Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a UK charity that trains dogs to help deaf people lead independent lives.
My Godmother, Betty Roesler, had a hearing dog for many years and she worked tirelessly promoting and raising money for the charity. Now in her 90th year and in a residential home, I accompanied her on Saturday to a Hearing Dogs coffee morning in Botley, a village in southern England, where she was presented with a bouquet of flowers for all her hard work.
Once I knew Betty was happy and catching up with old friends, I nipped round the garden, snapping a few of the hard-working canines – some in training, some fully qualified.
At the top of the page is Teasel – one quarter King Charles, three-quarters Papillon – a 5 year old Hearing Dog with ears that, I think you’ll agree, befit the charity 
Below is Bonzo, an 11 month old Cocker Poo, currently being socialised by Margaret Conrad.
Here is Yogi, another Hearing Dog in training, 7 months old and a King Charles Spaniel.
Damson, below, is a fully trained Hearing Dog – and a 5 year old Poodle.
The dogs are trained to respond to everyday sounds such as the doorbell, cooker timer or telephone. They alert their owners by touching them and leading them to the sound.
Danger and emergency signals such as a smoke or burglar alarm warrant a different response in the dog – they are trained to lie down in a special ‘alert signal’ way.
Many rescue dogs are used by the charity and finding young dogs with the right temperament is all important.
Find out more by visiting the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People website.
A special thank you to Jeanette, Chair of the South Hants branch, for making us feel so welcome on Saturday. Betty had a fantastic time!
