Deaf pupils meet special little canine

HEARING dog Sian and Eileen Hosie meet deaf pupils Khiza Rehman and Joshua Wild

A CUTE canine guest was top dog when she met pupils at Hathershaw College.

Hearing dog Sian visited the Bellfield Avenue school with owner Eileen Hosie ahead of Deaf Awareness Week from May 15 to 21.

They did a meet and greet in the school foyer so students could find out more and take pictures.

Eileen then held a question-and-answer session with 12 deaf students who attend the school's Hearing Resource Centre.

The charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains and provides assistance dogs. They alert their owners to important noises such as smoke alarms, doorbells, telephones and alarm clocks.

Hathershaw already sponsors Elvis, a puppy who is being trained as a hearing dog.

Lisa McWhirter, teacher of the deaf at the school, said: "The dogs improve the confidence of their owners and help their independence.

It was wonderful for the students to hear how the dog has improved Eileen's independence and life in general."