A dog's tale
Hi! My name's Shandy and I'm a Hearing Dog for the Deaf. The Deaf woman I live with is unable to hear many everyday sounds humans (and dogs!) take for granted. I've been specially trained to listen for these sounds, tell her when a sound occurs and show her where it's coming from. I've been trained to respond to the:
Every time I hear one of these sounds - at home, at work or when we're just out and about - I gently 'paw' my human companion to let them know I've heard it. When she asks me "where is it?" I get her to follow me to where the sound is coming from. Smart eh?!
Well, with hearing far superior to the best human hearing, we dogs can really make a difference to the life of a deaf person.
Like me, most Hearing Dogs are rescued from Animal Rescue Centres as pups or young dogs. The future didn't look good until I was chosen as a 'Hearing Dog in Training' by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand ... I'm so grateful I was given the opportunity to prove my worth!
Fortunately pedigree isn't important - but being friendly, intelligent and responsive to sounds is. Which is why Hearing Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and almost every breed and cross-breed you could think of.
When I passed my final assessment I became a qualified and registered 'Hearing Dog for the Deaf' and now wear my yellow 'Hearing Dog' jacket with pride. I'm a 'portable hearing aid' and a true friend and companion.
So please help Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand train more dogs like me. Everyone wins! The deaf person gets the opportunity to become more independent, often more self-assured and more mobile; the dogs get a second chance to lead an active and useful life of service and you have the pleasure of knowing you've really made a difference!
As a Hearing Dog I've been trained to alert my deaf human at any time - 24 hours a day, every day of the year - but Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand needs your help to train others like me. Please if you can, click on the how you can help link to find out how to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand.
Your contribution, however large or small, will be used to make more dogs like me available to deaf and hearing-impaired New Zealanders. Thank you for your interest and support.
Yes, it is possible for us to train your dog, if he/she has all the suitable attributes to be a hearing dog.
We need you to fill out the application forms and return them to us as soon as possible. Then, if all is OK, we will come and interview you and meet your dog. An assessment of your dog will be done at that time. If you both still meet the requirements, we will arrange to bring your dog into the training centre in New Plymouth for a two-week assessment. All going well we can then train your dog for you and return her back to you in 4 - 6 months as a fully working hearing dog.
All this is free of charge, although if your dog becomes ill at the training centre or requires vet treatment you will be required to pay these expenses.
The only problem with training your dog as a hearing dog is the disappointment that you face if he/she fails the program, and the time you will have to spend without him/her.
We do have a waiting list. So we suggest that you apply as soon as possible to make sure you are included on our files of interested applicants.
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