Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to everyday sounds such as the alarm clock, doorbell, baby crying and smoke alarm.
Instead of barking, the dogs alert the deaf person by touch, using a paw to gain attention and then leading them back to the sound source. For sounds such as the smoke alarm and fire bell, the dogs alert then lie down to indicate danger.
Hearing dogs provide more than just practical assistance; they enable their owners to lead a more independent life with confidence.
Whenever possible, our dogs are selected from rescue centres, but they are also donated by breeders and members of the public, with the remainder coming from the Charity’s own breeding scheme.
More than 1,500 hearing dogs have been placed around the country since 1982 and it relies solely on the generosity of the public as it does not receive government funding.
The charity is delighted to have been chosen as Charity of the Year for the Blenheim Horse Trials in 2009!
Visit its stand or watch the demonstrations at 11.30am and 2.30pm each day and learn more about how hearing dogs change lives.
■ For more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People call 01844 348100, or visit the website: www.hearingdogs.org.uk
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