Celebrities gather for Hearing Dogs Awards
Ashleigh and Pudsey with a Hearing Dog puppy.
A host of stars and cute puppies gathered in Marylebone on Wednesday evening (4 November) to celebrate the unbreakable bond between deaf people and their dogs.
Hosted by Dame Esther Rantzen, the annual Hearing Dogs Awards recognise heroic hearing dogs and some of the life-changing partnerships that exist across the UK.
The event was attended by some of the most outstanding faces from the world of show business - including Stephanie Beacham, Meg Mathews, Anita Dobson and doggy duo Ashley and Pudsey.
The Life-Changing Partnership of the Year Award went to Anne Pickett and her miniature poodle Tegan.
Following surgery to remove a brain tumour, Anne was left completely deaf in one ear. Feeling lonely and isolated, Anne gradually lost her confidence and withdrew from the outside world. She stopped leaving the house alone, and her husband, Malcolm, took early retirement to become her carer.
However, everything changed for Anne and Malcom, with the arrival of poodle Tegan. Anne said: "My hearing dog Tegan has opened up a whole new world for both of us. The confidence I used to have has returned in leaps and bounds, as so many people stop to talk to me about my hearing dog and how she helps me. In the words of my husband - 'Tegan has returned you to the woman you used to be before the surgery."
Other worthy winners on the night included hearing dog Joe, who saved his deaf owner from a robber, and Anne Pollock who won an award in recognition of her 18 years as a Hearing Dogs volunteer.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
