This week we had some special visitors from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Dave, Gilder & Bobby came down to talk to us about how dogs can help deaf people in going about their everyday life.

Bobby is a working cocker spaniel who is full of energy! He knows how to respond to cooker timers, fire alarms, alarm clocks and telephones, all things that deaf people struggle to do.

Gilder is a very clever dog who is now retired. In her prime, as well as all the essential hearing dog tricks she can perform, she was one of very few dogs in Europe who could detect a person having an epileptic fit up to 20 minutes before it occurred! Nowadays she is also going deaf herself so Bobby gives her a helping nudge when needed!

They are both now members of Pets As Therapists and go around hospitals and care homes to those who are unable to keep a dog themselves.

The Beavers had a great time petting and stroking the dogs and asking Dave lots of questions. This has now completed their Disability Awareness Badge. Thank you very much for coming Dave, Gilder & Bobby!