1. What’s your role?
As a Supply and Applications Evaluator I have three main responsibilities. The first part of my job involves the supply of puppies and dogs. This involves travelling all over the country to the homes of families with unwanted pets, to breeder’s homes and to rescue centres.
The dogs that are selected must be healthy and confident and must fit our criteria in terms of breed (Labradors, Golden retrievers, English Cocker Spaniels, Miniature poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) and age (up to 10 weeks or from one to three years).
The second area involves assessing the dogs with their trainers towards the end of their advanced training period. This is to ensure that the dogs that are matched to our deaf recipients are of a high standard, in terms of both obedience and temperament.
The third part of my job involves interviewing and assessing applicants in their homes, in their place of work and at the Charity’s headquarters. This not only enables me to ascertain their suitability and commitment level, but also gives them an insight in to what life with a hearing dog will be like.
2. What motivated you to work here?
I was motivated by my love of animals and particularly dogs. Whilst working as a veterinary nurse I became interested in the behaviour and training of dogs, as well as their health. I researched jobs related to this and discovered Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. It sounded like a wonderful place to work, positively transforming the lives of both deaf people and the dogs that are trained to work with them.
3. Tell me one thing you love about working for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People?
I’ve been at the Charity for over 10 years now, so it can’t be too bad! I love my role as a Supply and Applications Evaluator as it involves working with the dogs, the applicants and the dog donors. However, the best part for me is seeing a dog that I have selected in a successful partnership with its recipient at the end of the training period.
4. If you were a breed of dog, what would you be?
I would be a Whippet as they are gentle, sensitive and sweet natured. Like me, Whippets can be active and playful, but are content to spend much of the day resting.
5. Do you have any pets?
I have a nine-year-old Springer Spaniel called Sam (pictured above). His favourite past times are competing in flyball and agility shows, playing with a tennis ball and performing for the Charity display team (he was trained as a hearing dog initially). He also loves sleeping, like me!
6. What do you like doing outside work?
I love dancing and have attended ballet classes since I was five-years-old. I also practice yoga and am a member of an astronomical society. I love reading, listening to music and going to concerts and gigs. Oh and sleeping of course!
Find out more about our Breeding Scheme here >
