A group of hearing dog puppies had an unforgettable encounter on Friday, 11 July, coming face-to-face with Stan, the Tyrannosaurus rex, on a visit to Oxford University Museum of Natural History with their staff trainer and volunteer dog trainers.
The unique outing was part of their training to become life-changing hearing dogs and was designed to help them get used to unusual sights and sounds – key skills they will need when supporting their deaf partners in everyday life.
It was also a reminder of the crucial role volunteers play in Hearing Dog puppies’ development. With demand for hearing dogs continuing to rise, the charity urgently needs more volunteer trainers to help care for and prepare the pups to become life-changing companions.
Visitors to the museum were delighted to see the pups confidently exploring the exhibits and posing for photos alongside towering dinosaur skeletons. The highlight of the day was a close inspection of the museum’s resident T.rex skeleton, which the dogs all took in their stride.
Neha Srivastava, Dog Training Manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said, “When our pups are accompanying their deaf partners in their everyday lives, they’ll come across lots of different sights, sounds and experiences.
To make sure they feel relaxed and comfortable in a range of different settings, whether that’s a crowded railway station, a hospital, or even a museum full of dinosaurs, we organise visits such as today’s as part of their training.
“We are so grateful to the museum team for allowing us to visit with the dogs. With all its fascinating exhibits, it’s the perfect place for the dogs to practice staying calm, focused and confident no matter what’s around them.”
Ellie Talbot, Visitor Experience Manager at the museum, said, “It’s been brilliant seeing the puppies in the museum today, and to be able to support the training for their important work. They seemed unfazed by their encounter with our dinosaurs!
“We really value collaboration with organisations such as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, as part of our aim to make the Museum of Natural History accessible to all. We welcome people with all access needs, with detailed accessibility information on our website, and our friendly Visitor Experience team are on hand to support whenever needed.”
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has an urgent need for volunteer puppy trainers in Oxfordshire.
