Hearing dogs come to Trafford Centre for Deaf Awareness Week

Shoppers at Manchester Trafford Centre on Thursday, 8 May, are in for a paw-some treat, as at least 20 adorable hearing dogs and puppies-in-training will be strutting their stuff through the iconic shopping destination.

Easily recognisable by their signature burgundy jackets, the clever pups are on a Deaf Awareness Week mission to encourage local dog lovers to join the charity as volunteer dog trainers, helping to transform the lives of deaf people.

The dogs will begin their stroll across the shopping centre at 10:30 am outside John Lewis, and there will be plenty of opportunities for the public to meet the dogs and chat with the charity’s friendly team of volunteers. The Hearing Dogs Volunteering team will also be in the lower mall outside Superdrug throughout the day, where visitors can learn more about how to get involved.

Hearing Dogs has an urgent need for 20 more volunteer dog trainers and a further 20 volunteers to provide short-term holiday cover in the Manchester and Greater Manchester region. Volunteers play a vital role in raising and training puppies who will go on to help deaf adults and children, alerting them to vital sounds and offering constant companionship and emotional support.

The charity is also seeking people to help with fundraising events, bucket collections, and community talks, which is a perfect role for anyone who wants to help but can’t commit to dog training.

Volunteer dog trainers care for and train a puppy in their own home with the support of one of the charity’s expert staff trainers. Hearing Dogs covers all costs involved, from the moment the volunteer takes the puppy home to when they are matched with their deaf partner.

The role is perfect for local dog lovers, possibly retired, who enjoy having the company of a dog in their home but don’t want the expense or 14-year commitment of a pet dog. Volunteers should live in a home with a secure garden and have plenty of time to spare each day.

Local volunteers Brian and Chris Parsonage from Urmston know just how rewarding volunteering can be. They began training puppies for Hearing Dogs in 2019 after losing their pet dog.

“We couldn’t bear the idea of not having a dog, but didn’t want the 12-year plus commitment of a pet dog,” Brian explained.

Since then, the couple has trained three adorable Hearing Dog pups.

“Our latest pup, Hattie the Cocker Spaniel, was a superstar — she picked up everything so quickly. It was like a game to her,” Brian continued.

“The most rewarding thing about being a volunteer dog trainer is watching the dogs’ progress,” added Chris. “And because we have a friend who’s deaf, we know just how much of a difference the dogs make to a deaf person’s life.”

Brian and Chris also fundraise for Hearing Dogs by doing bucket collections, representing the charity in their local Pets at Home store, and speaking to local community groups.

Victoria Leedham, Head of Volunteering at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Our dogs do so much to help deaf people – from alerting them to life-saving sounds, to providing emotional support and making sure they never feel alone – and the hard work put in by our wonderful volunteers is absolutely integral to that.

“Anyone who volunteers for us can expect to feel like part of our family. As a volunteer dog trainer, no previous experience is necessary, and volunteers will receive lots of support and training to ensure they feel fully equipped to care for one of our dogs.”

Anyone who is not free to visit the centre on 8 May, but who would be interested in finding out more about volunteering for the charity, can email the Volunteering team at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk / 01844 348100 or find out more on the website www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer