An 11-year-old Cockapoo called Beck has retired from his role as an ambassador dog for national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Alongside his North Duffield volunteers, Grahame and Jan Shally, Beck has helped raise more than £36,000 for the charity and travelled across Yorkshire spreading the word about its life-changing work. Jan and Grahame welcomed a tiny black bundle of fur into their home in November 2014, and from the beginning, Beck took to his training - especially alerting to sounds – with enthusiasm. He was also very sociable, which made him the perfect fit for the ambassador role he later stepped into.
Over the last 11 years, Beck has met thousands of people in his role as ambassador - from schoolchildren and university students to care home residents, mental health groups, supermarket shoppers and even Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s royal patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Beck has made a particularly significant impression at a primary school, where he regularly listens to children who are reluctant readers. His calm and patient nature has helped boost literacy levels - so much so that he was credited in the school’s OFSTED report for his role in improving reading outcomes. For some children, his presence has been transformative - none more so than with a little girl who is deaf and has Down’s Syndrome. When she first met Beck, she was non-verbal. Today, she can say his name, give him commands, ask questions, and - most moving of all - has started to read. Since 2015, the trio - affectionately known as Team Beck - have together given hundreds of talks to local groups, participated in countless community events, and inspired many people to support the charity’s important work.
Grahame said: “Beck has been perfect for the very important role of ambassador for the charity because of his sociable character and confidence. “He loves people, is brilliant with young children, unfazed by crowds, and always makes sure to greet every single person he meets. His demonstrations of soundwork are a highlight of our talks - whether it’s in front of a small community group or a packed school assembly. “It’s been a privilege to look after him over the last 11 years. He may have started as one in a litter of seven, but he’s turned out to be one in a million. He has championed the work of Hearing Dogs, made people smile, feel understood, and even find their voice. That’s what hearing dogs do, and as their ambassador, Beck has been one of the very best.” Gill Yeates, head of community fundraising for hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Along with Jan and Grahame, Beck has been an extraordinary ambassador for the charity over the last decade. He might be retiring, but his impact will be felt for years to come. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Team Beck for their incredible volunteering work.” Retirement will bring change - not just for Beck, but for Jan and Grahame too. Jan will continue to volunteer at the charity’s northern training centre in Bielby, and at local fundraising events, but Grahame admits that giving talks without Beck may feel too difficult, but he will continue to help the charity. Jan said: “Beck’s retirement will be a combination of long walks, more playing, the occasional squirrel chase - given half a chance - and lots of time spent with his favourite person in the world: Grahame.” To find out more about becoming a volunteer for the charity puppy trainer, visit http://hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer-puppies, or contact the volunteering team directly at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk, or by calling 01844 348129. (9-10-114 SU)
