35 years

Issue 55 SPRING 2017 £1.75 when sold

The magazine from Hearing for Deaf People

Go walkies! It’s time for our Great British Walks

PLUS Caring and clever: close-up on Cocker Beth Tweddle I jumped at joins us for a coffee and chat Celebrate our the chance to help 35th anniversary! change a deaf person’s life Why Chris Packham is passionate about Brave sponsorship and happy How Rowan gives Kaitlyn confi dence

Contents Spring 2017 10

LET’S GO WALKIES! Find a Great British Dog Walk at a 16 beautiful location near you! Regulars page 24 04 It’s a dog’s life Welcome! The latest news, including the winner of Our cover star Chris Packham (p10) the 2016 Community Champion award was inspired to sponsor a puppy after 08 Harvey the little carer witnessing the very special bond between How Harvey helps Wendy to care for Michael a hearing dog and its owner, and this issue 18 You & your dog of Favour is full of similar stories: young What to pack in your dog’s travel bag Kaitlyn’s life was transformed when hearing 20 Awareness dog Rowan came along (p20); and hearing How hearing dog Rowan helps Kaitlyn dog Ayla has been a lifeline for Hannah Baker learn to live with auditory neuropathy (p16). This issue we are also celebrating our 22 Kids corner 35th birthday! The Charity has come a long way since 1982. Fun and inspiring stories for younger readers Find out just how much we’ve achieved in those 35 years in 28 Ask the experts our special feature starting on page 12 – we hope you’ll Our resident expert has tips on how businesses can support people with continue to support us on the next stage of our journey. Enjoy the mag! 30 Paws for coffee Gymnast Beth Tweddle explains why our Gill Lacey Editor Great British Dog Walk is her idea of heaven Features magazine is named after Hearing Dogs’ very first dog Favour. 10 Sponsor a puppy -lover Chris Packham reveals why Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Royal Patron he’s signed up to sponsor one of our pups The Grange, Wycombe Road, HRH The Princess Royal Saunderton, Princes Risborough Registered charity in England and 12 Hearing Dogs is 35! HP27 9NS Wales no. 293358 and Scotland no. 35 years How far we’ve come in 35 years T 01844 348100 (voice & minicom) SC040486 F 01844 348101 Useful contact details 14 Gifts in Wills E [email protected] Member of UK Council on (voice and minicom): How gifts in Wills help fund hearing dogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk Deafness, Assistance Dogs (UK), Fundraising: 01844 348148 Cover photo of Chris Packham Assistance Dogs Europe and Volunteering: 01844 348100 16 Breed profile by Chris Brown Assistance Dogs International Media enquiries: 01844 348137 Find out why Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds to train as hearing dogs Articles and features: printed in Favour are not necessarily the views of the Charity but are the views expressed by the writers. We welcome your comments. 24 The Great British Dog Walk NEXT ISSUE Advertisements: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People cannot be liable to any person for loss How to get involved in 2017 or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting or offering to accept goods Look out for the or services contained in any advertisement reproduced in Favour. Readers should make next issue in appropriate enquiries before incurring any expense or contractual obligation. 26 Big steps for small paws autumn 2017 Produced by : 90 Walcot Street, Bath, BA2 5BG. www.jppublishing.co.uk Our pups start the next stage of their journey

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 3 It’s a... DID YOU KNOW? Amanda Tapping has also appeared in TV dog’s life show Supernatural Updates from our latest appeals and news about our favourite dogs – we sniff out the stories that matter to you…

FANS RAISE FUNDRAISING OVER £100,000 AFTER MEETING A Supporter hearing dog puppy named Iris at their first convention in 2005, Stargate SG1 sci-fi actress takes on double Amanda Tapping and her loyal British fans have become some the challenge of Hearing Dogs’ most committed supporters. Community Alan Lawrenson fundraising manager Nicholas Alan goes ‘deaf for the day’ pounds the pavements Orpin says: “It’s quite remarkable and tackles 100-mile run for Hearing Dogs how one little dog has inspired so much love and support. Amanda lan Lawrenson make people really take motivation wise. I’m not and her fans have raised more than £100,000 across nine from Willesden notice and get me to my going to be able to speak events, supporting more than Green has been fundraising target.” to people or listen to A 10 hearing dogs.” named Hearing Dogs music and that type of Community Champion Race to the Stones thing normally brings me 2016. Alan, a customer Alan set himself the back up again. I’m really retention manager for challenge of running the nervous – I’ve had minor THE DIFFERENCE MedicAnimal, has gone 100-mile Race to the panic attacks all week.” A HEARING DOG the extra mile to raise Stones while ‘deaf’. He Alan successfully MAKES funds and awareness had special gel moulds completed his ‘deaf for for Hearing Dogs over inserted into his ears, the day’ challenge in just A TEAM FROM the the past few years – 812 rendering him 70% deaf over 22 hours. Afterwards University of York will be miles in fact, including for 20 hours. Before the he said: “Without a doubt spending the next three years 100 miles while made race he said: “I’m slightly that race was the toughest working with Hearing Dogs for temporarily ‘deaf’ and a nervous about not being I’ve completed. I’ve Deaf People to examine the differences that having a hearing further 156 miles across able to hear. It’s going certainly gained more of dog makes to people’s lives. the Sahara Desert in the to be a real problem an understanding of what The study, named PEDRO, Marathon des Sables. people with hearing loss includes questionnaires with Alan says: “People go through. Luckily I was recipients, interviews with have seen me do crazy able to pull the gels out.” trainers, partnership instructors, runs. The Sahara Desert The Community sensory impairment teams and – 156 miles with an 8kg Champion award was social care practitioners, as well as backpack – wasn’t easy. presented to Alan by economic considerations. But I felt people expected Alan has been Olympic Gold Medallist Starting in the next few weeks, more of me so I had to given a Community Beth Tweddle. Read more Champion award new applicants will be invited to think about what would about Beth on page 30. take part in the study.

4 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk WELCOME NEWS CENTRE UPDATE Our new Welcome Centre at The Grange is due to open in late 2017

A computer-generated design of how the new buildling is going to look… Kiss FM’s Pandora Christie

PEOPLE Kiss FM’s Pandora visits The Grange … and how the site looks at the moment KISS FM’S PANDORA CHRISTIE Pandora also met some of paid a visit to Hearing Dogs’ the clever dogs-in-training and headquarters in Saunderton, specialist dog trainers. The Buckinghamshire, to learn about Hearing Dogs’ demonstration the impact of deafness and find team treated her to a private PROGRESS ON SAFE out what life is like for someone demonstration showcasing AND SOUND who can’t hear music. some of the signals and alerts Pandora met hearing dog performed by these life-changing WELCOME CENTRE recipient Dionne Nelder to dogs every day, in the home and THE DEVELOPMENT OF our learn how deafness can destroy out and about. Safe and Sound Welcome Centre someone’s confi dence and She says: “I was overwhelmed will enable us to build on the asset of wellbeing, and the life-changing by how intelligent these dogs are our existing facilities at The Grange in difference a hearing dog can make. and by how eager they were to Saunderton, Buckinghamshire. Pandora says: “Learning how please. I’ve seen with my own The new centre will enable us to Dionne lost her hearing during eyes how much they love the generate greater awareness of our her 20s really touched me. My training – it looks as if they treat it work among the public, as it will be 20s were some of the best times like one big game. open to all throughout the year. It will of my life – I remember being “I learned how people’s lives be specifically welcoming to the deaf surrounded by music and friends. have been changed by a hearing community, and we will offer an Instead, Dionne was growing more dog and how much happiness, apprentice scheme for two profoundly and more isolated and losing her security, love and positivity they deaf young adults. It will transform ability to hear music altogether. bring. I now understand how our training centre from being an “operational site” rarely open to the “I can’t imagine how it must feel lonely and isolating deafness can public, into a centre where hearing to lose your hearing. I didn’t know be, and that it really is an invisible loss can be understood by all visitors, that it can happen to anyone. It . It must be so tough and and a variety of employment doesn’t have to run in your family. I’m so grateful there is a charity opportunities will be offered. It can happen over time or all of a like Hearing Dogs training these The centre will offer a café sudden with no real cause.” amazing creatures.” restaurant, a gift shop and a space that can be used for private functions. All the profits generated will be ploughed back into Hearing Dogs and will Further communications develop into an important new We value and respect the choice you have made in supporting us income stream for the Charity, and hope you enjoy reading about our work and plans through enabling us to continue to help as Favour magazine. However, should you choose to opt out of future many beneficiaries as we can. communications please let us know: [email protected]

STAY IN TOUCH: twitter.com/HearingDogs facebook.com/hearingdogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 5 NEWS

STRESS-BUSTERS Pups offer students the pawfect cure A tension-taming to exam stress ear scratch

‘puppy’ room was set students and help those who miss up at Buckinghamshire their while away at university. Lisa Baldock and her ANew University to help Amy How, volunteering and hearing dog Inca students dealing with exam- societies coordinator at the related stress. University, says: “The puppy days We headed to the campus have always been a huge success. LISA AND INCA WIN with some of our very special “The students have a chance to COMMUNITY AWARD furry friends and about 330 get away from exam stress and it staff and students visited the gives the dogs a great opportunity LISA BALDOCK AND HER dogs throughout the day, raising to socialise. Everyone is so happy hearing dog Inca received a £160 for the Charity. at the end of the day and it is Community Award from the This is the third year that really rewarding for both us and Hampshire High Sheriff at a Hearing Dogs has teamed up the hearing dog pups.” ceremony in the Great Hall, with Bucks Students Union to Community fundraising Winchester. The awards are given to public servants, individual volunteers boost ‘emotional well-being’ for manager at Hearing Dogs, or community groups who are Michelle Sapwell, says: “It’s good making a significant contribution to for the at this age to their communities. actually come into contact with Lisa Baldock is a civil servant people and to sit obediently for a working at the Department for period of time. When they go out Work and Pensions (DWP) and lives to work they will be sitting with in Fratton, Hampshire, with her their recipients perhaps at work or husband and hearing dog lnca. Lisa in a restaurant, and they will be volunteers for numerous It’s all smiles after expected to be relaxed and calm organisations including Hearing a pat of the puppy in that environment.” Dogs for Deaf People. ln addition to her administrative role at the DWP, in 2016 Lisa became one of the key contributors to the cross-governmental Workplace FUNDRAISING Adjustment ‘Passport’, which is now available to any Civil Service Used stamps raise thousands employee wishing to open a dialogue about health issues or disability that THE TOTAL MONEY raised for TRIM: stamps need to have a may require adjustment and understanding within the workplace. Hearing Dogs in 2016 – thanks paper border around them of Such has been Lisa’s contribution to supporters collecting used around 1cm that, with hearing dog lnca by her stamps using our special recycling SORT: remove any extra paper side, she has been asked to speak at envelopes – is £15,157.40. Isn’t from pre-printed postage marks government level as well as to that amazing?! It’s easy to do… or labels colleagues across the whole Civil ORDER: we can send you an PACK: the trick is to get as Service about the passport. envelope or box to collect all many stamps in your envelope Victoria Leedham, Hearing Dogs your used stamps or box as possible! volunteering manager, says: “Lisa’s ENJOY: recycle, knowing the sunny disposition and ‘can do’ impact you are making by attitude is really appreciated by our helping to train a hearing dog South Hants Fundraising Group; to change a deaf person’s life abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower and being one of their most prolific Every stamp helps, and together and popular speakers. they add up to so much. For more “The work Lisa has done with the information or to request your DWP this last year has been truly recycling box or envelope, email: inspirational and we are [email protected]. immensely proud of her.” uk or call 01844 348135

6 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk NEWS 1

2 3 6 4

5 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEARING DOGS! Diary dates 1982–2017

1. THE GREAT 11–4pm HEARING DOGS 7. WINCHESTER BRITISH DOG WALK Where: The Grange, 35TH ANNIVERSARY CATHEDRAL HOSTS When: 12 March–18 June Saunderton HP27 9NS SERVICE AND HEARING DOGS’ Where: Choose your favourite What: Go behind-the-scenes VOLUNTEER 35TH ANNIVERSARY UK location to learn how we create CELEBRATION CELEBRATION What: Full details on page 24 partnerships between deaf When: Thursday 1 June, 6pm When: 24 January 2018, people and hearing dogs Where: St Martin in the afternoon (exact time TBC) 2. BEVERLEY Tickets: See www.hearingdogs. Bullring, Birmingham Where: Winchester Cathedral MINSTER SERVICE org.uk/openday What: Bringing together SO23 9LS TO CELEBRATE volunteers, recipients and What: A service of celebration 35 YEARS OF 4. HILLIERS HOSTS supporters in this beautiful on the Feast Day of St Francis HEARING DOGS 35TH ANNIVERSARY setting to celebrate the work de Sales, Patron of the Deaf When: Wednesday 3 May, AFTERNOON TEA of Hearing Dogs, followed by and Hearing-impaired 6.30pm When: Saturday 13 May, a reception Tickets: (details of how to take Where: Beverley Minster, 10–5pm Tickets: Entry by ticket part TBC) Beverley, HU17 0DN Where: Sir Harold Hillier only. Limited free tickets are What: An informal service, Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA available, E vicky.ryan@ “Music in Motion” signing choir, What: Guided tour of the gardens hearingdogs.org.uk or T “Hymers School Choir” and a followed by afternoon tea 01844 340720 Hearing Dogs demo, plus Tickets: Adult £20 light refreshments Child £10 (5–16) 6. VOLUNTEERS Tickets: Registration is Family ticket £50 WEEK required. Tickets are free but E shhs.hillierevent@hotmail. When: 1–7 June 2017 donations are welcome com T 01844 340714 What: Thank you celebrations with our volunteers 3. SPRING OPEN DAY 5. ST MARTIN IN Tickets: See www. When: Saturday 6 May 2017, THE BULLRING hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer 7

STAY IN TOUCH: twitter.com/HearingDogs facebook.com/hearingdogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 7 APPEAL

“HARVEY’S OUR LITTLE CARER”

Wendy says that just seeing Harvey’s face makes her smile At almost 82 years of age, Wendy Pegge has more energy and sparkle than many women half her age. But if you’d met Wendy just 18 months ago she would have painted quite a different picture…

8 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk APPEAL

Walking Harvey gets Wendy out and about, and has helped her to meet people HELP SOMEONE LIKE WENDY Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been changing deaf people’s lives since 1982, and as each new partnership is created so another heartwarming story unfolds. Today, thanks to kind people like you who volunteer and donate to Please help us train support Hearing Dogs, we’ve over MORE LITTLE 930 working hearing dogs throughout the UK. CARERS LIKE It costs us £25,000 to train a hearing dog like Harvey to HARVEY change a deaf person’s life. Please make a donation today if you’d like to help train another hero like Harvey. However big or small, your gift will make a real and lasting ou know, I didn’t truly Wendy explains: “Beetle had always difference to deaf people – and that’s appreciate the benefits been there to support me in caring for a promise. of having a hearing dog Michael. Losing my hearing dog meant I was Thank you. until I lost my first dog, completely on my own. The anxiety of trying Beetle,” recalls Wendy Pegge to care for Michael when I couldn’t hear was Y from Buckinghamshire. “After having overwhelming. I felt unable to cope and that How to donate his support for 10 years, it was quite I was letting Michael down. I missed my devastating when I lost him so suddenly; I hearing dog desperately. It was like being in Complete the donation form really wondered how long I could go on for. a black hole. I couldn’t see a way to go on… enclosed with this magazine “I’ve always been quite independent, “Then I was offered Harvey and I really Donate online at but those six months without a hearing believe he saved my life. My whole attitude www.hearingdogs.org.uk/donate dog were awful. I was in a real black hole changed – he lifted my mood. Write a cheque to Hearing Dogs for at that time and hadn’t realised how much “I had always felt ashamed of being Deaf People and post to: Freepost it showed in my attitude, my looks and my deaf. Then, in my 20s, I met Michael, RSGX-LSRG-UCGH, Hearing Dogs face. Then I was given Harvey and people this lovely man I’ve been married to for for Deaf People, The Grange, started saying, ‘You’ve changed, you’re back 58 years. He accepted me completely. It Wycombe Road, Saunderton, to your old, happy self again’, which just was Michael who made me face up to my Princes Risborough HP27 9NS shows what a hearing dog does for a deaf hearing loss. He said to me one day: ‘You person; they bring them out of themselves. know, with three small children to look after, “Having a hearing dog is what enables me you’re going to have to do something about HARVEY’S OUR to care for my husband Michael, so he can your hearing.’ That’s when I got my first two little paws on my knee and then, as he live at home with me, which is wonderful.” hearing aids, but I still tried to hide them by whizzes off to Michael, I follow him. Michael smiles in agreement: “I feel growing my hair. Having a dog who wears a “Walking Harvey every day gets me out blessed with Wendy by my side. What jacket that says ‘hearing dog’ is somehow of the house and into the fresh air. People makes me happy is seeing Wendy happy.” different. I don’t mind people knowing recognise me with my dog and then they LITTLE CARER” Michael sits in his special chair in the that – it’s a very positive experience to have smile and make an effort to speak – it’s a living room of the home he and Wendy people look at me with my special dog.” lovely, lovely feeling. have shared for 58 years. A few years ago, Every morning, Harvey wakes Wendy Michael suffered a series of strokes that left A light in the dark up at 6am. She says: “Just seeing Harvey’s him severely disabled. Now unable to move At bedtime, when Wendy takes her hearing dear little face makes me smile. I get up, by himself, his life is confined to just two aid out, she is completely deaf. In the make a cup of tea and check that Michael rooms. Michael accepts these limitations dark and unable to see, she has no way is OK. Then I get everything ready for when with quiet dignity and cheerfulness. of knowing if Michael needs her. Michael his carers come in at 7.45am. The support Why? Because this gentle man is being says this is when Harvey’s help is more they give us so Michael can be at home cared for in his home, where he and his important to him than ever: “Wendy with me is wonderful – but you know, I just wife Wendy brought up their family and having a hearing dog helps me to feel couldn’t do it without Harvey. made memories. more relaxed, especially at night. If ever “He’s our little carer, isn’t he, Michael?” I need Wendy, I know I can just say, ‘Call Michael smiles lovingly at his wife and “Harvey saved my life” mum’, and Harvey will bring her to me – then at Harvey as he quietly contemplates Sitting close by, listening quietly to the I’m confident of that. We could not exist his reply: “Yes, very much so.” couple’s every word is Harvey. This smart, without having a hearing dog now.” black Miniature Poodle is Wendy’s second Wendy agrees: “It’s a great comfort hearing dog and Michael says he arrived knowing that I can rely on Harvey to tell me More stories just in time. “When we lost Beetle, Wendy if Michael needs me, when his carers come To read more inspiring became very depressed. It broke my heart to the door and about any other important partnership stories, please visit: to see her so bereft.” sounds. Harvey runs up to me and puts www.hearingdogs.org.uk/stories

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 9 SPONSOR A PUPPY

“I JUMPED AT THE CHANCE TO SPONSOR RASCAL”

ast year, as many online How did this come about? Well, After spending followers of Hearing Dogs will I’m sure there are many reasons why already know, I signed up to people want to sponsor puppies. Some time with our sponsor Rascal, an energetic have personal experience of deafness. Miniature Poodle. He’s a bundle Others know about Hearing Dogs, and incredible dogs, Lof fluff who I was asked to name, want to know more by following a pup’s to help promote the Hearing Dogs progress through its training. Others Poodle-lover Puppy Sponsorship Scheme. It turns just love dogs. In my case, it was all of Chris Packham out he’s quite a handful, so he really is the above! a little rascal! couldn’t resist The sponsorship means that, along Joining the Poodle pack with many other people, I help pay First, a love of dogs and particularly signing up to towards his training. It’s astonishing a love of . They are a super- to think that this cute little pup will intelligent breed, which makes them ideal sponsor one of one day change a deaf person’s life working dogs. I’m in good company: – and that I will have helped make Churchill, Livingstone and Schopenhauer our pups this happen. were all fellow Poodle-worshippers.

10 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk SPONSOR A PUPPY

“I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING RASCAL GROW INTO A LIFE-CHANGING HEARING DOG”

Rascal is an energetic bundle of fun!

important sounds. I was struck by the “MY RIGHT synergy between human and animal and SPONSOR A PUP, EAR HAS PRETTY felt honoured to witness it. CHANGE A LIFE MUCH PACKED A life-changing scheme When you sponsor a puppy, you’ll So, when I attended a Great British receive 18-24 months of updates, a IN NOW, SO I ONLY Dog Walk last year, I decided it was time fantastic welcome pack plus to help bring about another partnership. access to our online Puppy Pen. HAVE ONE GOOD As luck would have it, Hearing Dogs had Get a fantastic welcome pack plus regular photo-updates on just produced a litter through its own your puppy’s training progress. HEARING EAR” breeding scheme. Already, I’d learnt Donate £5 a month and something new: it breeds its own pups to you’ll also receive a cute cuddly become future superstars. and Royal Canin Second, the personal experience: And now I’m sponsoring Rascal! food voucher. I’m deaf in one ear. Twenty years I’ve received my wonderful welcome Donate £10 a month and ago I was diagnosed with Ménière’s pack, and there are already some you’ll also receive a disease, a disorder of the inner ear. lovely updates about him in the online beautiful framed It causes vertigo and sickness, as well Puppy Pen. I’m really looking forward photo of your puppy. as hearing loss. The symptoms have to watching him grow and develop For details, please visit: www. abated, but my right ear has pretty into something truly life-changing: an into something truly life-changing: an hearing much packed in now, so I only have immensely capable and faithful dogs.org.uk/ one good hearing ear. friend to a deaf person. sponsor In addition to these two reasons, That’s why I sponsor a pup. All I also jumped at the chance because of of the above. Who knows, you a remarkable day I spent filming with might enjoy it too, for entirely a lady who had a hearing dog – also a different reasons. But speaking for Poodle – that opened my eyes to what myself, frankly, I couldn’t resist! these amazing dogs do. It was lovely to meet them both, but what really struck home was the Sponsor our incredible relationship they shared. She latest pup Nutmeg! clearly adored her canine companion, You can sponsor Nutmeg from Young Nutmeg is our and received oodles of Poodle love back, £3 a month: www.hearingdogs. newest pup looking for as well as practical help listening out for org.uk/sponsor your support

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 11 35 YEARS OF HEARING DOGS We’ve come a long way together It’s hard to believe that Hearing Dogs is 35 years old. We look back on our achievements and how times have changed for the Charity, recipients and, of course, our truly amazing dogs

Staff and facilities Volunteers Then: In 1982 Hearing Dogs is launched Then: It’s 1987 and we recruit our first HAPPY BIRTHDAY! at Crufts and two staff plus one dog are three volunteers, who will play a vital recruited – Tony Blunt, an experienced role by socialising the young dogs that EVERYONE AT Hearing Dogs handler; Gill Lacey, a qualified we choose from rescue centres. By 1997 would like to wish Ella Rose from Lincolnshire a very happy 100th audiologist and hearing aid technician; we also have 101 fundraising groups birthday on 20 April. Thirty years ago, and Favour, a former stray, as Tony’s throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. Ella became the recipient of her first demonstration dog. Promoting the work of hearing dog, Fred, who lived to the a hearing dog rests in Favour’s paws and Now: Fast forward 30 years and we ripe old age of 15. Sadly Ella’s second our supporters’ magazine is later named currently have around 950 volunteers hearing dog, Pip (below), died last after him. Four more dogs are chosen who help socialise, walk and train puppies year, aged 16 – that’s 112 in dog years. from rescue centres and training starts in and young dogs from our own specialised Gill’s home in Chinnor, Oxfordshire. The breeding programme. Plus another 1,000 following year training moves to a builder’s volunteers who help the Charity in many site cabin that is converted into Hearing other important ways – our ratio of Dogs’ first proper training centre – this will volunteers to staff is 10:1. be our base for the next four years. Celebrity ambassadors Now: Although Tony Blunt retired as chief Then: It’s 1989 and we have our executive in 2002, Gill Lacey still works for first engagement with actress and TV the Charity as editor of its publications – presenter Pam St Clement. including Favour magazine. The Charity has two training centres – The Grange in Now: Our loyal friend Pam St Clement Buckinghamshire and The Beatrice Wright continues to actively support Hearing Centre in Bielby, Yorkshire – and employs Dogs and 28 years on became our first 134 full-time and 53 part-time staff. named ambassador. Other well-known

ALL 1989 Spring, a Springer 1998 HEARING cross Collie, is Beano, a Cavalier the 100th hearing dog 1993 King Charles DOGS, GREAT Spaniel, is 1983 Jess, an English the 500th AND SMALL Springer Spaniel, hearing dog Lady becomes the fi rst hearing is the 200th dog partnered with a deaf hearing dog – we person. A further three dogs are are training 30 trained for deaf people this year dogs a year – making a total of four

12 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk 35 YEARS OF HEARING DOGS

faces include Now: Hearing Dogs is celebrating 35 Website TV presenters years in 2017. We currently train 150 Then: In 1997 Esther Rantzen, dogs a year and have trained more than Hearing Dogs Tim Vincent and 2,300 hearing dogs since 1982. Today we goes online Ben Fogle, actor support 934 hearing dog partnerships and launches John Barrowman UK-wide. its first website. and TV vet Marc Abraham. These Sourcing dogs Now: Last busy people Then: Between 1982 and 1999 year Hearing generously donate most hearing dogs are and Dogs launched their time to help crossbreeds; former strays or unwanted its third promote the pets from rescue centres. In 1998 the generation Charity in the media whenever they can. 500th hearing dog, a Cavalier King website. Charles Spaniel called Beano, is donated Livery by a breeder following a nationwide Then: It’s 1990 and Spring the 100th appeal – it’s becoming harder to source hearing dog is partnered with Pearl enough dogs suitable for training as Withyman. He is the first hearing dog to hearing dogs from rescue centres. wear a yellow coat – the Charity’s first official livery; up until this moment there was no Now: We have developed our own highly easy way to identify a hearing dog in public. respected breeding scheme to meet the increasing demand for trained dogs. Now: The Charity’s livery was changed Experience has shown that Labradors, to a distinctive burgundy colour in 1997. Spaniels, Poodles and some crosses of As well as the Hearing these breeds make the most reliable and Dogs logo, it also carries successful hearing dogs. the Assistance Dogs UK logo that unites us with fellow Assistance Dogs organisations, including Guide Dogs and Dogs for HEARING DOG RECIPIENTS: THE STATS Good. 200 184 176 163

150 132 24%

97 100 76%

43 50 39 Partnerships 33 Then: In 1992 the Charity is 10 years old. 16 2 Thirty new hearing dog partnerships are created this year. Jess the 200th hearing 7–17 18–24 25–34 45–54 55–64 55–64 65–74 75–84 85–94 95+ 76% of our recipients are dog is partnered with Jacqui Danning the Recipient ages female and 24% are male following year.

2000 2002 Chloe, a Border Samson, an Italian Spinone, is the 2014 , is the 600th 800th hearing dog – he is one of the hearing dog largest breeds we’ve ever trained. Sookie, a Labrador, In 2002, we also trained one of our is the 2,000th smallest breeds. Her name is Daisy 2004 hearing dog and she is smaller than a steam iron Ria, a toy-type , is the 2016–17 1,000th hearing dog Chief executive Michele Jennings says, “We have trained 150 clever dogs in this fi nancial year”

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 13 35 YEARS OF HEARING DOGS Gifts in Wills: funding our past, present and future

Sophie and Rusty are inseparable Shake paws with… RUSTY

FAVOURITE FOOD? Sausages LOVES? Tennis balls HATES? Having his tail brushed FAVOURITE WALK? Anywhere where there is plenty of mud to jump in! LIKES TO SLEEP? Stretched out, taking up as much space as possible FAVOURITE TOY OR GAME? Chasing tennis balls IS BEST FRIENDS WITH? Rita the Labradoodle

LIFE-CHANGING “Everything changedI PARTNERSHIP AWARD when Rusty came along”I

Opera singer Sophie was plunged into a world when you’ve got him to wake you up in the morning? I began to feel secure in the of isolation until Rusty bounded into her life knowledge that he will let me know what’s – all thanks to the generosity of a gift in a Will going on. His joy is contagious and he has given me that real fulfilment of life again. “Rusty has become my positive focus. ifts in Wills change a deaf told I would grow out of it. But as I got into He has become my courage and strength. person’s life, as shown by the my later teenage years, my hearing began He has changed my life in so many ways, moving story of Rusty and to deteriorate. Since then my hearing has I would struggle to list them. I’m no longer Sophie, our Royal Canin Life- deteriorated further, so now I don’t have worried at night – I sleep like a log as I Changing Partnership of the any understanding of music. It led to a lot of know he will wake me up in the morning to G Year 2016. Sophie, a talented musician, tears, and it was not an easy time. the alarm. I don’t have the same anxieties was on the brink of her professional opera I had before I had him. I think people career taking off when her hearing tragically “Music is in my heart” underestimate the effect these dogs have deteriorated, eventually resulting in her losing “When people asked, ‘what do you do?’. on your mental health – you can’t be sad the ability to hear and understand music I never knew what to stay, because in my when Rusty’s around. He is my best friend. altogether. When a bleak silence replaced heart I’m a musician. In my heart I’m a “Rusty needs me to be around to Sophie’s future, she began to withdraw from singer. But now I can’t do any of the things look after him, and I need him to be everything she loved, moved back into her I used to do. The huge thing for my family around to look after me. It is just such family home; lost her job, her musical friends, to accept was me not performing anymore. a special partnership. Rusty is a life- her dreams and her independence all at once. That’s been really hard for everyone. changer because he has completely Sophie says: “As a child I had various ear, “Everything changed when Rusty came. turned my world upside down in a really nose and throat problems. I was always My mood – how can you not be happy positive way.”

14 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk 35 YEARS OF HEARING DOGS

Gifts in Wills One precious gift, five amazing dogs

Meet Bill (pictured, right). He’s a lovely blue neighbours, their entire community. Five roan puppy, alert, inquisitive – everything pups, five people, five communities. It’s a hearing dog pup should be. Bill isn’t just an astonishing legacy to leave behind. special because he’s cute – although he undeniably is. He’s not just special because A vital part of our work he’s going to transform the life of a deaf Gifts in Wills are hugely important person – which he almost certainly will. Bill to us. Over half our hearing dogs are is also special because he’s being trained as trained thanks to these gifts, of which part of a gift in a Will to Hearing Dogs. we receive around 250 each year. They DID YOU KNOW? We’re investing this gift towards the can range from relatively small amounts naming, training and lifetime support of to substantial figures, but given that we Over half our dogs are trained thanks to gifts in Wills five puppies – Bill and four of his siblings. receive no government funding, every gift is The largest gift we ever received That’s five deaf people who will regain extremely precious no matter what its size. was over £900,000, while the their independence, or learn how to be If you’re thinking of writing or changing smallest was £20 confident again, through the loyalty, love your Will, it’s very easy to do. We always The most unusual gift we ever and support of a hearing dog. recommend talking to your solicitor about received was a pair of diamond But it’s not just about the deaf recipients. leaving a gift, but to find out more, please earrings, which we auctioned to It’s also going to help the people around contact Steve Heyes on 01844 348133 or raise funds them, their friends and family, colleagues, email [email protected]

“I’ve had the gift of three dogs” Introducing Margaret Tillyer, who has enjoyed the assistance of a hearing dog for 32 years – longer than anyone else in the UK

“Losing my hearing had meant giving up “I’ve loved all my dogs for their my job as a health visitor. Suddenly I had individuality and support. Alfie was a Margaret and her a lot of time on my hands, but didn’t want great worker, but quite an independent third dog Teasel to go out and meet people. My husband little chap. He came from a rescue centre was out at work so I was spending so no one could be sure how old he was. 10 hours a day totally on my own. When Alfie retired I was partnered with given Teasel, my current dog. Teasel is a “My hearing therapist suggested Ben – another rescue mongrel with a toy-type crossbreed and real character. I apply for a hearing dog. I was gentle nature. I remember feeling so He’s now 11 and losing his hearing. partnered with my first hearing dog safe with Ben. After he retired I was I think he is looking forward to his Alfie, a Terrier-type mongrel, in 1985. retirement and I’m certainly looking Public perceptions and attitudes have forward to my fourth hearing dog. changed a lot. Before I had Alfie, people “EACH HEARING “They’ve all been trained to do the would often speak to the person I was DOG HAS HAD same job, but each has had their own with rather than me. This made me feel endearing little character. I can’t wait ignored and unimportant. Having Alfie THEIR OWN to get to know my next hearing dog – in his yellow Hearing Dogs livery really and I hope he will follow in Alfie, Ben helped people to know I was deaf and ENDEARING LITTLE and Teasel’s special pawprints and love they were much more understanding. CHARACTER” me as much as I’ll love him.”

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 15 BREED PROFILE

Ayla has made me visible. I don’t feel like I’m drowning at sea any more

WINNER: SPECSAVERS LIFELINE AWARD S p l e n d i d Hannah and Ayla receive their award from TV’s Dr Sarah Jarvis

help my own daughter. I was powerless. Spaniels I could see the issues and I could understand the problems but I couldn’t do anything about it. And that’s the Caring, clever and cracking company, hardest thing for a father to cope with.” Cocker Spaniels are one of the best Lonely and isolated breeds to train as hearing dogs Hannah says: “Being deaf is very isolating because it’s an invisible disability, so people don’t identify it straight away in order to help you. ardworking Cocker nature helped her and recipient Hannah Often you have to get yourself into Spaniels love having a Baker win the very first Specsavers potentially dangerous situations before job to do so they find Lifeline Award at the Hearing Dogs people around you realise that you need their hearing Awards last year. additional support or help. H really rewarding. They Struggling for many years with her “I think my low was when my husband are highly intelligent, driven and adore mental health, 31-year-old Hannah tried was away, and I actually found myself human affection and company, plus to take her own life on more than one with my hands on bridge railings about to their playful yet attentive nature makes occasion. Tragically she believed this was climb over to throw myself off. Very quickly them ideal for families with children. the only way out and that there was no my family knew something wasn’t right. This breed also loves routine, so is hope for her future. Eventually we got the diagnosis that I had perfect for a working deaf person. Glen Bird, Hannah’s father, says: borderline personality disorder.” Hearing dog Ayla encapsulates these “I spent 25 years as a police officer In January 2015, Hannah was Cocker qualities, and her skills and caring helping other people and I couldn’t even partnered with Cocker Spaniel Ayla.

16 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk BREED PROFILE

Shake paws with… How Ayla measures up We asked Hannah how her hearing dog Ayla’s character compares with the recognised breed characteristics of Cocker Spaniels…

Love having a job to do, they excellent playmate, happy to be silly and fi nd their work and training play whenever the time is right.” AYLA really rewarding Favourite food: Cheese, “Ayla loves to work! She is never happier Love routine, so perfect for a chicken and raspberries than when she is wearing her uniform: working deaf person Loves: Tennis balls, chasing her confi dence is sky-high and she is eager “Ayla is the best co-worker you could have. squirrels and belly rubs to tackle whatever challenges come her She wakes you up in the morning, she is Hates: Going to the toilet way. Even off-duty it is hard to tell her to easy-going, adaptable to quick-changing in the rain relax. She is currently undergoing training scenarios and settles easily when needed. Favourite walk: Catching to become an accredited demo dog as well as She’s been on trains, London Underground the water taxi to her favourite beach, or going to a working hearing dog, so she’ll and boats, attended public speaking the local park near work – to have plenty to do.” events and gone to many crowded chase squirrels! meetings. Even after two years Likes to sleep: Near her Highly intelligent DID YOU with her I’m amazed at how human, be that on the sofa, and driven well she copes and how bed, fl oor... KNOW? “Ayla can be so clever The Duke and Duchess confi dent she can be.” Favourite toy or game: at times that we give of Cambridge own an Tennis balls! Plus her cuddly her additional duck at Mum’s place of English Cocker Spaniel commands such as ‘roll work and at home it’s her called Lupo teddy bear over’ and ‘high-fi ves’. She Is best friends with: Daddy! can even bring you a toy by She sits next to him and name – and she’s got a lot of watches him play guitar – a lot! toys! When she isn’t working she can get bored so we always strive to keep her busy by doing some training or setting her dog puzzles where she She bounded her way into Hannah’s has to work out how to open fl aps heart and the pair quickly became and slide doors to get treats.” inseparable as Ayla started to turn Hannah’s life around. Adores human company Ayla was a lifeline and affection Hannah recalls: “Knowing that I was going “Ayla is defi nitely a people dog. to get a hearing dog was one of the best She loves saying hello to people feelings in the world. I knew it was going and is very popular in her offi ce to be a game changer, I knew it was going where she always greets people to be life-changing but even to this day I – usually with a toy in her underestimated how much. mouth! She often stays very “My confidence in myself has got to the close to me and is found point now where I can think about having snuggling with us whenever she children whereas before I didn’t feel safe is able. As much as she loves treats, in my own home – I’ve left things to cook she loves hugs even more.” and burnt them, I’ve set fire to the kitchen so many times. But now having Ayla there I Playful and attentive, a can think about being a mum and having a great addition to a family of my own. family with children “I no longer feel like a shadow or a “Since joining us, Ayla has nobody, I’ve got an identity and I’m happy defi nitely become a member of with it. For me Ayla has been a lifeline. She’s the family in her own right. She pulled me back on track and put me back on can be very gentle and tolerant with the map. She has made me visible. I don’t children and still works beautifully, Hannah, husband feel like I’m drowning at sea any more. even when surrounded by Matthew and Ayla “When the going gets tough Ayla gets distraction and noise. She is also an going, and she will pull me through.”

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 17 YOU & YOUR DOG

Documents Make a note of important 3 phone numbers and local contact information including: your pet insurance details, your microchip registration company as well as the nearest veterinary surgery. Write down or print off a route plan and mark the places you can stop for a comfort break – you should aim to do this at least every two hours.

FAMILIAR4 BEDDING A familiar bed and toys from home will help your dog settle into your holiday accommodation. Bedding and blankets that smell of home will be a comfort to dogs that are a little anxious about travelling RUFF GUIDE somewhere new. Whether it’s your first holiday or an annual trip, our handy checklist details what to pack in your dog’s travel bag Food and water As well as a food and water 5 bowl, take enough of your dog’s regular food for the whole of your stay – you may not be able to buy this where you are staying, and sudden changes can cause tummy upsets. If If it’s rainy, a lightweight jacket you use canned food which doesn’t to pop on your pet will mean have a pull top, take a can opener too, 2you don’t have quite such a sodden plus a fork to scoop it out. A special dog to dry off. Incidentally, if you non-spill water bowl is useful for the 1 opt for a camping holiday, it can COLLAR, car. Pack a plastic bottle which you sometimes be very cold at night and can refi ll with water each day and a LEAD, COAT a coat will help to keep your central- collapsible bowl to pour it into. AND ID heating acclimatised dog warm. A spare collar and lead are useful but an ID disc is more important. You could even get a special disc engraved with the phone number of your accommodation. It is now POO BAGS a legal requirement for all dogs Eco-friendly are best. Take in the UK to be microchipped so plenty; from the point of view make sure that the firm holding of space saving and ease of 6 your data has up-to-date mobile carrying around, nappy bags telephone numbers. make a good alternative.

18 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk 7 Towels Pack plenty of towels, so you can dry off any wet, muddy coats and paws before taking your dog indoors; just because it’s not your floors he’ll be trampling on doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bother!

FIRST AID KIT It’s always sensible to have at least a basic first aid kit with you. If you are going to be 8 in an area where ticks are a problem, talk to your vet before you travel. Don’t forget to include any ongoing medication.

Sun shades Cars can get unbearably hot when parked in the sun. Shades will help to keep the 9temperature down; park in a shady area as well when possible. Never leave your dog in the car. Cars heat up fast, which can cause severe distress or even prove fatal. 10 Settling in kit Interactive toys with tasty treats inside can be useful for keeping your dog occupied (www.kongcompany.com/en-uk). If you have a dog that takes longer to adapt to new things, maybe pack a pheromone support product such as Adaptil (www.adaptil.com/uk).

Safety first Fasten your seatbelt harness Make sure your dog’s usual carrier, dog guard or seat belt harness is ready for action. A good travel harness that can be used with a seat belt or a dog carrier is a must. If you are driving, rule 58 of the highway code states: when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 19 AWARENESS WINNER: HEARING DOGS YOUNG PARTNERS AWARD

“ROWAN MAKES ME BRAVE AND HAPPY”

Auditory neuropathy left Kaitlyn Quick facts isolated and afraid – then hearing dog ABOUT AUDITORY Rowan came along. Now the sky’s the NEUROPATHY limit for the award-winning duo Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder where the sending of signals to the brain from the inner ear is impaired. It can aitlyn and hearing dog Rowan sugar. Among other health difficulties, she affect someone from birth, and make such a great team that was profoundly deaf. She was diagnosed it can also develop later on in life, in childhood or adulthood. they won the Young Partners with auditory neuropathy, which means Someone who has auditory Award at the Hearing Dogs that while the inner ear or cochlea receives neuropathy may have hearing Awards in November 2016. sounds normally, she has an issue with loss ranging from none to KKaitlyn was born prematurely at 26 processing those sounds. severe, but in all cases, they weeks and weighed less than a bag of Her father Phil says: “Kaitlyn was really struggle to understand speech poorly when she was first born and spent clearly. Other effects include a lot of time in hospital. We knew there sound fading in and out of focus, or seeming to be out of sync were going to be problems as she was with other sensory information “SHE’S LIKE A profoundly deaf so couldn’t hear anything such as visual information. DIFFERENT LITTLE at all. The underlying causes of “We have always been worried about auditory neuropathy are GIRL. SHE HAS Kaitlyn’s deafness and what it might mean unknown. One suggestion as she grows up. Although she appeared is that it is caused by faulty JUST COME ON happy, lots of things frightened Kaitlyn connections (synapses) between when she was younger.” the hair cells that detect sound IN LEAPS AND in the inner ear and the nerves that carry information to the BOUNDS FROM Along came Rowan brain, meaning that both sets Phil continues: “When you see your child of cells are working otherwise THE SHY CHILD struggling, isolated and just finding life normally, but the signal is being so difficult, anything that comes in and ‘scrambled’ as it passes from the THAT I FIRST MET” changes that is going to have such a hair cell to the neuron.

20 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk AWARENESS

Shake paws with…

ROWA N Favourite food? Favourite snack is carrots (seriously!) and she eats Royal Canin Maxi Loves? Kaitlyn (of course!) and carrying soft toys and tennis balls Hates? Hmm… thinking about this one… well, we don’t think there is anything, unless you count her reluctance in allowing Kaitlyn Rowan has had to leave for school! a big impact on Favourite walk? The beach at the whole family Cresswell/Druridge Bay. There is a huge beach she can run free on and the sea is always inviting to her, no matter how cold it is. big impact. Before Rowan, we just didn’t Talking about her best friend, Kaitlyn She really missed it while her foot injury was healing last year know what we were going to do next says: “Rowan looks after me. She tries to Likes to sleep? In her bed next and we were all just very, very tired. When make me happy whenever I get sad. She to Kaitlyn’s and anywhere that the Rowan came bouncing in she made a gets worried if I get sad or hurt, because sun shines! massive difference to everybody. It’s like she cares about me and I care about her. Favourite toy or game? we had two different lives: before and “She helps me to be brave and happy, Her treat ball! after Rowan.” she helps me get to sleep at bedtimes and Is best friends with? Kaitlyn and Hearing Dogs’ Partnership Instructor makes me not scared of anything. her brown Labrador friend, Tay Hayley Birks has looked after the pair since “I would say that Rowan is my best they were first matched and she has seen friend. As long as we know each a huge change in Kaitlyn. other we’ll never break each “It’s just been amazing – over the past other’s hearts.” CAN YOU three years there’s been such a difference. Kaitlyn has got so confident and her HELP? To provide more hearing personality is completely different. More dogs for young people “She’s like a different little girl. She’s real-life stories like Kaitlyn, go to happy to be asked questions, happy to To read more inspiring www.hearingdogs. go into shops on her own, and happy to real-life stories org.uk/donate get things done on her own. She has just and fi nd out about the come on in leaps and bounds from the work we do, visit our website: shy little girl that I first met.” www.hearingdogs.org.uk

LIVING WITH AUDITORY NEUROPATHY Various types of hearing aids can Makaton® or British Sign Language improve sound transmission to the and/or lipreading. Children with brain, helping people to understand auditory neuropathy will require speech and therefore encouraging regular check-ups and repeated tests speech development. These can be to monitor symptoms. regular hearing aids, an FM system that transmits sound from a See more microphone to the ear or cochlear To watch an interview with Kaitlyn and implants. In addition to hearing aids, her family, see www.youtube.com/ communication aids may be suggested HearingDogs1, where you’ll also find as well. This can include signing using lots of videos about our inspiring work.

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 21 Kids Contact us! corner TALL TAILS Send all your funny Whether it’s baking a doggy cake, captions, stories and pictures to: kidscorner telling jokes or putting the ‘fun’ into @hearingdogs.org.uk fundraising, we’ve got plenty of inspiring activity ideas and stories

Max and Chloe become TV stars Make it! We asked young hearing dog recipient Max about his experience fi lming for BBC Children in Need What was it like being the stars of the show? It was exciting and I’m glad to share the limelight with Chloe. Prep: 20min What were the fi lm crew like? Cook: 40min Very energetic! Ready in: 1hr What did Chloe have to do? She had to demonstrate her training to show how she helps me. She also had to Dog-friendly birthday cake run around having fun with me, like we do. Hearing Dogs will be celebrating 35 years in 2017. Here’s the delicious dog-friendly birthday cake we’ll be Why was it important to you to do the fi lming? baking to share with our wonderful hearing dogs… Because I thought going on BBC Children In Need would be a big accomplishment. Ingredients Method 1 egg Preheat oven to into the mixture. Did anyone recognise you 65g 100% pure smooth 180°C/Gas 4. Grease Spoon cake mixture after the programme? peanut butter a ring cake tin or into prepared tin. Yes, I still get people coming up to me now. 60ml vegetable oil medium square tin. Bake in preheated 1tsp vanilla extract Combine the egg, oven for 40 minutes. 60g runny honey peanut butter, oil, Let cake cool in pan for 135g grated carrots vanilla and honey in 10 minutes, then turn 1 apple, puréed (peel, a large bowl; blend out onto a cooling rack remove core and pips; well. Stir in the to cool completely. slice and cook in a little carrots and apple; To decorate, spread water until soft) mix thoroughly. Sift the top with 100% 120g wholemeal fl our together the fl our peanut butter and 1tsp bicarbonate of soda and bicarb and fold fresh carrot batons.

22 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk KIDS CORNER

Paw-some My Life features puns! Joe and Travis “I know a dog called Joe Stock tells us about Minton who swallowed his hearing dog and the a shuttlecock. I call him thrill of starring in CBBC’s bad Minton!” My Life programme “It must be raining cats and dogs because My Life stars Joe Were you nervous or excited? Stock and Travis I’ve just stepped on I was excited. I was looking forward a Poodle!” to my friends seeing it and feeling like a mini-celebrity. I was also looking What did you have to do? forward to meeting Charlie from the TV They came to our house and put production company because he is deaf microphones on us. We talked about the like me and he has a really good job cancers and the treatment I have received, and I felt that would be a very positive about my hearing loss and my anxiety and Noah’s epic infl uence for me. the difference that Travis would make to my life. I used to be very worried about the journey How long were you fi lming for? future and I would have bad dreams, but Keen cyclist Noah raised funds Filming took place over fi ve months. The I knew that having Travis sleeping in my for us with a sponsored cycle same team came back to our house on a room would help me feel safe and settled. number of occasions to do the fi lming, as Noah Morley (pictured well as meeting us to fi lm at the Hearing Tell us about Travis… left), aged eight, Dogs centre in Princes Risborough and at Travis is an adorable Golden . He completed a sponsored Birmingham Orthopaedic Hospital. is really kind, soft natured and very patient. cycle for Hearing Dogs He walks at the exact speed I can manage in August last year. He What was it like being the with my titanium leg. He loves to rest his explains: “Mummy has star of the show? head on us when we are sitting down and he done sponsored bike It felt like a dream being the star of a TV hypnotises us with his beautiful brown eyes. rides and I wanted to do one too. I chose show about me. It has helped me to come Hearing Dogs as my grandparents are to terms with everything that has happened What does Travis mean to you? puppy socialisers and because it makes a to me in my life. I feel a lot more positive Travis means everything in the world to me. real difference!” Noah cycled three laps of about the future because of it. He’s the special friend that I’ve never had. Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire, about 30 miles in total. Mum cycled with him and they stopped for refreshments at the end Shake paws with… of each lap. Noah says: “I really enjoyed the ride. Thank you for all the donations so far!” (£610.34.) To donate, please visit: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/Noahmorley

Every penny counts: how each £1 is spent on our areas of work

Training and welfare: 25p Breeding and socialising: 15p Matching and partnership, aftercare and support for life: 40p CHLOE TRAVIS Fundraising and admin: 20p Favourite food: Everything Favourite food: Treat bars 80p in every £1 goes to Loves: Max and food! Loves: Rolling in mud! our dogs and their Hates: Waiting for dinner Hates: The sound of our Hoover deaf recipients. Favourite walk: In the local park Favourite walk: In the park Likes to sleep: Next to Max’s bed Likes to sleep: On cool kitchen tiles Favourite toy or game: ‘Go crazy!’ Favourite toy or game: Hide and seek (running around the garden) Best friend: Monty, the Welsh Best friend: Max Spaniel who lives next door

STAY IN TOUCH: twitter.com/HearingDogs facebook.com/hearingdogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 23 JOIN THE FUN! The Great British BOOK YOUR PLACE Visit www.great britishdogwalk.org for Dog Walk details of each walk, including distance, time and facilities Support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by joining us on a Great British Dog Walk Kedleston Hall at a beautiful location near you… DERBY, DERBYSHIRE SATURDAY 20 MAY Find your nearest walk Yorkshire Ickworth Foxbury Sculpture Park BURY ST EDMUNDS, Common, WAKEFIELD, SUFFOLK NEW FOREST, YORKSHIRE SUNDAY 7 MAY HAMPSHIRE SUNDAY 2 APRIL SUNDAY 21 MAY

Margam Park Whilelee Stowe PORT TALBOT, Windfarm BUCKINGHAMSHIRE WALES GLASGOW, SCOTLAND SUNDAY 4 JUNE SUNDAY 9 APRIL SUNDAY 7 MAY

Gisburn Forest Lyme Park Haddo House GISBURN, STOCKPORT, & Country Park LANCASHIRE CHESHIRE ELLON, SCOTLAND SATURDAY 22 APRIL SATURDAY 13 MAY SATURDAY 10 JUNE

Hughenden Ightham Mote Canonteign Falls Manor SEVENOAKS, KENT EXETER, DEVON HIGH WYCOMBE, SATURDAY 13 MAY SUNDAY 11 JUNE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SATURDAY 22 APRIL

Windsor Wimpole Hall Belvoir Castle Great Park ARRINGTON, GRANTHAM, WINDSOR, CAMBRIDGESHIRE LEICESTERSHIRE BERKSHIRE SUNDAY 14 MAY SUNDAY 18 JUNE SATURDAY 29 APRIL

Registration for most walks: 10am. See website for local details.

24 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk Events like this mean the Charity can raise more funds to help deaf people MedicAnimal is the paw-fect sponsor for The Star supporters go walkies Countdown star Rachel Riley and hearing dog Cockerpoo Great British Dog Walk! pup Bilbo launched last year’s Great British Dog Walk at the National Trust’s Osterley Park in West London. “It was lovely to see so many local people with their dogs supporting such a wonderful charity,” said Rachel. “Hearing Dogs make such a difference to the lives of deaf people, and the Great British Dog Walk is a great opportunity for more people to learn about the work they do.” Chris Packham joined us on a Great British Dog Walk in the New Forest. He said: “What a place and what a day! Events like this mean the Charity can raise funds to help more deaf people so I was delighted to be part of the day.”

Hello, we’re MedicAnimal – a one stop shop dedicated to helping you safeguard your pet’s health and happiness for Rachel Riley life. We do this by providing you with Chris Packham affordable care options, quality supplies Why not join us? and friendly, thorough advice about all things furry. Pleased to meet you! Choose a dog walk near you Everyone welcome – with or without a dog Our commitment to charity is part of our lifeblood, and Picturesque locations one of the founding principles of our business when Free doggie bandana for every booking You can meet working hearing dogs we were set up back in 2007 by Ivan and Andrew. It Fun and educational activities for kids only makes sense to us that we should aim to help as Stalls with gifts and refreshments many animals as possible, not just those owned by our Bring a picnic and your dog-loving friends customers, so we do this by supporting charities and animal welfare groups across Europe. This year, we couldn’t be more proud to be WIN A FOREST sponsoring The Great British Dog Walk 2017 in aid of HOLIDAY BREAK Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – a charity which is very close to our hearts. We started raising funds for Hearing EVERYONE WHO SIGNS up for a Great Dogs two years ago and since then we’ve come a long British Dog Walk will have a chance to enter a way together – quite literally, in fact, with one of our free prize draw to win a three-night break kindly employees running a truly staggering 843.1 miles in donated by Forest Holidays. In addition, readers can SAVE 10% off a cabin booked with Forest Holidays by order to raise over £10,000, including 156 miles across using the discount code the Sahara Desert and 100 miles with induced deafness HEARINGDOGS (book before – see page 4! 31 December 2017, holiday to Hearing Dogs has also been our charity of the be taken by 31 December 2017. T&Cs apply, see www. month, and alongside donations we’ve done what we forestholidays.co.uk). The code can to spread the word to our customers about the also allows up to four dogs to incredible and important work they do each day. go free (usually £10 per dog, With the support of our customers, our goal is that per night). What a great saving! each year we’ll help more animals than we did the last, so we can’t wait to see what 2017 will bring! www.hearingdogs.org.uk Autumn 2016 FAVOUR 25 Big steps for small paws At eight weeks old, our pups leave their mums and start the next stage of their journey to become hearing dogs

nce a hearing dog puppy But before we send them on the next are fine with their puppies leaving, too. is around eight weeks old, step of their journey, hearing dog puppies When the puppies are at home, mums they leave their mum, stay at The Grange for a day or two so we are only allowed in the garden and not on siblings and the brood bitch can get them ready – we promise it’s not walks, so they are happy to get out and holder’s home and come just an excuse for lots of cuddles! about again. Oto the Hearing Dogs training centre, The The ones who suffer the most when the Grange, in Buckinghamshire. Flying the nest puppies go are their human mums. Most of Our adorable pups meet their puppy Our hearing dog puppies tend to fly the these lovely volunteers shed a tear or two socialising volunteer, who teaches them nest at eight weeks old. Don’t worry, when they see the pups move on, but they everything they need to master before they puppies generally don’t mind leaving their are happy to have been such an important start their soundwork training. mum or siblings. Most hearing dog mums part of so many hearing dogs’ lives.

WHAT IS A PUPPY ONE STAR? The first stage of obedience training, we In this Star, puppies will training a hearing dog really focus on their learn how to play nicely, puppy must pass is a social development and explore their senses, Puppy One Star – and it’s making sure they’re on meet new people and very much like preschool track to becoming a puppies, and learn basic for us humans. Although relaxed, confident and commands such as ‘sit’ they learn some basic happy dog at this stage. and ‘wait’.

26 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk VOLUNTEERING

WINNER: DESMOND WILCOX VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

VOLUNTEER Jean Todd and Petal The puppies stay at The WITH US Grange for a day or two Could you look after a hearing dog mum? Find out more at ‘PETAL CAME www.hearingdogs.org. uk/volunteer TO SEE PHIL IN HOSPITAL’

When the new puppies arrive New families Our worthy winner of the 15th at The Grange their brood bitch holder Now the puppies are ready to start the Desmond Wilcox Volunteer of will take them to our puppy reception next leg of their hearing dog journey the Year award is Jean Todd, – sometimes their mum comes along, – leaving The Grange with their puppy too. We give them a chance to have socialising volunteer. They will stay with with heartfelt remembrance of their socialisers for up to 16 months and will her late husband Phil. get most of their obedience training from Jean and Phil joined our Beatrice Wright Centre as bed and breakfast They get to them – like the ‘sit’ and ‘down’ commands volunteers, quickly becoming – as well as getting used to different involved in other activities too. The know one another environments such as towns, parks and loss of Phil, who passed away in May shops when they’re older. last year following a 10-year battle before they drive off If a puppy socialiser has any other dogs with Parkinson’s, was felt across the in their home, we run a quick assessment to entire organisation. Jean says: “Volunteering is into the sunset make sure they are happy for a lively puppy extremely important to me because I to join them. realise that I can give back to society. The puppy socialiser comes to The It was Phil who introduced me to a run around and a little play in their Grange on the day of the handover. We Hearing Dogs. One day he said to me new surroundings. This also gives the run through what is required, complete completely out of the blue: ‘I’d like to brood bitch holder a chance to hand any paperwork and explain first-night get involved with Hearing Dogs for over to the breeding scheme team. They guidelines. Then they meet the puppy for Deaf People’ and the rest is history. “Phil had lived with Parkinson’s for can point out if any of the pups have the first time. They are given a chance to 10 years. Usually people would tend characteristics that might need to be play and get to know one another before to step back into the shadows but Phil monitored – like those who aren’t too they drive off into the sunset. We will visit believed so much in Hearing Dogs that keen on car journeys or are quite partial the socialiser’s home a few days later to he wanted to step forward and do to shredding newspapers. make sure the pup is settling in well, and whatever he could. Hearing dog puppies usually stay soon they will be visiting us every week for “Everything was going well with with us for a day or two before they puppy classes. We always look forward to our volunteering, and more recently we had been looking after Petal leave with their new puppy socialising seeing them again. the Poodle. She was Phil’s constant volunteers. First our welfare team will companion. Then Phil fell ill, in fact give them a quick health check. This is he was very ill. He went into hospital also when the pups are microchipped and was there for six weeks before and vaccinated. passing away. Petal came to see him We try to continue as much of the in hospital. He really appreciated the puppies’ routine as possible and this visit, it was fantastic and did him the world of good. To the end, he said, ‘the usually revolves around waking up, dog is here’. toileting, feeding, playing, sleeping and “He was so proud when we received then repeating this about four times a day! the Volunteer of the Month Award in The pups also get their first taste February. He was just so proud to be of stardom during this visit as one a part of it all. To the end of Phil’s life, of our fantastic photographers will get wonderful memories of Hearing Dogs stayed with him.” the chance to take some pictures of Puppies don’t mind the litter. leaving their families www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 27 Meet the expert expertsAsk the JILL HIPSON Jill is the BSL teacher Businesses have the power to prevent at Hearing Dogs, teaching Levels 1–3. She also teaches deaf awareness people with disabilities from feeling to our volunteers. locked out. Jill Hipson shares her advice

DID YOU KNOW? Over 7,000 disabled people in the UK rely on an to help with practical tasks

Staff training can make all the difference

entry, despite the equality and human rights legislation that supports them. How can small businesses “Can I help you?” afford to invest in training Communication is one of the biggest hurdles and equipment to help deaf people face disabled and deaf people? Perhaps we should turn this question around and ask: ‘Can small businesses really afford not to?’ Happy customers What’s the number one natural reaction is to leave and take their who feel valued will come back. Returning thing that assistance dog custom elsewhere. So a warm welcome is customers mean business – they’re likely owners appreciate? a sure way to secure repeat custom. to spend more money. They will tell others Being welcomed rather than challenged about your business and statistics show when they take their dog into a venue. Does staff training people are highly infl uenced by personal Communication is an essential skill for have an impact? recommendations. us all. But it is one of the biggest hurdles Deaf and disability awareness training Turning down background music in deaf people face; it causes great anxiety has a massive impact on the experience shops can help people with even the and lack of confi dence when out and of deaf or disabled customers. When mildest hearing loss. Improved lighting about, meeting and interacting with staff don’t know what to do this can not only helps people with hearing loss people. When someone is already anxious come across as abrupt or even rude. (making it easier to lipread), but also about communication, being challenged Shockingly, 69% of deaf people with helps people with visual difficulties. when taking their hearing dog into a hearing dogs say they have experienced Making information accessible, in business premises can have a long- poor customer service, been made to feel plain English and easy to navigate helps lasting impact on their confi dence. The embarrassed or have even been refused everyone.

28 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk ASK THE EXPERTS

What does the law mean about making reasonable Being challenged adjustments and ‘providing a service that’s fully inclusive when taking a hearing and does not exclude deaf, dog into a business disabled or older people’? Some people need extra assistance can have a big impact WINNER: to be able to live a full life and do all Samantha picks OPEN DOORS the things others take for granted. on confi dence up the Open Doors Award AWARD FOR For deaf people, this means granting access to their hearing dog. It can also mean making sure that podcasts them inaccessible to wheelchair users on company websites are subtitled; or people with buggies. The final A WINNING that supermarket checkouts have text straw was that this ‘dog-friendly’ WELCOME prompts, as well as an automated museum did not allow people who had voice announcing ‘unauthorised item brought their pets along into any of PREMIER INN WON the Open in the bagging area’; or simply being the museum’s buildings. It was pouring Doors Award for accessibility prepared to write things down for a with rain and each building had a row at the Hearing Dogs Awards 2016. deaf customer and being patient if they of miserable dog owners standing The hotel chain was nominated by deaf telephone engineer Ian Finney need more time. outside holding their dripping wet – along with his hearing dog Cinders pooches while their other halves went – for the warm and practical welcome round the exhibits! When is a good time to it offers deaf people. think about inclusion Ian says: “You can go into any for disabled people? Can making these Premier Inn across the UK and know Get it right from the start! I had a bad changes really benefit that your hearing dog will be experience visiting a large museum my business financially? welcomed. It’s part of a wider recently: it was wonderfully interesting, By 2020, 50% of the population will package; for example, the hotels have but access issues hadn’t even been be aged over 50. The baby boomer strobe lights linked to the fire alarm looked at. There were audio exhibits, generation collectively owns nearly and a deaf guard system to place but no subtitles or text to read. The £500 billion of the UK’s assets. under the pillow, which shakes you staff were not deaf-friendly and made The value of the ‘purple pound’, awake if the fire alarm goes off. The no effort to communicate with me. My as the collective spending power rooms also have very good subtitled husband, who has a visual impairment, of disabled people is known, is televisions, so you don’t have to had problems with one area of the estimated at £80 billion. worry about the volume disturbing museum because it was dimly lit. Making sure that your business people in the next room. Thank you, There were stairs instead of a ramp premises and services are accessible to Premier Inn, for a good night’s sleep!” in the middle of the museum and the all will encourage these groups to give Samantha Fensome, accessibility pathways were all gravel, rendering you their custom. co-ordinator for Whitbread Group, which owns Premier Inn, attended the awards ceremony, where a film about the assistance the hotel offers deaf people was shown as an TOP TIPS FOR BUSINESSES example of good practice. She says: “We’re delighted that our work on Here’s how to make your organisation more accessible accessibility is being recognised. We to customers with assistance dogs ensure all of our team members receive disability awareness training Display the Teach staff how of Assistance and we regularly update our ADUK* sticker on to recognise Dogs UK has information. We also have a your entrance an assistance an identifiable document that shows working dogs doors and at key dog harness or in their coloured harnesses so our information Include deaf coat colour teams are aware of which assistance and disability dog a customer has with them.” points ADUK members awareness training Smile and say as standard for all have the ADUK logo hello to customers staff and security on their livery and with assistance Identify the disability owners may also dogs to make them by the dog’s livery produce an ADUK feel welcome – each member identity book.

*Assistance Dogs UK is a coalition of accredited assistance dog charities

STAY IN TOUCH: twitter.com/HearingDogs facebook.com/hearingdogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 29 DID YOU KNOW? Beth participated in the ninth and fi nal series of Dancing on Ice, paired with skater Lukasz Rozycki, in 2014

Close-up with... BETH TWEDDLE As Britain’s greatest ever female gymnast, Beth has helped to reinvent the sport. Her achievements include being an Olympic Bronze medallist, a triple World Champion, a six- times European Champion, a Commonwealth Champion and seven-times consecutive National Champion. In 2010, Beth was appointed MBE and although she retired in 2013, she is still very much involved with her sport, as a director and ambassador for Total Gymnastics, as an ambassador for the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique and as a broadcaster for the BBC.

30 FAVOUR Spring 2017 www.hearingdogs.org.uk CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR Paws for coffee... Team GB’s greatest ever gymnast Beth Tweddle explains why her idea of heaven is our Great British Dog Walk

re you a tea or a that often. That’s why I was so thrilled to commitment, which I don’t miss. It is great coffee person? attend the Hearing Dogs Awards in London that I am now able to spend lots of time at I don’t drink either coffee or last year – I’ll take any opportunity to be in home with my family. tea, I prefer juice! Apple or a room full of gorgeous dogs. A mango are my favourite. What do you do in your free time? What did you enjoy most about the I love catching up with my family and How would losing your hearing impact Hearing Dogs Awards evening? friends. I still spend a lot of time away from on being a gymnast? I loved meeting all the people and hearing them while I am busy working, so when I Losing my hearing would have a huge about how the dogs had changed their do get the opportunity I just want to catch impact on my life and I would definitely lives. Also the fact we got to cuddle some up with them – and to chill with Bonnie! have to rely heavily on the support of my of the puppies and hearing dogs in training amazing family and friends. I guess it was super-cute. You’ve recently completed your first would also have had an effect on my New Year Gymnastic Camps for aspiring gymnastics, especially on my floor young gymnasts. What is next for you? routine, as I wouldn’t have been able to I would love to do some more camps later hear the floor music. I can’t imagine the I’ll take any in the year. I love that part of my job. I also London Olympics in 2012 without being opportunity to be spend a lot of time with Total Gymnastics, able to hear that unbelievable crowd in the company that I run with Steve Parry The O2 Arena. in a room full of (the Olympic Bronze-winning swimmer), to get children involved in the sport. Did you grow up with family dogs? gorgeous dogs We had a dog from when I was about 10 Who would you most like to go on a years old. My parents currently have a fantasy dog walk with? cross Labrador called What do you admire about the Hearing Well the Great British Dog Walk sounds like Bonnie and she is completely adorable. Dogs charity? my ideal dog walk, to be honest. I would I love dogs and find the power and just be in heaven if there were loads of What is your favourite ? intelligence a dog has to help people dogs on my walk! And, of course, I always I don’t think I could possibly choose! quite amazing. love going home and taking Bonnie for a I have grown up with Labradors and walk with my family. but I get distracted by any type What do you miss most about of dog. I love all dogs and my friends and competing as a gymnast? family laugh because as soon as I see one Competing for me was the best part about they know they have lost my attention being a gymnast; I really miss that entirely, I get so distracted and just want atmosphere and being able to perform in to go over to pet them. front of thousands of people. I now absolutely love the work I do with children Do you have a dog of your own? and being able to inspire the younger I would love to have my own dog but generation to achieve their dreams. unfortunately my busy schedule wouldn’t Bonnie waits patiently allow it. I am away far too much and it What do you miss least? for Beth to come and wouldn’t be fair to leave a dog on its own I loved being a gymnast but it is a huge take her for a walk

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Spring 2017 FAVOUR 31