|
Over 20 years ago now, I was visiting Coventry. Slipping into the back of the cathedral during a service, I was blown away by the sight of hundreds of deaf people signing a hymn to the music of the organ. It was such a moving sight. I realised then that I knew nothing about the Deaf community and their language.
I was already interested in partnerships between animals and people, specifically in the Riding for the Disabled scheme, and my interests came together when I saw a fundraising stall for Hearing Dogs at the Newbury show.
I begun to raise money independently in a small way, but soon found a deaf friend and arm-twisted a few others, to form the official Oxfordshire fundraising branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
The charity (www.hearingdogs.org.uk) started in 1982, and has now grown to include two training centres (the HQ is at Princes Risborough), and to have trained nearly 1,500 dogs to assist deaf people.
The dogs work by alerting the deaf person by touch with a paw to any sounds in the home or at work that they need to be aware of. On asking 'what is it?', the dog will lead the person to the source of the sound - eg doorbell, fax machine, baby alarm, cooker timer, etc. The dog wakes the deaf person on hearing the alarm clock, and also responds to danger signals (smoke alarm, workplace alarm) by alerting the person, then lying down to indicate danger. The dogs also fetch help, or named people in the family, and pick up dropped objects.
All our dogs are ones that other people don't want. 75% of them come from rescue charities or are strays. The rest are donated. Most are mongrels, but we have all shapes and sizes, and accept dogs up to 3 years old.
We are always looking for help with our fundraising acivities in Oxfordshire, and the national charity needs volunteers to socialise puppies, and offers to donate small and medium sized dogs or puppies.
I have had lots of fun and made good friends since being involved with the charity. Also a bit of royal watching: lunch with Princess Anne, our patron, and even a visit to the Palace to meet the Queen!
There are five Assistance Dog charities in the UK: The familiar Guide Dogs for the Blind, also Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Dogs for the Disabled (based in Banbury), Canine Partners, and Support Dogs. Check out their websites and be amazed!
|
