30/01/2026
Ever wondered what it’s like to make a real difference to someone’s life? 💫
Take a moment to read this heart-warming story from one of our amazing Hearing Dogs for Deaf People volunteers 🐾💛
Sharron and her husband George became volunteer puppy trainers in 2015. Since then, the couple have cared for and trained seven puppies.
As a former teacher of children with Special Education Needs (SEN), Sharron was very aware of the challenges presented to people with deafness, so Hearing Dogs was a cause close to her heart.
“Volunteering for the charity has been great in terms of making our retirement fulfilling. Retirement can be challenging when you’re suddenly left to your own devices. It’s given us structure to our day, made us more active, and given us a fantastic social life. We’ve made such good friends through Hearing Dogs.
“It’s become such an important part of our social life now. We have a WhatsApp group with other local volunteer puppy trainers and we meet up regularly for walks. We also have puppy class every week and regular home visits from our trainer.
“I’m also a speaker for the charity, which gets me out and about talking to community groups. I love talking about the charity because I think the world of it. I love seeing the look on people’s faces when I take a puppy with me to a talk!
“Of course we shed a tear when we hand the puppies back. How could you not - you have to love them. But we go into looking after each puppy with our eyes open. We know we’re doing it for an important reason.
“It’s a bit like your kids leaving home. It’s a rite of passage and you know it’s the right thing. Of course you miss them, but then you get another puppy and that makes it easier.”
Are you thinking about taking on a new challenge? Find out more about becoming a volunteer here >> https://ow.ly/cVHQ50X1qQh
