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PARTNERSHIPS
Barry and Katie
Katie has changed my life in so many ways, she has helped me to meet and socialise with other people which means I am no longer isolated. Katie is my ears and life would be hard without her, so I will allways be grateful to Hearing Dogs for training her for me.
Mark and Kim with Erin
My name is Mark Pegg and I live with my partner Kim Harbut. We are both deaf with speech and over four years ago I placed my name on the list for a Hearing Dog. We have waited over three and half years after the first assessment. Finally we were given wonderful Erin in May 2011. She is a black cockerpoo.
It is now a year since Erin arrived and we look back and see how much she has changed both our lives; amazing! Erin is my working dog and I take her to my workplace at Southampton Police Station department. All the staff there love Erin very much and they are all now Erin's "aunties and uncles".
Erin leads a busy life style with us, as involvement with the South Hampshire Branch & on the committee arranging collection/events and Fareham Deaf Club. I also take Erin with me travelling around parts of UK working with NDCS (National Deaf Children Society) with their weekend or week residential activities. Erin works really well with the children especially with additional special needs.
Erin has given us security around our home, alerting us with her gentle bark of any sounds outside our home. Erin even alerts Kim with the doorbell and telephone sounds when I am not in the house. My favourite part of Erin's sound work is waking me up in the morning. I am always ready and waiting for her to jump up onto the bed and scrabble me awake! Kim had a fear of dogs for a long time but has now overcome that fear. She can't get enough fuss from the other Hearing Dogs!
Erin has become a big part of our lives as well as in our families. We love the attention from people with Erin and this has raised the awareness about Hearing Dogs and the deafness as individuals.
Irene and Quiffy
Quiffy is 10 years old now (January 2010) and I have had him for 9 of those years. He is an absolute joy to me, making my life fuller and easing the loneliness. He is loving and cares for Jasmine my Siamese cat who at first he did not welcome, but they now look out for each other.
I was burgled before I had Quiffy and so he does give me some comfort and protection when he barks. His hearing is so acute that he knows someone is there even before he/she reaches my gate!
I love Quiffy so very much and he shows me such affection - huge, coming from such a wee dog. Thank you Hearing Dogs for Quiffy.
Britt-Marie and Daphne
Daphne is a miniature Apricot Poodle and I was introduced to her in November 2005 at Saunderton. Was she what I expected they asked? For me it was love at first sight, so of course I said yes! Then in January 2006 I had my week's training with her and finally brought her home on the 1st of February. Training continued with the help of the blessed Claire, who had the answers to all my questions and Daphne passed her 'exam' on the 6th of June - Swedish National Day! (Britt-Marie’s home country, so most appropriate).
Daphne does what she has been trained to do. I do not need an alarm clock as I am retired but still use it for the sheer joy of having her jumping on my bed when it rings for a treat and a cuddle. She is mega affectionate and clings to my side at all times.
Ann and Perry
 Perry is a Chihuahua cross. He was born on 06 December 1999 and has been with me since October 2000 - a great birthday present!
Perry has many Labrador traits - like being lazy at times when he is comfy in his bed, and VERY fond of food! Its all very well us recipients being taught to tell our dogs to "Leave it", but when out and about on walks, Perry's nose (and eyes) are better than mine at seeking out discarded edibles ! (At least those suitable to a doggie palate!)
Update: Sadly Perry is 13 on 06 December 2012 and has now retired. I have adopt him so he will be with me as long as we can both keep going!
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