A Hearing Dogs for Deaf People event at Manchester’s Trafford Centre on Monday (21 September) attracted strong interest from Greater Manchester dog lovers, generating several enquiries about puppy training volunteering, a confirmed volunteer application and one application for a hearing dog.
Visitors to the shopping centre were able to watch two demonstrations of hearing dogs showing how they alert to important and often life-saving sounds, such as the smoke alarm, alarm clock or mobile phone. They also watched a puppy class, witnessing adorable puppies in training navigating the sights, sounds and movement of a shopping centre.
The event, which took place outside the Vodafone store, gave shoppers the chance to meet and chat to some of the charity’s current volunteers, its staff trainers and to a deaf person with their hearing dog, as well as to discover more about the charity’s work.
Rebecca Milner, Dog Training Instructor for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Manchester, said: “The event proved really popular with Trafford Centre shoppers, especially the hearing dog demonstrations and puppy classes. Two members of the local police force even took a detour during their walk through the centre to stop for some puppy cuddles.
“We had a number of enquiries from people interested in applying to become puppy or dog trainers, and after meeting someone with a hearing dog, one young deaf man visiting the stand, decided to apply for his own dog.”
The charity urgently needs at least 14 new puppy and dog training volunteers in Greater Manchester. These volunteers will play a vital role in helping young dogs develop the skills and confidence they need before being partnered with a deaf person.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds such as alarms, doorbells and smoke alarms, helping them feel safer, more confident and connected to the world around them.
The charity also provides practical and emotional support to people affected by hearing loss through its Hearing Link services, helping people navigate the challenges that hearing loss can bring.
Anyone who was unable to come along on the day, but would be interested in finding out more about becoming a puppy training volunteer, can visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer