Each year, hearing dog owners have the chance to tell the public what a difference these dogs make to their lives, by nominating them for a ‘Hearing Dog of the Year’ award. There are three categories:

• Rescue Hearing Dog
• Heroic Hearing Dog
• Life-changing
Hearing Dog

Hearing dog of the year

Hearing Dog of the Year 2009

The annual Hearing Dog of the Year Awards 2009 was held at the beautiful and historic Vintners' Hall in London on 6 October. The awards celebrate the work of hearing dogs across the country, and the dogs are nominated by their deaf owners. This is the sixth year the awards have been held.

There are three categories for which working hearing dogs are nominated:

Rescue Hearing Dog: For dogs which were selected from a rescue or rehoming centre (former strays, abandoned pups or unwanted pets that were gifted in to rescue centres). The judges are looking for what makes him or her so special to their deaf owners demonstrating the dog's ability to overcome their traumatic start in life.

Heroic Hearing Dog: Any situations where the hearing dog has either saved the recipient's life or someone else's; acted above and beyond the call of duty; or potentially averted a tricky or dangerous situation.

Life-Changing Hearing Dog: This is a very personal experience for the deaf person, to think about what their life was like before they had their hearing dog and how that hearing dog has impacted on their life. Most of the entries for this category are unbelievably moving and ultimately heartwarming.