Volunteer of the Month - March 2023 - Pat Lownds

British summer time, and the clocks going forward end March, means only one thing… car booty season is nearly upon us!!!

Huge thanks to Pat Lownds of Staffordshire who is Hearing Dogs’ Car Boot Sale Supremo! Over the last couple of years, she’s set up a stall at Stafford Common to represent the Charity, selling unwanted items for repurpose and donations.

Canny Pat tries to catch the warm weather and dry days that bring in the most customers, however, she’s of course been drenched in the name of fundraising! Undeterred, and supported by best friend Samantha, and partner Steve who lugs the stock up and down stairs, we’re hopeful that Pat will be continuing with her unique brand of raising funds whilst helpfully clearing the lofts of fellow volunteers!

Vicky Ryan, Community Fundraising Area Manager, says: “Pat is a fabulous fundraiser who takes on the car booting world across Staffordshire in the summer months and has so far raised over £1,600 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. We’re really grateful for her hard work, as well as all the early mornings!”

Ruth Plant, Dog Training Instructor, agrees: “Over the last three years, Pat has been co-ordinating a car boot sale for Hearing Dogs, collecting items from other volunteers, storing them and going along to a local car boot sale whenever the weather is (hopefully!) nice. She has also come to bucket collections with me in the past, where Steve even gamely volunteered to wear the dog mascot suit!”

A volunteer since 2017, Hearing Dogs was so fortunate when Pat decided to donate a huge chunk of her retirement time to training hearing dogs for deaf people. Together with Steve, Pat has trained three dogs to date – Pip, Grace and Bobbie – and currently has trainee Briar at home following in their successful paw prints.

Ruth says: “Pat is wonderful! She's so kind, calm and patient. She follows instructions and really puts the time and effort in. She's dealt with some tricky dog behaviours over the years and worked through each of them with resilience. She’s known for her ability with pure Working Cocker Spaniels which is high praise indeed.”

“She also puts up with my disorganisation, never grumbles and brings such laughter and group spirit to our puppy classes and meet-ups. She was one of the first volunteers when my area started.”

Each of Pat’s trainees is a credit to her. Pip had the accolade of being picked out for the breeding scheme, Bobbie extended Pat’s skillset to advanced sound work training at which she of course excelled, and her first – Grace - is a fully qualified hearing dog working in Scotland.

Grace’s partner Pamela says: “I am so grateful for all that Pat did to help prepare Grace for me. Her ongoing friendship is valued, and I am sure Grace is the perfect hearing dog due to all the time she gave to care for her. On behalf of myself and Grace a massive thank you, plus big cuddles from Grace.”

Pat has been working through a particularly challenging separation training plan with current trainee Briar for the last couple of months, which has required daily videos and a number of restrictions. In true fashion, Pat has got on with it, no problem, no quibbles, and the results of her commitment and consistency have been almost immediate. She really is a superstar.

Canine Healthcare Advisor, James Jones, recognises the extra miles that are put in to ensure the best possible outcomes for the dogs in her care: “Pat is great to work with as she’s always cheerful, on the ball, and forthcoming with any health matters. We are currently working on getting Briar within her ideal weight range and Pat is doing a superb job of regular weigh-ins, and being vigilant with her meal and treat allowances.”

A dog lover since being brought up with sheepdogs (that her father bred and trained) we are so fortunate that Pat decided to dedicate her time to volunteering with Hearing Dogs following forty years of service in the NHS. Her career choice speaks volumes about the woman she is – caring, community minded, good natured and a giver in life. Everyone at the Charity – staff, fellow volunteers and of course our dogs - all adore her.

Fellow volunteer Christine says: “I met Pat in 2017 when, as new volunteers, we had hearing dog puppies Grace and Gordon who were from the same litter. We have formed a lovely friendship, with regular contact, and I admire her patience and enthusiasm as a puppy trainer.”

“She is a great ambassador for Hearing Dogs when she is out and about and taking part in fundraising events. Her commitment to volunteering is very admirable, particularly the very early starts on Sunday mornings while most of us are still asleep!”