My much-loved Elf is magic says Dorothy

Jan 23 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LITTLE Elf has proved to be a lifeline for owner Dorothy Sommerville.

The poodle/cocker spaniel cross is one of 1,400 trained dogs for deaf or hard of hearing people in the UK.

Dorothy, 70, got Elf seven years ago when she began to struggle to hear around the home.

And she says she could never be without the black cross-breed and even takes her on holiday.

Ms Sommerville, of Slaithwaite, said: “Elf has made an enormous difference to my life.

“I heard about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and made some inquiries. Somebody came to interview me to see what I needed.

“I am hard of hearing and often missed phone calls or people at the door.

“Elf helps me to hear things like the door and phone, as well as the smoke alarm and my alarm clock. She is lovely, so natural and such a great companion.”

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a charity which trains dogs to hear sounds many people often take for granted, such as the phone or door. They are also trained to hear a baby cry.

Once a dog hears any of the sounds it will seek out its owner and touch them with a paw. The owner will ask what the noise is and the dog will lead them to the source.

Hearing dogs are also trained to alert their owners about danger sounds, including carbon monoxide and burglar alarms.

Ms Sommerville asked for a non-moulting dog, as one of her 10 grandchildren suffered with allergies.

The former social worker added: “When I was going to meet Elf I did think ‘what if I don’t take to this dog?’ They did say I must tell them if I didn’t and not to feel obliged.

“But the moment Elf saw me she came and put her chin on my knee and that was it.

“I took her for a walk and she was just wonderful and has been since.”

Elf has a purple Hearing Dogs for Deaf People coat to wear in public, so she can be allowed into public places where other dogs would usually be banned.

More than 70% of the dogs are rescued animals and are trained socially before they meet their owners.

People can apply for a dog if they are hard of hearing or profoundly deaf and want more independence.

Ms Sommerville said: “I would say to people in my situation to inquire about them. I can’t imagine my life without Elf now.”

For more information visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348 100.