Leading North-West deafness charity Deafness Support Network (DSN) is celebrating the beginning of its sponsored puppy’s journey to becoming a hearing dog thanks to a fundraising initiative by the Handbridge community to help DSN reach the £10,000 target required for the life-changing training provided by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (HDfDP).
DSN also launched a competition to name the special puppy whilst funds were being generated. It was won by David Brown, who named the puppy ‘Chester’, making him a namesake for one of the charity’s offices.
David, who lives in Thornby, was born with hereditary deafness. He started learning BSL eight years ago at a nightschool, and since then has been a regular at DSN’s Deaf clubs and a strong presence within the North-West’s Deaf Community.
David said: “I am very pleased to have won the competition – it is an honour to pick the name of the dog that will become a good companion to a deaf person.
“These dogs help to avoid social isolation, which is something I sympathise with greatly.”
Chester, an English show cocker, is being trained by a socialiser from HDfDP in the New Forest to alert deaf children and adults to important household sounds and danger signals such as alarm clocks, telephones and smoke alarms by pawing or nudging.
HDfDP, which has been operating for 30 years, has created over 1,600 partnerships between dogs and deaf individuals, with over 750 currently in place.
DSN’s operations manager Gill Reeder, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to finally announce that little Chester is with us and that those who generously donated can now see his adorable picture with regular updates on our website!
“Chester’s already being praised by his socialiser for his good nature and response to training, and we can’t wait to hear more about his development.
“Hearing dogs make an invaluable difference to the lives of deaf people, providing not only independence and confidence, but comfort and companionship to people who often feel deeply isolated and detached from the world.
“These special dogs have also been known to save lives, alerting owners in potentially fatal situations.”
Gill added: “We’re hugely grateful to everyone who helped raise the money to make this possible, from those who joined us at the Arley Walk and The Cake Fairy, Dee-Sign Choir and many more individuals for their amazing fundraising efforts.
“Special thanks go out to the Handbridge community, who are continuing to support DSN and are still raising money for us and our other services.
“Little Chester’s training is going to enable him to change someone’s life for the better, and we’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring him.”
DSN will be keeping the fundraisers and public up to date with Chester’s progress through regular ‘Pupdates’, which will appear in DSN’s new monthly e-News, which can be received by signing up at http://www.dsnonline.co.uk/.
For more information on Hearing Dogs for Deaf People please visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/.
