![Bernard Lima-Chavez Bernard Lima-Chavez](/sites/default/files/pastshowheadliners/guest-pics-3-22-16/dog-his-boy-5-610x915.png)
I am a deaf dog pet parent, blogger and writer, trainer and advocate and my mission is deaf dogs. I write and work for them, to raise awareness about their existence and their needs and capabilities. I focus especially on deaf dog advocacy, training, safety and other ways to help deaf dog pet parents and their dogs live rich, full, happy lives. I am also a veterinary technician who worked for many years in animal welfare. During my years working for an animal shelter, I held several roles: volunteer and then, upon completion of my veterinary technician education, I assumed the role of Shelter Veterinary Technician, followed by Lead Shelter Veterinary Technician, Foster Care and Enrichment Programs Coordinator and, lastly, Animal Care and Program Development Manager. I have participated in several large-scale emergency sheltering cases for the ASPCA, including the second largest, multi-state dog fighting bust in U.S. history. I continue to work with private clients and local shelters helping them train deaf dogs. In addition to this blog, my writing has appeared in many publications and websites, including The Huffington Post, Victoria Stilwell’s Positively.com, Nashville Paw Magazine and Deaf Dogs Rock among others. I share my life with two deaf dogs, two hearing dogs, several cats and my husband, Omar, who is definitely the better half of their two dads.