Rusty is an incredibly cute little golden Spaniel. He loves chasing butterflies in the garden, adores snuggling into people’s feet, and when he sleeps, he emits little squeaks.

As you can see, he also loves staring into the distance. Perhaps he’s contemplating his future? Because his future is going to be as a hearing dog– and you can help bring this about.

If you’ve ever driven between High Wycombe and Princes Risborough, you might have spotted their signs, poking above the hedgerows, proclaiming ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’. You might also have thought to yourself “What exactly do hearing dogs do?”

It’s a valid question. Do they answer the phone? If so, do they have a great line in small talk? What hearing dogs actually do, is amazing. They utterly transform the lives of deaf people.

Deaf people can often feel isolated or lonely. This is because they have difficulty interacting with people on a day-to-day basis, which can disconnect them from friends, family, their community and the world around them. They can also feel frustrated because there can be so much they want to do, but just cannot. They want to express themselves, be independent, do all the things that others may take for granted.

Hearing dogs help with all of this. Emotionally, they are a constant companion, able to be with the deaf person all day, every day, anywhere and everywhere. Practically, they alert their deaf recipients to crucial sounds they can’t hear, such as the doorbell or fire alarm. This enables them to live life independently, free of the many frustrations and uncertainty that deafness can bring on a day-to-day basis.

They also signal to people that the recipient is deaf via their burgundy coats. As well as helping alert other people, this can actually stimulate conversation, bringing deaf people back into community life and making them feel less isolated.

So today, Rusty is a tiny puppy. But one day, he will graduate to be an immensely capable and devoted companion to a deaf person who really needs his help.

The great news is that you can sponsor Rusty throughout his training journey! For as little as £3 per month, you will receive a welcome pack, then updates throughout his training, with exclusive access to the online Hearing Dogs Puppy Pen blog for more Rusty-related cuteness. Just call Hearing Dogs for Deaf People on 01844 348 109, or visit hearingdogs.org.uk/sponsor to find out more.

You’ll help make that future that Rusty is contemplating, come true.