Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is seeking more volunteers from Southampton to help look after their new canine recruits by becoming "puppy socialisers" for the Charity.
Young potential hearing dogs spend 10 to 12 months with a volunteer family; living in their home, learning basic obedience and experiencing lots of different situations like shops, town centres and public transport. Volunteers will also attend fortnightly puppy classes in the local area. This prepares the puppy for its next stage of advanced soundwork training at one of Hearing Dogs’ centres.
There are currently 25 dedicated volunteer socialisers in Hampshire but they still need another 10 in the Southampton area specifically. Lucy Orr from Romsey has been socialising for two years now and is currently looking after six-month-old golden retriever x cocker spaniel Hans. She says: "Socialising suits us as we have young children and Hearing Dogs are keen that the dogs get used to children while they grow up. It means we can have a dog in our home without the commitment of owning one long term. All our expenses for the dog are paid for and the dog can also go to a holiday boarder if we want to go away. Socially it’s great as you meet all the other volunteers at puppy classes and people are always stopping you in the street to ask how your pup is getting along". Lucy adds: "The extra bonus is the knowledge you’re doing something that makes such a difference to a deaf person’s life."
If you live in the Southampton area and would like more information, go to www.hearingdogs.org.uk or tel: 018 4434 8129 (voice and minicom) or puppy@hearingdogs.org.uk