Hearing Dog of the Year Awards
Date: Sunday June 8, 2008
There are three categories for the Hearing Dog of the Year Awards, which are presented annually at The Grange, Headquarters of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, in Saunderton, near Princes Risborough. On the closing date of nominations for these awards this year, I submitted one for my Hearing Dog Gypsy in the Rescue Hearing Dog category, which is for hearing dogs that started life as strays, abandoned, dumped, gifted in to rescue centres or as unwanted pets, which have gone on to be indispensable to their deaf owner.
I usually submit a story each year for these awards, and sometimes I receive a “Runner-up” or “Highly Commended” certificate, so I thought no more after submitting this year’s nomination. I simply thought it was important to let The Grange know how much Gypsy had changed my life in the 5 years since I first had her, because she just improves each year.
Gypsy was one of a dumped litter, chosen by Hearing Dogs from RSPCA Cardiff, for her alertness to sounds and friendly nature. At the age of 6 months, she went to the Beatrice Wright Training Centre in Selby, Yorkshire for training before she was partnered with me. She has since completely transformed my life, not only at home, but outdoors as well, because I am a lot more aware of sounds around me when Gypsy is at my side. She has also given me the confidence to meet people and she breaks down the communication barrier, because people realise I am deaf when they see her burgundy coat.
Gypsy has alerted me to potentially dangerous situations, and recently she alerted me to a burning iron, so I mentioned this in my latest nomination for the Rescue Hearing Dog of the Year Award. To my complete surprise, I received a letter from The Grange shortly afterwards to notify me that Gypsy had been shortlisted for the awards, and could I go to The Grange for the presentation of Awards?
On the 8th of June, my husband Cliff and I drove down to the Hearing Dogs Summer Fayre at The Grange, with Gypsy, feeling very nervous. On arrival, we were treated almost like VIPs and escorted to a tent beside the events arena, where we waited to hear the results of the awards. Esther Rantzen and BBC vet Joe Inglis presented the awards, and as Joe announced Gypsy as the winner, Cliff and I were in tears. I was just so emotional and very proud of Gypsy. As Gypsy and I went onto the arena to receive the award from Joe Inglis, my friend noticed that Gypsy was wagging her tail throughout!
As I left the arena, I was really pleased to see Gypsy’s trainer, Angie Platten, turn up to congratulate us. She also introduced me to a lady who was Gypsy’s socialiser, so I was very pleased to meet her for the first time. We were quickly escorted away with the other winners for more photos to be taken, which took up the rest of the afternoon!
I have recently received a card of congratulations from Gypsy’s sponsor, Elaine Collis from Cambridge, who was unable to attend the event, but she was absolutely thrilled that Gypsy won.
It was a truly amazing and memorable day!