needed to participate was a computer or a mobile device.

Step 1:  Requesting Communication for a Dog

Once the organization provided basic info about the dog and  specified the questions they wanted  to ask the dog and /or the information that they wanted  to convey to the dog, a communication session was scheduled on a convenient day and time.

Step 2: Attending the Communication Session

The organization’s representative (staff, volunteers, or fosters) and the communicator attended the recorded session hosted by Giving Animals Voice. Because the communication was conducted remotely, the dog did not need to be visible during the session or even in the same room as the caregivers.

The communicator opened the session by telling the dog the purpose of the session and asking simple questions to “build trust” with the dog.   The communicators then asked for the information that the organization wanted and conveyed information that they wanted the dog to know.

The organization was  allowed – in fact, encouraged – to request clarification of responses or ask additional questions. Before closing the session, the communicator invited the dog to express anything else that it would like the caregivers to know.

The communicator  verbally relayed ALL information received from the dog.  Communicators did not give advice or make suggestions as to what  you should “do” with the information. The organizations decided for themselves, what to “do” with the information.

Step 3: Responding to 2 Short Online Surveys after the Session

The organization was asked  to respond to 2 short Surveys. Survey 1 focused on the communication session.  Survey 2 focused on the caregivers’ observations after they’ve had time  to consider the information and to observe the dog. 

Organizations could choose to share feedback with volunteers and potential fosters and adopters.

Giving Animals Voice then compiled the feedback from all organizations. What Participants Said about Pilot 3

A huge thank you to the  communicators who donated their time and skills.

Thank you to MPM123.com for creating the app to collect the data.

 Without you, this Pilot would not be possible!