Hebe: a 'superdog' who is now a Hearing Dogs mum

Hebe is a very special little dog. Even as a puppy we could see this shining out of her: she’s so intelligent, inquisitive and friendly. These are all the traits we want in our hearing dogs, and it doesn’t often come about that we see such ‘superdogs’.

When we do, they present an opportunity we cannot miss. They become the mothers for our next generation of hearing dogs, as part of our Puppy Breeding Scheme, and pass on their amazing genes to future life-changers. So, as we suggested in your previous update, Hebe is going to become a Hearing Dogs mum!

We’re thrilled about this, as is Claire Jones, our supply team leader who runs the breeding programme. Claire tells us: “Only about five percent of our dogs become mums. It’s entirely possible she could have as many as four litters, with maybe 20 pups to help 20 deaf recipients, plus their friends, family, indeed entire communities around them. She’ll be passing on her exceptional temperament and health – and her great looks, which will help win anyone over!”

Home for Hebe

While she’s a hearing dogs mum, Hebe will live with one of our volunteers, called Fiona. She’s had plenty of experience: Hebe is her third Hearing Dogs mum, and she’s brought up seven litters of puppies for us.

“Looking after a Hearing Dogs mum is great fun”, Fiona says. “It is also extremely hard work. During her pregnancy we’ll check her health every day. Then, the new-born pups will need checking every two hours to make sure they’re fine, and we’ll weigh them daily. As they approach two months, when they go to live with volunteer puppy socialisers, we’ll have our hands full with several excited, energetic puppies that are into exploring everything and everywhere!”

It’s all worth it though. Fiona tells us: “The knowledge that these pups are going to go on to help deaf people live full, happy lives makes it an incredibly rewarding experience.”

If you go to our website and look at some of these people’s stories, you’ll see how Hebe’s puppies will help deaf people leave behind loneliness, and embrace the life they deserve. Your support means we can tell many more of these stories in future.

It’s all going great so far. Hebe settled straight in, and enjoys playing with Fiona’s granddaughters, as well as her ‘housemates’, Chilli and Ginny. Cockapoo Chilli is an Applicant Assessment and Demo Dog, which means he helps deaf applicants get used to being with dogs, and shows off his amazing skills at events. Ginny is his Cocker Spaniel mum (yes, another Hearing Dogs mum), who, having retired from breeding, also now enjoys being a Demo Dog. So, Hebe’s part of a real Hearing Dogs family!

You’ll be pleased to know that Hebe continues to enjoy tummy tickles, as she has since she was a tiny puppy! She’s also developed another funny habit, as Fiona tells us: “When going out in the garden she always grabs a toy to take with her, but never brings it back in. So, we end up with quite a collection of toys outside!”

A new story, a new life

Hebe’s story continues. It was during her training, which she completed with your support, that we just kept seeing her quality shining through. Without your help, we might have missed this wonderful opportunity to help many more deaf people than we previously thought possible. 

We cannot thank you enough for all your support. From Hebe, Fiona, puppy socialising volunteer Annette, trainer Katie, supply team leader Claire, and everyone at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – thank you.