It is not quite that simple.. the British hearing dogs associations are dictatorial and not very much on the side of deaf peopel. They are selective of those that are submissive and will ignore those with an open mind..... note: Their 'trained' dogs are not allowed to bark and the are not allowed to defend their owner. That, the claim, defeats the purpose. Helloooooo.. why have a dog that doesn't give audit warning and stands by as I am being mugged?? These people are power crazy and I won't have anything to do with them!
hexie

Skynews - 6:17am UK, Saturday February 21, 2009
Frazer Maude, Sky News reporter

Deaf seven-year-old Evie Crook has a new best friend - a specially trained hearing dog.
Evie is the youngest person to get an assistance dog and her confidence is starting to skyrocket.

Since getting Gem she is sleeping in her own bed for the first time and is much more chatty, her parents say.

"I love Gem more than 10 million bags of sugar!," the youngster told Sky News.

Evie is severely deaf, and is one of 12 children taking part in a trial organised by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity.

Previously only deaf people over the age of 18 have been allowed to work with hearing dogs.
Evie, who lives in Derbyshire with mum Becky, dad Dave, and big sister Maddy, is the only one in her family with hearing difficulties.

It is a condition that can sometimes leave her feeling isolated, and was leading to more serious behavioural problems.

She suffered sleep traumas and would often wander off when in public.

But her family say that since Evie was paired up with Gem all their lives have changed immeasurably.

Becky says: "Gem trots round everywhere after Evie, it's almost like she's checking where she's going, which I know Evie is finding reassuring."

Gem is a two-year-old Labrador who originally started life as a trainee guide dog.

She has now been trained to find Evie and tell her when one of her family want her attention.

She ferries her messages from her family and friends in a purse which she carries in her mouth.

The dog also acts as an extra pair of ears when out in public or crossing the road, and can warn Evie if a smoke alarm goes off in the home.

In the past, Evie has been very reluctant to speak in front of others, but she told Sky News: "I don't get into any trouble now Gem is here and Mummy doesn't shout as much!"

::Visit Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for more information, or to see how you can vote for Evie and Gem in the Kennel Club's Friends For Life competition to be held at Crufts.

It was on the news yesterday that a 7 y-o girl, Evie Crook, who is profoundly deaf is the first youngster to have been given a Hearing Dog.. a yellow Labrador called Gem.

Gem was originally trained as a trainee guide dog (for the blind) but guess she didn't make the grades. But her basic training will be good for being with a child.

Evie is severely deaf, and is one of 12 children taking part in a trial organised by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity.

Previously only deaf people over the age of 18 have been allowed to work with hearing dogs.

Evie, who lives in Derbyshire with mum Becky, dad Dave, and big sister Maddy, is the only one in her family with hearing difficulties.

It is a condition that can sometimes leave her feeling isolated, and was leading to more serious behavioural problems.

She suffered sleep traumas and would often wander off when in public.

But her family say that since Evie was paired up with Gem all their lives have changed immeasurably.

Caro

About time they give assistance dogs to children, they need them to build confidence.
Having trained my own Hearing Dogs over several decades I know that without my dogs I would lead a hermit life, afraid to miss anything and afraid to venture outside.
I certainly wouldn't leave my frontdoor open and unlocked (during day) without my dogs.
hexie