inTouchNews for hearing dog recipients and volunteers Summer issue 2016

IN THIS ISSUEHearing Dogs Awards nominations 2Summer top tips 4Meet our applicant assessment dogs 6Dog roles redefined 10News 12New Welcome Centre 14Tributes 18

• Hearing Dogs Awards last chance for nominations – see page 2 •

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Send your comments togill.lacey@hearingdogs.org.uk or write to

gill Lacey, inTouch, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Wycombe road, Saunderton,

Princes risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9NS

Heads upWelcome to your copy ofinTouch. We hope you’llfind time to sit and enjoythis issue as it hasimportant news ofsome exciting projectsand developments forthe Charity.

New WelcomeCentre projectPatron HRH The PrincessRoyal helps launch a capital appeal to build anew Welcome Centre at The Grange. As well asbeing a destination for deaf people the new facilitypromises to provide us with a new income to invest infuture growth – page 14-17.

We’re helping even more deaf peopleOn page 10-11 there’s news of our five year plan tomaximise the potential of our dogs and make it easierfor more deaf people to benefit from the support wecan offer.

Meet the dogs who help us!Turn to page 6 for our ‘Who’s who’ feature on ourapplicant assessment dogs. The dogs who supportthe Client Services team by giving applicants achance to experience a little of what’s involved inhaving a hearing dog.

Hearing Dogs AwardsDon’t forget the closing date for Hearing DogsAwards nominations is 10 July.

Summertime tipsWhatever the weather, we have more seasonal tipson page 4-5 to keep your dog safe and wellthroughout the summer and beyond.

TFL leafletIf you are travelling in London the new TFL campaignshould make transport more accessible to peoplewith assistance dogs. Keep the enclosed leaflet andread more on page 12. Please tell us how you get on.

The next issue of inTouch will be published inDecember 2016. Have a great summer!

Gill Gill Lacey, Editor

inTouch is accessible in BSL via the links at www.hearingdogs.org.uk/in-touch

This year’s inspirational Hearing DogsAwards 2016 will take place onThursday 10 November at OneMarylebone in London. This annualevent celebrates the work of ourwonderful dogs as well as the specialpeople involved with Hearing Dogs –anywhere in the UK. We’ve introduced some new categories for this year and arelooking forward to hearing your inspirational stories of the hearingdogs, friends, colleagues and champions you nominate.

Maybe you’d like to tell us in your own words why your dog isspecial to you and the impact this has had on your life. Or about awonderful hearing dog partnership whose story has inspired you.Or how welcoming and accommodating a business or shop hasbeen to you or someone you know with a hearing dog. We alsoneed you to tell us about people who have gone that extra mile tochampion the work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – whetherthey’re a partnership, volunteer, fundraiser, or member of staff.

Details of our various awards categories are listed below.Remember to tell us who you are nominating and in whichcategory. What it is it about them – or their story – that has madean impact on you – enough to nominate them.

AWArDS CATEgOrIES

Life-changing Partnership AwardAre you someone whose life has been completely turned around thanks to your hearing dog? Please tell us your life-changing story.

The Lifeline AwardTell us why your hearing dog is your hero, simply an inseparablebest friend or invaluable lifeline.

Community Champion AwardWe are looking for someone who makes a big impact for HearingDogs within their local community, whether a recipient, hearingdog, speaker, fundraiser or maybe even a member of staff.

Desmond Wilcox Volunteer of the Year AwardWe want to celebrate the difference our volunteers make byrecognising a Hearing Dogs volunteer who has shown greatdedication in his or her role supporting the Charity and made a realdifference.

The Open Doors AwardTell us about a business or company thathas gone the extra mile to make you feelwelcome when using their service withyour hearing dog by your side.

Young Partners AwardThis award is for a hearing dog that hascompletely changed a child’s lifethanks to their partnership.

Make your nomination now!You can complete your nominationonline athttp://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/nominate or emailveronica.pearce@hearingdogs.org.uk or write to: Veronica Pearce,Communications Executive and send to:FREEPOST, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Grange, WycombeRoad, Saunderton, Princes Risborough HP27 9NS.

Remember to include the following information:• Award category• Name of hearing dog and/or person you are nominating• Your name and address• Email address if you have one• A photo if you have oneA panel of judges will have the difficult job of choosing a shortlist fromwhich the winners will be announced at the Hearing Dogs Awardsevening on Thursday 10 November 2016.

Closing date for nominations is Sunday 10 July.

TICKETSLast year’s event was hosted by Hearing Dogs celebrity ambassadorDame Esther Rantzen, with awards presented by British actressStephanie Beecham and TV’s Ashleigh and Pudsey. This year ourawards evening is set to be another star-studded event.

Tickets to the Hearing Dogs Awards 2016 are £150 each (or £125 tovolunteers and recipients) – this includes a drinks reception and threecourse dinner. To register your interest in booking tickets pleaseemail:events@hearingdogs.org.uk

Finalists and one guest will be given a free ticket to attend the awards evening.

Nominate your dog orsomeone special for aHearing Dogs Award 2016

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One Marylebone, our glamorous awards venue

Last year’s winning child partnership, Esmee Drake and her hearing dog Cola.

Photo: Paul W

ilkinson

Gill Lacey – Editor

SUMMER

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Driving and travellingIt’s never okay to leave a dog in a hot car, not evenwith the window open. If it is 22ºC outside thetemperature inside a car can reach 47ºC within anhour, even in the shade. Dogs are unable to cope withthe sudden increase in heat so they will start to pant totry to cool down. They quickly become dehydrated andrisk heatstroke. Get some sun blinds for your backwindows – these can help shade your dog and preventheatstroke while travelling. It’s a sad fact that we stillhear of dogs dying in hot cars every year. If you see adistressed dog trapped in a car, call the policeimmediately.

Always have plenty of drinking water available; a non-spill bowl is very useful for car journeys and a fold-uptravel bowl will fit neatly into a pocket or bag.

Freeze or chill a large bottle of water to take on longercar journeys. As well as having plenty to drink, you’llhave a means to cool him down by pouring some overyour dog’s head.

If you get hot and bothered on public transport… trydoing that wearing a fur coat. The secret is always toplan ahead and try and travel out of peak hours ifpossible.

WalkingExercise your dog at the coolest time of day—either inthe morning or the evening. Avoid going for walksbetween 11am-3pm as this is the hottest time of theday. Keep training or playing sessions short and allowyour dog lots of rest periods in the shade – try to stay

in the shade as much as possible. If temperaturesreach 20ºC-30ºC your dog may get overheated sokeep him inside where it may be cooler.

Avoid hot pavements! If you’ve ever tried walkingbarefoot on tar covered asphalt you’ll know how easilyit burns your feet. It’s the same for your dog and youmay notice them pulling on the lead and gettingrestless as their feet get hot. Pavements or roads canbecome extremely hot for a dog’s soft paw pads,(especially for puppies). Instead try to walk your dogon grass or in shaded areas. Avoid metal drains andavoid standing still for too long on pavements. If yousee a good friend and want to catch up, move over toa grassed area!

WorkingAt work our dogs cope with a lot but don’t forget tothink of how changes in temperature can affect a dogthere too. If your work area is in direct sunlight, aspecial ‘cooling bed’ may be a good idea.

Swelling and collapseBe aware of potential causes of swelling or collapse.Bees and wasps are a hazard to inquisitive dogs whomay disturb stinging insects while exploring and thentry to eat them! Thestings can causeswelling in their mouthor throat and needurgent veterinaryattention. Similarlydogs that rummagearound inundergrowth whenoff-lead are at riskof being bitten byadders. Affected areas can quicklybecoming swollen and painful maybe even causingcollapse. Contact your vet immediately if you thinkyour dog has been bitten and explain the likely cause.

running, playing or standing stillKeep your dog calm. Running and playing can causehim to overheat quickly. But some dogs can beaffected while standing still or lying down if they’remore prone to heatstroke. If you notice any heavypanting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright redgums and tongue, weakness in balance, vomiting ordiarrhoea, your dog may be suffering from heatstroke.Don’t panic, move your dog to a cool, shaded area,gently pour cool water over him and contact your vetas soon as possible. And remember heatstroke is notjust a summer problem it can happen anytime.

Shaking and rubbingDog owners – especially those with Spaniels – will beaware of arrow-shaped grass seeds; small and sharpthey attach themselves to your dog’s coat, usually inbetween toes where they can pierce the skin andburrow up through the foot. They can also becometrapped in eyelids or ear canals causing your dog toshake his head or rub his face from the irritation. Afteryour walk carefully check your dog’s coat and pull outany seeds or burrs. Make sure you also look for ticksand fleas which can irritate your dog and spreaddisease.

We hope you will enjoy a safeand happy summer together,but if you’ve any worries ormishaps please get in contactwith your partnershipinstructor or a welfare officerat Hearing Dogs.

Welfare emergency contact:The grange 07484 001 646BWC 07484 001 647

Wasps, prolonged exposure to the sun and the dreadedgrass seed can all cause your dog problems over thesummer months. Here are a few things to think about and tohelp keep your dog safe this summer.

TOP TIPS FOr YOU & YOUr DOg

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rose (3), Show Cocker SpanielOwner: Janine Hovey, Dog Trainer

Rose loves people – especially children. However her recall is notalways reliable – she rather enjoys chasing birds and wildlife. Favourite things: a Daschund called Blue – they play togetherendlessly; her toys 'squishy ball' and ‘squeaky rhino’; a plastic bottle;playing hide-and-seek in the house or football in the garden – she likesto be the goalie; and bit of carrot to crunch on.Funniest moment: Janine says: “Rose jumped head first into a horsetrough on a sunny day after a run in the woods. It must have beenheaven as she just stood there for ages looking very content andpleased with herself.”

Buffy (4), Labrador Owner: Claire Bott, Dog Trainer

Buffy became very subdued when wearing the Hearing Dogs jacket;she associated it with going to busy, noisy public places and Buffy ismore of a country girl at heart. As an applicant assessment dog Buffyonly needs to wear the jacket when doing the things she loves.Children are her favourite applicants and many who now have ahearing dog of their own will have met and worked with Buffy in theearly days of their training. Favourite things: watching animals on TV, her toy octopus, appletreats, a game of fetch, plus Rory the Goldie for a friendly bit of roughand tumble. Proudest moment: flying to Aberdeen for the Great British Dog Walk.Buffy was invited to board the plane first – along with Claire – and was offered a glass of water from the refreshment trolley! Claire says: “We felt like VIPs.”

Brock (31⁄2), Working Cocker Spaniel, Owner: Jay Elcock, Dog Training Team Leader

Brock was not happy in busy places and urban environments. Buthis gentle nature, clever brain and real affection for everyone, madehim ideally suited to the role of an applicant assessment dog. Hefinds this role hugely rewarding –as everyone he meets tells himhow gorgeous he is! Keeping busy is important to Brock and whenhe’s not curled up asleep he loves to present special gifts to hisoffice buddies – usually a shoe, scarf or glove that he’s pinchedfrom someone’s bag! Favourite things: Jay’s old socks, a cuddly duck, game of ‘huntthe treat or hunt the toy’ Nia and Pepe – who like to run and play‘crazy spaniel’ like he does.greatest achievement:unveiling the foundation stone for our new welcome centre on command of HRH The Princess Royal.

robyn (6), Chocolate LabradorOwner: Caroline Ayres, Dog Trainer

Robyn is one of our most experienced dogs in this role and isapproved to assist with assessments of deaf children and homevisits. Working with applicants is never a chore for Robyn as she ishappy to grab any opportunity to earn treats. Caroline says: “Robynloves going to new and interesting places particularly days out atevents where the air is full of new smells. Plus I usually buy her anew toy before we go home!”Favourite things: soft football (she absolutely loves it), a tennisball, and eating pilchard cake. greatest achievement: Caroline says: “She has three! Performingin a demonstration for HRH The Princess Royal; being chosen towork alongside John Barrowman when he went 'deaf for the day'for TV; but I’m most proud of her for helping me pass my foundationdegree in canine behaviour and training. I had to teach Robynmany new skills for this, including putting her toys into her toy boxand bringing me a tissue when I sneezed!”

goldie (10) , Collie crossOwner: Jo Otton, Dog Trainer

Goldie was adopted from Dogs Trust as a puppy. She was aworking hearing dog for a while but retired early due to her passionfor chasing rabbits and birds. Her lovely gentle nature make herperfect to work alongside applicants on assessment She is kind tothem as she walks so nicely on the lead, is patient happy to goanywhere, and would lay all day being groomed. Six years agoGoldie lost her left eye after getting a grass seed in it, but this hasnever stopped her from doing anything.Favourite things: being outdoors, sunbathing, being a demo dog,meeting children, her office buddies in the volunteering team:Victoria, Lisa, Angela and fellow demo dog Robyn; Tracey Lewiswho runs the applicant assessments; playing ‘musical beds’ withScout and cleaning her ears.Proudest moment: Jo says: “I’m proud of Goldie for everything.She is very special to me as she’s my first dog. Seven years agoGoldie was chosen to be the face of Butchers tinned dog food.Goldie is due to retire this year and will hang up her demonstrationcoat for the last time, but something tells me she will continuechasing rabbits forever!”

Meet our canine colleagueswho help applicants experience a little of what’s involved in having a working hearing dog.WE WOrK AT THE grANgE

BSL Brock Goldie

Robyn

Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do

BuffyRose

Bessie (41⁄2) Toy PoodleOwner: Lindsey FeeneySenior Welfare Officer

From Bessie’s evaluation during trainingwe decided she should be an applicantassessment dog. We aim to match everydog to a role where they can achieve theirpotential and be an asset to the Charity.Lindsey brings Bessie to work at ourBeatrice Wright Centre, where she settlesin an office until needed. Lindsey says:“Bessie gets very excited when someonecomes to get her for an assessment.”Favourite things: Fun agility, cuddly teddy,running in fields, Lottie the Poodle, theseaside. Proudest moment: “When Bessie gaveher favourite teddy to my little boy so hecould throw it for her.”

roscoe (3) Spaniel cross PoodleOwner Lizzie PhillipsInterim Training Manager BWC

We decided that Roscoe would be happierin the role of an applicant assistant dog ashe lacked confidence out and about - hewas often sensitive when the floor surfacechanges for example in a shop going fromcarpet to laminate. Roscoe also has anurge to entertain himself on walks – byrunning off hunting or chasing birds – and itcan often take him a while to finish doingthis! When he is working with an applicantof course Roscoe is always supervised orin an enclosed area when off the lead. Heloves all the attention that goes withworking with new applicants and is amaster at working the room. Favourite things: Roscoe loves playingwith his ball on a rope, having cuddles andrunning around on the beach.greatest achievement: Lizzie says:“Roscoe’s first ever demonstration was atCrufts and he performed brilliantly – I wasso proud of him and he absolutely lappedup the applause.”

Peppa (6) LabradorOwner: Helen DewsTrainer

Beautiful Peppa is Helen’s own dog. Shewas bred by her sister so although Helenhas had her from eight weeks old, she gotto know Peppa even before that. Helensays: “Peppa is an easy-going, friendly dogwith people she knows and respects, butwill try it on with new people! She has beenan applicant assessment dog as well as amember of the demonstration team for fiveyears. Peppa is always happy to work fordifferent people on site at The BeatriceWright Centre (BWC) and also out andabout – maybe you’ve met her there? Favourite things: Water – from the seato a bucket, this is her all time love –followed closely by food and treats ,meeting new people, Tennis balls and me!greatest achievement: Becoming amember of the demo team – she lovesthem all, from the Thursday tours at theBWC, through to Crufts and our BeverlyMinster service, as well as smallerdemonstrations to local schools.”

Malcolm (4) Show Cocker SpanielOwner: Jo Halley, Volunteer Applicant Assessment Dog Holder

Malcolm wasn’t blessed with outdoor skills and, despite being a very different dog indoorshe didn’t quite make the grade to be a working hearing dog. Malcolm’s high spirits, hiscontinuous enthusiasm for hunting coupled with a serious disregard for recall decided hisfuture lay in a different role. Becoming an applicant assessment dog has been the makingof him. “He’s a real character and we are incredibly lucky to have him living with us on a fulltime basis. At home he is impeccably well behaved, very calm and relaxed. Malcolm is verysociable and enjoys all the attention he gets from new applicants. He also likes to showthem his excellent soundwork skills.” Favourite things: Jo says: “Malcolm’s top answer would be to run off and chase wildlife!But as we do all we can to stop him doing that, his second choice would be to go walkingwith my husband Paul – they trek for miles. Other pleasures include: having his ears tickled,travelling with us in our motorhome and being an ambassador for Hearing Dogs.”greatest achievement: “Malcolm taught our granddaughter Olivia to throw a ball beforeshe could walk. He adores her – in fact her first word was ‘Malcolm’ – they’d play togetherfor hours!”

Bruno (11) Springer SpanielOwner: Nicci Cross, Senior Trainer

The job of being a full working hearing dog did not sit well with Bruno. He tried it twice and it wasn’t for him.

Nicci first met Bruno when he returned to the Beatrice Wright Centre for the second time to have some refresher training. But Bruno hadother plans and being refreshed wasn’t one of them. The temptation to chase birds, rabbits and squirrels was always far more tempting thanthe treats on offer for a good recall. We finally accepted his limitations and a new door opened for Bruno as an applicant assessment dog.He hasn’t looked back since. Nicci says Bruno was a challenge at times but becoming part of the demo team as well as an applicantassessment dog, has helped him to become a more rounded dog. Favourite things: Anything edible and having his tummy tickled.greatest achievement: Nicci says “Brunos greatest achievements are overcoming the behaviours that made him unsuitable to continue asa hearing dog, but more importantly the positive impact he's had on my life, I don't know where I'd be without him.”

What is an applicant assessment dog?Applicant assessment dogs are invaluable to the client services team; enabling them to understand each applicantand support them towards a successful partnership. Applicant assessment dogs along with demonstration dogs,ambassador dogs and Pr dogs, are generically known as ‘charity support dogs’. They live with staff or volunteersand are an essential part of our Hearing Dogs family.

Job specificationTo assist with the induction of new clients to life with a hearing dog and all that this involves.

Ideal candidates will be confident enough to take instruction from new handlers every day, alert to sounds, well-behaved,easy to handle, biddable, and with a genuine interest in meeting new people. Having a cheeky side is an advantage – ithelps applicants appreciate that dogs are not machines.

HoursMonday to Friday 9-5 (occasional weekend and evening work)

SalaryUnlimited TLC, regular meals, country walks, warm office, cosy bed, toys, treats and health insurance plus regular contactwith doggy and human friends.

Preferred qualitiesMotivated by food or toys, a breed of dog commonly used by the Charity such as Spaniel, Labrador or Poodle, or a first cross of these breeds.

Prospect for promotion to work with children, people with dual disabilities plus ‘Deaf for the Day’ VIPs and celebrities. BSL8 9

WE WOrK AT THE BEATrICE WrIgHT CENTrE

Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do • Who’s who and what they do

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Our five year planAs a charity our aim is to help as many deaf people as possible and our strategy to achieve this for the next fiveyears, is best represented by the infographic below.

Over the years our extremely skilled trainers have worked with many young dogs, all of whom have their ownlovable characteristics. Many of these dogs go on to become fully accredited hearing dogs, whilst other dogs goon to play a different role in helping a deaf child or adult.

Going forward we have given each of these roles a name. We believe it will help people with differing levels ofhearing loss to identify the help they need and make it easier to apply for a dog. It also means that we maximisethe potential of our dogs and use our training investment for ever greater impact in the deaf community.

To apply for one of our dogs please email: applications@hearingdogs.org.uk or call Debbie Martin on 01844 348111

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New Welcome Centreproject launchThe Safe and Sound appeal for Hearing Dogs’ newWelcome Centre at The Grange was launched by our PatronHRH The Princess Royal in May. As well as watching ademonstration of puppy training by some of our volunteers,specially invited guests including businesses and trusts thatinvest in capital projects were invited to pledge their support.The foundation stone for ournewly commissioned buildingwas unveiled by charity supportdog Brock by Royal command.Turn to page 14 to find out moreabout this exciting new facilitythat will help us invest in thefuture of the Charity.

NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS

Please help us find more volunteers to… Socialise and train a puppyWe’re looking for new volunteers to help socialise puppies and young dogs. Havea look at our map showing our puppy socialising hubs in green: Edinburgh, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire, Cheshire & South Manchester, Bedfordshire &Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshireand Devon. This would suit someone who loves dogs, lives close to one of ourhubs, and has a suitable home with a private, secure garden, as well as time todedicate to training a puppy on a daily basis.

Care for a hearing dog ‘mum’Dog-lovers who live within 45 minutes of The Grange may be interested tofoster long-term one of our hearing dog ‘mums’.

Volunteer ‘at home’ trainersVolunteers who are very local to one of our two training centres, inBuckinghamshire or Yorkshire, may be interested in helping us totrain one of our young dogs ‘at home’.

To find out more about volunteering please get in touch withLisa Meller by email: volunteer@hearingdogs.org.ukor call Lisa on 01844 348129

Farewell message frompartnership instructorLindsey Henderson …

To all my friends andcolleagues at Hearing DogsI have thoroughly enjoyedmy time working at HearingDogs. Over the past nineyears I’ve met someamazing people and heardsome truly inspirational lifestories that I will neverforget. Thank you to all myrecipients, I’ve had lots of funworking with you and manyfond memories.

The team at Hearing Dogsare an awesome bunch wholove dogs and want to make

a difference to the lives of deaf people. There’s not a person Ihaven’t enjoyed working with. It’s great to know that mypartnerships will continue to have excellent support if theyneed it.

I’m leaving to spend more time with my young family. I’ll alsobe working with my husband to set up a holiday website forpeople travelling to Devon www.bestdevonholidays.co.uk

Best wishes

Lindsey

Thanks to all the lovely people and dogs who supported one ormore of our Great British Dog Walk events this year. It's been anenormous success once more - raising funds, raising awarenessand raising smiles. Never before have we seen so many happypeople and waggy tails - alongside celebrity supporters like ChrisPackham, Amanda Lamb, Rachel Riley, Sean Batty and JulianSmith MP - all walking together for our great cause. We’ve enjoyedsharing your lovely photos and comments on Facebook and Twitterand will be including some of our event highlights in the next issueof Favour magazine.

Transport for London: AssistanceDogs awareness campaignTransport for London with the support of AssistanceDogs UK has developed a new campaign to educatetaxi and private hire drivers on their important role inhelping people with assistance dogs to travel aroundLondon. Part of this campaign includes a new poster –see page 20 – which shows the seven types of ADIaccredited assistance dogs that private hire operatorscan expect to use their vehicles.

Did you know:• Taxi and private hire drivers can't refuse a passenger

because they have an assistance dog• Passengers can't be charged more for a taxi or private

hire journey because they have an assistance dog • Assistance dogs must be seated with their owners

at all times • It's illegal to refuse to carry a passenger with an

assistance dog. Drivers doing so could risk losingtheir licence or face a fine.

We’ve enclosed an information flier flier for you but you canfind out more about the campaign, download a poster andother materials from theTransport for London website:www.tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/assistance-dogs

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Thank you to our volunteersThe bunting went up again in June to celebrate our 1,800volunteers who so generously give their time and energy tosupport Hearing Dogs – they are integral to our success. NationalVolunteers’ Week is an annual event. It celebrates the contributionmade by millions of volunteers throughout the UK and is run byNCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations).

This year staff and volunteers decorated notice-boards, put upposters, wrote speech bubbles and held parties on an evengrander scale. Victoria Leedham, volunteering manager, says:“Volunteers’ Week is the biggest week in the volunteeringcalendar. It’s an opportunity to say an enormous thank you toHearing Dogs’ volunteers who are helping to transform the lives ofdeaf adults and children. Volunteers are involved in every singleaspect of our organisation, from looking after puppies, dogs in-training and retired hearing dogs, to helping in an office, driving,speaking, fundraising and even tending to our gardens. It’ssomething to be very proud of.”

To all our volunteers CEO Michele Jennings says: “You are shining examples of how we can all make a positivedifference to individuals and our communities. Thank you for your involvement in making

Hearing Dogs such an on-going success story.”

Georgia Cullen and her dog Casper meet HRH (R)and Brock unveils the foundation stone (L)

Assistance Dogs accreditationHearing Dogs for Deaf People has been accepted as anaccredited Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and AssistanceDogs Europe (ADEu) member for the next five years following itsrecent re-evaluation. The report also highlighted the Charity’sdatabase as being an example of best practice.

ADI full accreditation represents a significant achievement forHearing Dogs for Deaf People. It is indicative of our organisation’sstrong commitment to upholding the highest professional standardsof excellence within the Assistance Dog Industry.

Our Assessor was Marianne Slingerland,from Scale Dogs asbl Belgium. She said: "Insummary, Hearing Dogs is a highlyprofessional, healthy and well runorganisation, with highly motivated staff andvolunteers, where a lot of efforts are made in orderto provide a high quality service to the recipients and to comply fullyto the ADI- ADEu standards."

Safe and soundinvesting in our futureWe plan to create a Welcome Centre unlike any other space in theUK. This unique facility at The Grange will be built with the needs ofdeaf people at its heart and with the wider community in mind.

Our new Welcome Centre will be the only venue ofits kind in the UK. Designed specifically for peoplewith deafness and hearing loss, this 2,500 sq ftflexible space will combine technology, sympatheticdesign and a warm welcome to provide a specialexperience for visitors. Social venues can bedifficult for people with hearing loss, leading tofeelings of social exclusion and isolation. Oursensitively designed Welcome Centre has theneeds of deaf people within its DNA. Situated withinour beautifully converted farm at The Grange inSaunderton, in the heart of the Buckinghamshirecountryside, our centre will become a safe haven

for deaf people to enjoy time with the Charity. It’salso a place where our dog loving community andsupporters can enjoy a leisurely walk in our tranquilgrounds, followed by a meal with friends. Thecentre will be an informative, educational andrelaxing experience for visitors, as well as aharmonious space to be enjoyed by dog lovers andthe deaf community. We hope in the future it can beused for meetings and celebrations. Last year, over 5,000 people visited The Grange, but the new centre will allow us to open our doors to thewider community in a way that has not previouslybeen possible.

Opening our doors Our facility at The Grange is one of our greatestassets, alongside the support and dedication of our staff andvolunteers. We take great delight in sharing our story andshowcasing our charity to visitors with three significant eventsthroughout the year, our Spring Open Day, Summer Show, and ourChristmas Market. However, The Grange is primarily geared tooperations and has not been truly open to the public on a daily basisin any significant way. Our aim is to open our doors to transform theway our southern training centre supports our work. We are atransparent and open organisation. Whilst our core mission is topartner hearing dogs to deaf people, our role includes the need toraise awareness of the challenges and issues surrounding hearingloss. Opening our site will allow us to demonstrate the wonderful workthat we do, the impact that we have on individuals’ lives, as well as thetremendous wealth of knowledge and experience held by our staff andvolunteers that forms the backbone of our operations. It will also helpus engage and develop a new wave of dedicated volunteers andchampion the needs of deaf people through education. Our newWelcome Centre will give us a sustainable income stream that willdiversify our funding and help safeguard the future of our operations,allowing us to achieve our ambition of breeding and training 200 newhearing dogs every year by 2020. That’s in addition to the 2,240hearing dogs we have already partnered and the thousands of deafpeople we support with advice and direction too.

Chief executive, Michele Jennings

An artists impression of our new Welcome Centre at The Grange; and the interior overleaf

“It not only takespatience, commitmentand enthusiasm totrain a hearing dog. Ittakes a lot of moneytoo. Our new WelcomeCentre will help usraise more funds inthe long-term, but firstwe need to make it areality.”

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Building for our future: “This is about more than just a buildingor a structure, it’s first and foremostabout the impact we can have inhelping deaf people and the deafcommunity now and long into thefuture.”Faith Clark, Chairman of Trustees.

OUr WELCOME CENTrE • A 2,500 sq ft flexible space set

in 27 acres of grounds • Education centre • restaurant / café

with 90 covers • Shop • Meeting rooms • Tours

A WArM WELCOME FOr ALL • British Sign Language (BSL)

trained staff • Sensitive acoustics • Hearing loop • Excellent accessibility for

those with disabilities

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Q&AHow is the new project being funded?The project will be funded via a capital appeal. Capital appealsare specifically for funding new buildings – so this is money theCharity would not get for any other kind of project. We willappeal to Trusts and Foundations, philanthropists, andcorporate partners that support building projects. Our lastmajor capital appeal was for our northern base, the BeatriceWright Centre in Bielby, eight years ago.

How will the Welcome Centre pay its way andhelp raise funds to train more hearing dogs? The new Welcome Centre is supported by a business plan thatdetails the costs of running it and the likely income that will begenerated. The Grange is currently an extremely under-usedfacility as it is closed at weekends and barely used duringevenings. We know from the success of our open days and our annual summer show that the public wants to come to The Grange more frequently. Our Welcome Centre will makethis possible.

What makes our Welcome Centre unique?The building has been designed specifically with the needs ofdeaf children and adults in mind as well as to serve the needsof the communities we are part of. We want to welcome thesecommunities and provide a delightful environment where theCharity's activities can be discussed without impacting our day-to-day operation. The Welcome Centre will be a lovely placefor friends to meet or for deaf people to enjoy lunch, learn moreabout the Charity, and for conversations with volunteers andsupporters to be developed and enjoyed.

The grange Memorial garden – what will happen to it?Our new Welcome Centre will be a separate building,connected to the existing main building by a glass walkway.Before the building work starts, any urns and ashes will berespectfully lifted from the current memorial garden and placedin a quiet part of the farmhouse garden. After the project iscompleted a ceremony will be held when they are interredagain within the newly designed memorial garden. It will be alovely private space with seating between the old and newbuildings, accessible from the glass walkway, and very close towhere the existing memorial garden is.

What will become of The Barn restaurant?The Barn Restaurant will continue to be open as it is to staff,volunteers and recipients when staying on site.

Can volunteers and visitors simply drop-in? The Welcome Centre is open to the public. If demand is huge(and we hope it will be) then naturally we might need to have abooking system for lunch or supper, but we can only tell thiswhen it's up and operating.

Chief executive Michele Jenningsanswers your questions about thenew Welcome Centre project

Q U E S T I O N S A N D A N S W E r S

Education centre Working to raise awareness of hearing loss and theissues associated with deafness.

• An experience of deafness • Our impact and how we help deaf people • How we train our hearing dogs • The history of Hearing Dogs • Deaf awareness workshops and BSL training.

Restaurant Offering 90 covers and providing a light and airy meetingplace for visitors.

• A welcoming ‘drop in’ point for the local community. • Uniquely welcoming to those with deafness • Accessible for those with disabilities • A warm welcome for dogs • Family friendly.

Celebrations and meetings A flexible space suited to business meetings, weddingparties, celebrations and other functions.

• State-of-the-art hearing support facilities such as hearing loops and sensitive acoustics

• Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Located within The Grange, a sensitively restored,

historic farm location.

Shop Offering a selection of locally-sourced produce, giftmerchandise and practical hearing loss products.

• Employment for local people. • A ‘try before you buy’ outlet for products designed to

aid deafness • A selection of dog oriented gift merchandise • A locally sourced food range • Seasonal products.

Tours Starting at our centre, our public tours will be a chance toexplain, engage and educate on all aspects of our work.

• Catering for schools, universities and community groups.

Space to gather Community groups, cyclists, walkers and of course dog loverscan all meet in our centre.

• Providing opportunities for the Charity to gain more supporters for its vital work.

A multi-functional space catering for deaf and disabled people with dogs, and the wider community

The interior space will have more acoustic clouds and wall panels, soft furnishings and flooring to absorb unwanted noise

remembering Anna Hearing dog to Janetta McSwiggan from Nottingham

“My life changed having ahearing dog. Her name wasAnna. She was 15 years andthree months old when she wasput to sleep in January 2016.

My partner Robert and I firstmet Anna in 2000. I have beendeaf all my life. Anna gave mepurpose in my life againbecause she helped breakdown my barriers to go outand meet people. Anna gaveme a lot of love and fun, andher sound work was always

excellent. She made me feel safe in thehouse – even when on my own. She came to work with me asa learning support assistant at college and would sit quietlyunder my chair – she was so well-behaved.

After I left work I became a volunteer for two local charities:Disability Direct and the Save the Children charity shop. I neverminded if people stopped to ask me about Anna – if they werehearing I would speak or if they were Deaf I would sign. Annaalso came with me to teach deaf awareness and some basicsign language to the local Scouts.

In the park Anna and I could just be ourselves. She would oftenrun and play with another little dog called Ricky. At home shewould dance with me. The tune in my memory of Anna is ‘Thelong goodbye’ by Ronan Keating. When our favourite TVprogramme, Deal or No Deal, was on she liked to lie next tome. I would sign to Anna and she would rub her nose on myright knee.

Anna was the most wonderful companion, I was so proud ofher being my ears. And I’m grateful to everyone who made itpossible for me to have Anna.

remembering Budgie (Tracy’s boy)

Hearing dog to Tracy Lewis from Buckinghamshire

As you know I miss you sopainfully with every heartbeat and the tears flowopenly and secretly as youare no longer there by myside but I wanted to do thisfor you to let everyoneknow how truly amazingand life changing you wereand still are.

You touched the lives of so many on yourjourney but most of all you touched mine. I was once a shy,quiet and unhappy person but from the moment you came intomy life you changed that. You were a tiny boy but with a hugecharacter and zest for life, you oozed confidence with yourjaunty gait and beautiful tail held high and your eyes so wise.You taught me so many things but most of all you taught me tolove and assert myself as a Deaf person. You became my ears,confidence and truly my soul mate, you really nurtured me.

You brought laughter and colour to my life – you gave me yourlife and unconditional loyalty. We became one, you were mymissing piece I had been looking for; with you my life wascomplete, we knew each other inside out you were always by myside – even in the bathroom!

You wanted nothing more than just to be with me and I totallyadored you beyond words – we were an amazing partnership. I’m so proud of you Budge, you trusted me to be strong when youchose your time and even now I won’t let you down. So until webecome one again ready for our next adventure, keep watchingover me my little star from Canis Minor.

Love and miss you always BudgieBudge. Yours forever, Tracy xxxxx

Photography © Paul Wilkinson, Nick Ridley, Ron Coulter, Hearing Dogs staff

TributesThese pages are dedicated to the memory of the people and dogs who have helped shape Hearing Dogs for Deaf People into the successful and respected organisation it is today.

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remembering Boxer Former hearing dog to Brenda Baker from Aldershot Hampshire,then retired to Carole Harvey and family in Chinnor, Oxfordhsire.

“Boxer, a terrier cross, was aretired hearing dog who cameto live with us for the last 18months of his life. We feel solucky to have shared thattime with this special littlechap.”

Gone from our sight,but never our memories.Gone from our touch,but never our hearts.

remembering KolaHearing dog to Janice Adams from Swindon, Wiltshire.

Kola gave me confidence, loyalty, devotion and companionshipfor more than 13 years. l was devastated to lose her, she wasso fit and lived life to the full, she was retired at age 13, butworked for me right to the end. I love and miss her so muchand always will. She was such a special girl, loved by all whoknew her and a great ambassador for Hearing Dogs.

remembering guilderAmbassador dog with volunteerDave Thompson from Hull

I adopted Guilder from HearingDogs when she was 18 monthsold due to her extreme fear offireworks. Guilder became awonderful ambassador dog forthe Charity and supported meat over 500 talks over theyears. It was at one of my talksthat I discovered quite bychance Guilder’s ability tosense epilepsy.

She was drawn to a woman inthe audience, nudging and fussing her. Around 20 minutes laterthis lady suffered a grand mal fit. She went on to alert anothersix people during her lifetime. She was the most wonderfulcompanion and her gentle nurturing love of all living things waswonderful to see. She would often lie at the side of the pond onour regular walks to Thwaite Hall and allow the ducklings tosettle in between her paws for warmth. Guilder passed awayjust a few weeks before her 15th birthday. She made countlessfriends helping Hearing Dogs and also working as a PAT dog.The many messages of condolence we received after losingGuilder were a great source of comfort to me but she madesuch a difference to my life and continues to be greatly missedby me and her companion Bobby.

rememberingSalsa Hearing dog to JaneMcCoy (aka Brenton)from Newport, Gwent

“Salsa was my firsthearing dog. The firsttime when we met in2002, Salsa jumped onme and her trainer said,‘she likes you!’. Salsawas then a one-year-old

Lurcher who had been abandoned as a pup and rescued bythe RSPCA along with five other puppies. Hearing Dogsadopted three of them. I had applied for hearing dogs twoyears previously and was very excited to meet her.

I have been Deaf since birth and I live on my own. Salsa cameto me and changed my life, she was brilliant company, my bestfriend and companion. She came to work with me everywhereand helped me feel confident. I am a support worker for Actionon Hearing Loss and Sense, working with Deaf and Deaf/Blindpeople. Everyone loved her. I belong to the Catholic DeafChurch and Salsa was welcomed there too. Salsa always likedto be involved so half way through the mass, when thecongregation stood to sign ‘Peace be with you’ Salsa wouldstand up too. I am a volunteer for Hearing Dogs and Salsa hasalways supported me doing this too.

Salsa’s favourite activities were sunbathing and playing with aball or a Frisbee; and she would go on forever. Salsa loveddriving to the beach, she’d know we were nearly there as soonas we turned the corner and couldn’t wait to get out to runaround on the sand! Salsa was also very clever and crafty; shecould open all the doors in the house and flip the bin lid withher nose.

Sadly Salsa passed away on Christmas Eve 2015, she was 14.I miss her every day and still call out her name. I will neverhave another dog like her. She was a very special friend.

rememberingKatie Hearing dog to Barry Foster fromWinchester, Hampshire

I lost my beloved Katie on the 25January at the age of sevenyears. She was a lovely dog. Imade so many friends throughKatie and she touched everyone she met.I miss our walks and the fun we had. Katie had such a lovelynature and was very funny at times.My life is empty without her and I miss her so much. You weremy ears Katie, they say the good die young and that wascertainly true of you. I will never forget you and you will remainwith me always my lovely Katie.

remembering SollyFormer hearing dog to Alan Adamson in Cumbria, then retired toFiona and Clive Kerfoot inNorth Yorkshire

Solly, a tiny Labrador crossChihuahua, was born in 1999and donated to Hearing Dogsat the dawn of the newmillennium. Jet black, withYoda-like ears and tips ofwhite on her toes and tum;she was a funny little thingto look at, but was blessedwith the softest coat and all the bestcharacteristics of both breeds. In her dotage she becamemore like a silver fox in appearance but still played with her toyslike a puppy.

Fiona says: “Solly was an amazing little dog, with a hugepersonality and the softest, silkiest of fur on her head. When mylate father’s health was failing and we would take Solly to visithim in the nursing home, he was always so pleased to see her.‘Is that my little dog?’ he’d ask. His hearing dogs had all madesuch a difference to his life, first Abbé, then Jazz, and finallySolly – who in my eyes was the sweetest of them all. We do somiss her.”

Book of remembranceTo remember your loved one in our Book of Remembrance

please contact Jane Albin on 01844 348148 (voice and minicom) or email

jane.albin@hearingdogs.org.uk

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The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9NST 01844 348100 (voice and minicom) F 01844 348101 E info@hearingdogs.org.ukwww.hearingdogs.org.uk

Registered charity in England and Wales no. 293358 and in Scotland no. SC040486 • Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal