High Wycombe care home visited by national hearing dog charity

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national charity based just outside High Wycombe, trains dogs to alert people to important and life-saving sounds, such as a smoke alarm, an over timer and alarm clocks.

The charity visited Ryeview Manor Care Home in High Wycombe, who have sponsored hearing dog Tyson the cocker spaniel, and spent time with the residents.

During the visit, the residents got to meet four hearing dogs in training – Doris the miniature poodle, Toby the cocker spaniel, Echo the cookerpoo and Berry the labrador.

David Robson, a spokesman for Hearing Dogs, said: “We’re a very dog friendly venue so visitors will often get to meet a variety of dogs, however our hearing dogs are usually busy learning during the day so aren’t ordinarily available for people to meet.

“We knew that Ryeview Manor’s residents regularly visit our restaurant as part of their social activities programme, and we wanted to arrange for them to have a special meet and greet with some of our dogs in training to make their latest visit extra special.

“Not only do our highly trained hearing dogs alert deaf people to important sounds but they also provide love and companionship. This is incredibly important as the majority of people who come to us for help have struggled with feelings of isolation.”

Jeannette White, Engagement Lead at Ryeview Manor Care Home, said: ““Dogs are very therapeutic and there are lots of known benefits, both psychologically and physically, to spending time with them, so we were delighted when Hearing Dogs offered for our residents to meet some of their dogs-in-training during our latest visit to their restaurant and gift shop.

“The Grange was recommended to me by a family member of one of our residents, who is a regular visitor. Since then we’ve visited with a group of our residents every week. The social factor and friendly, relaxed environment are particularly beneficial to our residents.”