Sam & Cara After the completion of our pilot programme, Companion Dogs for Children was rolled out this year and Samantha Sides was our first recipient. Based in Auckland, the 13-year-old has moderate to severe hearing loss (unaided). She relies on bone-anchored hearing aids to increase her hearing somewhat but is still unable to hear high-frequency sounds. It was Samantha’s Nana who heard about the Hearing Dogs Companion Dogs for Children programme. Their previous dog had passed away two years ago, and Samantha had kept asking for a new dog.

Cara was placed with Samantha in September and the pair formed a firm fast bond. “In fact,” says Karyn (Sam’s mother), “Samantha and Cara have bonded so well that Cara whines everyday when Samantha walks through the school gate. And now I am taking treats to school to reward Cara for ‘staying’ and remaining calm while Sam walks away to her classroom.”

One of the best things about getting Cara has been the increased interaction with her peers that Cara’s presence has initiated. As Karyn says: “She regularly gets mobbed by other kids when she arrives with Cara in the morning and gets to tell them all about Cara. This is helping Samantha with her verbal communication and is giving her a subject to talk about with her peers.”

Cara is really well behaved and enjoys her training. She gives

Samantha someone to talk to and spend time with, as well as giving her additional responsibility that she can feel proud of,” explains Karyn. “Cara has definitely settled in with us. She wakes Sam up every morning by leaping onto her bed and licking her face. Their favourite things are to play fetch and run around the house together. Samantha loves Cara and she loves Sam.”

If you know of a child who would benefit from the companionship of a hearing dog, please contact nicole@hearingdogs.org.nz.

New Hearing Dogs SpeakerIn fact, Samantha’s mother Karyn has been so inspired by Hearing Dogs and our Companion Dogs for Children programme that we are pleased to announce Karyn Froud as one of our new Auckland-based speakers.

“I was looking for ways to give back to such an excellent organisation. I am a research scientist and have a lot of experience in speaking and passing on critical information to

a wide range of audiences, and I thought it would be a good option as I have first-hand knowledge of the impact a hearing dog can have on a child with hearing loss. My main aim is to increase awareness of the benefits of companion dogs for kids with hearing difficulties.”

If you would like to book Karyn for an upcoming event, club meeting or special assembly, please contact nicole@hearingdogs.org.nz.

DECEMBER 2017

Listen Up is the official newsletter of Hearing Dogs NZ Charitable Trustinfo@hearingdogs.org.nz www.hearingdogs.org.nz

2017 has been another busy year with some exciting changes and great progress made. We have four dogs in training, several dogs that will be placed with their new owners in time for Christmas, and seven pups that are in a socialisation programme until they’re ready for their formal training. With some new staff, and our Companion Dogs for Children programme successfully rolling out this year, we are well-placed to provide the community with even more life-changing hearing dogs than ever before. We can’t do it without your help though, so please consider sponsoring a trainee dog or making a donation. See your website www.hearingdogs.org.nz for ways in which you can help.

Jorja & MaggieStumbling across an article about Hearing Dogs on Facebook was the start of Megan Steele’s journey to obtaining a companion dog for her profoundly deaf 13-year-old daughter Jorja. Megan knew that having her own dog would not only be a confidence booster for Jorja, but also offer her security, unconditional love and companionship.

Maggie has only been with the family for a few weeks, but to them, it feels as though she’s always been part of the family. “Maggie loves being around people. She is very calm and gentle, and is very loyal to Jorja.

New Staff - Nicole SegarNicole Segar commenced as CEO with Hearing Dogs in September this year, and has since introduced a number of changes within the organisation, including moving the Head Office to Auckland where some of our administration staff were already based. These changes have enabled the New Plymouth Training Centre to concentrate on sourcing, training and placing more Hearing Dogs (both Jacketed and Child Companion dogs) into the community. Other new initiatives and additional strategic development being introduced relates to the Child Companion programme which commenced its pilot back in 2015. “This has been a successful pilot that we are now in the process of rolling out nationally. Currently, there are three Child Companion Dogs in the country and the waiting list is growing,” Nicole explains.

Nicole’s background is in business improvement, marketing, loyalty, strategy and project management. She has been involved in management, loyalty and marketing for the past 20 years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge to the Hearing Dogs organisation. Her strategic work has received the International Colloquy award 2012 for Innovation in Retail, along with numerous other awards including the NZ Marketing Association Grand Prix marketing

award, plus gold awards over the preceding years for strategic vision, information systems and data management.

Nicole’s main goals for Hearing Dogs are: to create greater awareness in the community of this fantastic charity; increase the number of Jacketed and Child Companion Dogs that go through our training centre; and reduce time on the waiting list for recipients. In order to achieve these goals, funding is a key priority to ensure we have the required infrastructure, staff, volunteers and, of course, puppies.

“With Hearing Dogs being a charitable organisation, and the fact that we do not receive any government funding, we rely on the generosity of businesses and personal donations to help us achieve our goals,” says Nicole. “The more dogs we can train, the more we can give back to the community and help make a positive change in people’s lives.”

New Staff - Rob AllenOur latest recruit is Rob Allen, dog trainer at the New Plymouth Training Centre.

Head OfficeUnit 2, 106 Bush Road, AlbanyPO Box 300329, Albany, Auckland 0752 Phone: 09 917 4160

Key Roles at Head OfficeGill Winter: Commercial Manager (gill@hearingdogs.org.nz)Jacqui Cameron: Grants and Office Manager (jacqui@hearingdogs.org.nz)Nicole Segar: CEO (nicole@hearingdogs.org.nz)

“We were thinking of getting a dog as a family pet, but this has been a much better option as Jorja has really stepped up in regards to taking responsibility for Maggie. This may not have happened if the dog wasn’t specifically for her.”

As well as Maggie giving Jorja the opportunity to be responsible for something other than herself, Megan also says, “Maggie has made Jorja happier through the enjoyment of being with her and doing things together like going for walks and snuggling up together to watch TV. Jorja signs “I love you” to Maggie every morning before she walks out the door to go to school.”

MURPHY Is a Maltese cross Shih Tzu and is full of mischief and fun. He is small with a big personality and will be placed with his recipient very soon.

ALFIE Little Alfie is a Schnauzer cross, sourced from a Rescue Centre and is just 6 weeks into his training. He is always so happy and joyful, a delight to have here with us.

BILLYBilly is one very handsome Shih Tzu cross Poodle. With gorgeous fur and stunning eyes, he has lots of admirers all over town.

GEMThe newest recruit to the programme and the only girl at the moment. A very smart and confident Bichon Frise cross Shih Tzu who seems to be coping well amongst the boys.

Dogs in TrainingMeet our trainees and learn about their special personalities

1

2

5

3

6

4

7

SOCIALITES Here are our 7 new adorable puppies that are being socialised until they are old enough to be trained.

Photo credit for photos

Karla, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Shadow, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Ashby, a Bichon Frise cross Cavoodle.

Cooper, a Cavoodle.

Rigby, a Cavoodle cross

Sidney Silky.

Elsa, a Cavoodle cross Toy Poodle.

Dee, a Bichon Frise cross Shih Tzu.

2

4

7

1

3

65

Thank You!

Yes, I would like to purchase Kiwi and Roo books.A perfect gift for young kiwi kids, these books by Bruce Newcomb are a great addition to any bookshelf! Only $16 each

Thank you!Thank you so much for your help...

We receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of the public,

sponsors and volunteers like you.

Yes, I would like to sponsor a puppy Please send an application pack to:

Name:

Address:

Email:

Postcode:

Yes, I would like to make a donation:

Amount:

Yes, I would like to purchase a Kiwi and Roo Book - $16 each

Quantity: Amount:

Total amount

Direct Debit: HD Bank Account # 12 3026 0086096 00

Cheque enclosed (Please make cheques payable to Hearing Dogs NZ)

Or please debit my credit card

Visa Mastercard

Card No.

Name: Expiry: /

Signature:

Donations of $5 or more are tax deductible. Receipts will be sent upon request.

$

$

$

Tick for receipt:

(a contribution towards postage is appreciated)

Can you help?Sponsors

Head Office: Unit 2 106 Bush Road, Albany | PO Box 300329, Albany, Auckland 0752 | Phone: 09 917 4160Training Centre: 7 Hydro Road, New Plymouth

B

S

T

E

L

E

N

A

R