Elton is a Hearing Dogs dad!

Throughout his training, Elton has shown what a very special dog he is. He has everything in the right balance: fun and energy, with tenderness and consideration; intelligence with patience; and he’s such a healthy, handsome dog, he really turns heads.

We don’t often see such ‘superdogs’. When we do, they present an opportunity we cannot miss – to pass on their amazing genes to future life-changers.

So, as we hinted in your previous update, Elton is going to be a Hearing Dogs dad!

Elton has everything 

Claire looks after the breeding of our puppies, and is thrilled: “It’s all about temperament and health, and Elton had exactly what we were looking for.

“Health-wise, it’s a very high bar: he had to pass a lot of tests to make sure he was ‘the one’. For example, we made sure his hips, shoulders and elbows are fine, as well as his eyes, all of which can sometimes be problems for Labradors. We also did genetic screening for any possible hereditary issues.”

A home for Elton 

It gets better: Claire has also welcomed Elton into her home! So, he’s in the very best possible hands as a Hearing Dogs dad.

Claire smiles: “He settled in right away. We have a black Lab called Kacie whom he made friends with instantly. He wasn’t quite as sure around our two four-month-old kittens, but he soon got the hang of them too.”

Of course, Claire adores him. “He’s a real entertainer, and makes us laugh every day.

“We have recordable dog training buttons dotted around the house, which our dogs can nose-nudge, to make them say a word. This is just a bit of fun, so they can ‘communicate’ with us.

“Naturally Elton’s favourite is the one on the fridge that says ‘Carrot’. If you are taking too long to come down the stairs in the morning you will hear ‘Carrot! Carrot!’ being said repeatedly, as encouragement for you to get a move on!”

Future generations 

So domestic life is bliss for Elton, but what of his role as a dad for future Hearing Dogs generations? Back to Claire: “We’re already considering ‘supermums’ that will complement his stature and temperament.

“Then he’ll be a dad until he’s eight years old. As with all our dogs, he’ll have regular health checks to make sure he’s still happy and healthy. His wellbeing is our top priority. And after that? Well, he’ll continue to live with me!”

Lucky Elton! And lucky Claire.

Elton is going to help not just one, but many deaf people. If you visit our website, you’ll see plenty of stories of how Elton’s puppies could help deaf people leave behind loneliness, and embrace the life they deserve. Your support ensures many more such stories in future.

Here ends Elton’s journey. It would be wonderful if you could consider sponsoring another puppy, and come on another amazing journey with us.

However you decide, we are so very grateful for your support. From Volunteer Puppy Trainers David and Sally, Claire, Elton, and everyone at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People… thank you.