05/12/2026
In 1985, a 95-pound Doberman named Ajax made headlines for a very special job: serving as a hearing dog for his deaf owner, Richard Greenwood, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Trained through the nonprofit Ears for the Deaf, Ajax could alert Greenwood to ringing phones, door knocks, smoke alarms, crying babies and even malfunctioning store coolers at the convenience store Greenwood managed. If a customer came in while Greenwood was away from the counter, Ajax would go fetch him. Even in the car, Ajax stayed on duty — trained to place his head on Greenwood’s shoulder when he heard a siren or car horn.
“He’s more than just a hearing dog,” Greenwood said at the time. “He’s my best friend.”
Ajax was trained by Mike Sapp, who became involved in hearing dog work through his interest in training and showing Dobermans. While most hearing dogs at the time were other breeds, Ajax proved Dobermans could excel in the role too, combining intelligence, attentiveness and loyalty with the ability to work closely alongside their people every day.
Source:
"Dog's not only man's best friend, but his ears and nose at work," Detroit Free Press, April 8, 1985, page 3
