Lions Hearing Dog a life-changer
A special gift from the Redcliffe Central Lions Club has changed Elaine Farrell’s life.
The Clontarf resident has received a Lions Hearing Dog and already she and Peppi have forged a strong bond.
Elaine has a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other, and specially trained Peppi will help her hear sounds she might otherwise miss.
“He’s making a big difference to my life,” Elaine says.
“I’ve already taken him on the bus – it’s wonderful to have him around.”
Lions Hearing Dogs trainer Lauren Dolman says Peppi will alert Elaine to various sounds around her home such as knocks on her door or a smoke alarm sounding.
Special signals
“Peppi physically touches her and takes her to the sound,” Lauren says.
“If it’s the smoke alarm, he touches then drops to alert her.”
Lauren says Peppi will also accompany Ms Farrell when she is out and about in the community, providing a visual clue to the people around her.
“It’s amazing how much a dog can provide visibility to someone who’s invisible.”
She says each hearing dog is a gift from Lions to the recipient.
“It wouldn’t be possible without the support from local Lions Clubs.”
Redcliffe Central Lions Club president Ted Heyes says Peppi is the third dog the club has sponsored.
“It makes a big difference to people who are hard of hearing and it certainly is a lifestyle change,” Ted says.