Hearing Dogs for the Deaf call for volunteers

National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are desperately seeking kind-hearted volunteers in and around Plymouth to look after an adorable puppy in their home for a year.

The Charity currently has over 850 working partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs across the UK and is seeking new and enthusiastic volunteers to get involved by caring for a cute and cuddly puppy.

Volunteer puppy socialiser Jan Long, aged 64from Liskeard, began volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People over twenty years ago when her husband took early retirement from the Royal Air Force. Jan says: “My husband Paddy would look after the pup when I was at work, and when I got home I would take over. We moved to Cornwall when I retired, and I was so happy to be able to continue socialising there.”

Years later, Jan can barely remember the number of puppies she has socialised, but it is close to 45 pups!

“Our current pup is called Ace, a very bright and confident Cocker Spaniel who has quickly settled in to our life style. All of the puppies I have cared for are such a delightful challenge and a joy to have around.”

Along with support from the Charity’s training team, volunteer puppy socialisers play a vital role in the successful training of a hearing dog. Volunteers teach their puppy basic obedience skills while also introducing them to all the different people and environments that they will need to become comfortable with in their future career as a hearing dog.

Not only does volunteering play a huge part in helping to transform the life of a deaf person, but it is also extremely fun and sociable. Jan adds: “We have some lovely people in the South West who are fast becoming good friends. We’re all dog lovers and have a lot of fun at class, which sometimes even takes place on the beach. Practising ‘recall’ from the sea is always fun!  And then afterwards we are all rewarded with a coffee, sitting looking out at the ocean with a tired pup snoozing at our feet.”

Puppies are placed with their volunteer socialiser at around eight weeks of age and will work with them at home for up to a year, before they return to the Charity for a 16-week advance sound work course at one of Hearing Dogs’ two national training centres. They are then matched with a deaf recipient and will go on to transform that person’s life.

“The real icing on the cake is when a letter comes from a deaf recipient to tell us that they have one of our dogs, and about how much it has helped them. It is a real boost.”

Volunteers receive regular home visits and support from the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People puppy socialising training team. The Charity also supplies all food, bedding, toys and equipment, as well as covering vet bills and arranging holiday cover.

“Would I recommend socialising? If you have time to give, love dogs, and don't take yourself too seriously then I cannot think of anything better.”

For more information on becoming a puppy socialiser for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteering  or call 01844 348100.