Volunteer of the Month - May 2025 - Jenny Connor

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is fortunate to have a dream team of volunteer dog trainers in Devon. There’s not one singular reason this group is so special, however there’s a number of key ingredients, to which Jenny Connor - from Dawlish - has been contributing wholeheartedly since joining the Charity as a volunteer, nine years ago.

“Jenny is such a valued member of the Exeter hub” explains fellow volunteer Katie George. “Honestly, I don’t know what we’d do without her!

Without hesitation, Jenny’s always the first to step up and take on dogs at short notice. She’s also an amazing mentor to new volunteers – leading by example and exemplifying what it means to be patient, kind and dedicated to the hearing dog trainees in our care.

Jenny really stands out as a team member, always enquiring how others are getting on, and offering her assistance if required. Time spent with Jenny is incredibly valuable to me and often full of laughter! Not only do I see Jenny as volunteer colleague, but more importantly as a valued friend.”

Such is the Hearing Dogs community, where common interest often leads to genuine friendship. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s exactly the supportive and kindly group ethos that has developed in Devon.

Volunteer, Joanne Heywood, explains more about what Jenny brings to the team:

“Jenny was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable last year, when I was new to Hearing Dogs, and my first puppy Ferris was posing some challenges whilst settling in. Her patience, guidance and encouragement made such a difference to both puppy and my morale!

Whether it’s offering to help with training sessions, giving practical tips, or just being a reassuring presence, Jenny never hesitates to step in to support.

She consistently offers and gives her time and energy to others, including navigating me to a training session over the phone when I got completely lost!

Knowing that Jenny is just around the corner and happy to be there for me has made my confidence grow. As well as human support, Jenny’s love for all the dogs shines through in everything she does.”

Dog Training Instructor, Julie Clarke, could not be prouder of Jenny’s achievements:

“Since starting her volunteer journey in 2016, Jenny has successfully looked after and trained ten puppies, either ‘from the nest’ like current trainee Fern, or from adolescence right through to qualification, like Fergus.

Jenny specialises in Spaniels, Poodles and Cockerpoos, and thanks to her talent and dedication a long roll call of names from Morgan to Pixie have found their perfect role in Client Support, on the illustrious Breeding Scheme or been placed as accredited, working assistance dogs with their deaf partners.

In addition, Jenny will often provide holiday cover for puppies at short notice, alongside her present trainee, which is incredibly helpful. As is the time she gives as a ‘buddy’ to new volunteers who are learning the ropes.

And all this fitted in on top of running the family home and businesses!

Husband Dave, and sons Lewis and Josh, also deserve praise for their own involvement and patience, especially during the Covid lockdown when the Connors generously doubled up with two puppies, due to the imposed restrictions, for an unanticipatedly long time.

The whole family are a pleasure to work with, appreciated for their sense of humour and commitment to the charity, as well as being great ambassadors for Hearing Dogs when interacting with members of the public.

Even behind the scenes, Jenny goes above and beyond for the group, such as making toys and beautiful quality, matching settle mats for everyone. She is well liked, well respected, an exceptional team player, and someone whose contribution to the Hearing Dogs community extends far beyond her dog training skills.”