A website based in Balfron has created a charity calendar featuring dogs from their community of dog owners.
This year, the Prize Paws 2025 calendar is raising funds for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People, a charity which supports thousands of deaf people, pairing them with dogs who become their ears and their best friend too.
Kate Bowie lives near Balfron and is the founder of Prize Paws. She was inspired by hearing dog Albert, who is featured in the calendar, and his owner Sarah Bond.
She said: “Prize Paws is all about celebrating dogs. Every year we come together to create a calendar featuring dogs from the Prize Paws community. This year our 2025 charity calendar is being sold to help raise funds for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People.
“With many wins under their belt, Albert and Sarah have become a firm favourite with all of our [online] community. I’ve always known that Albert was a hearing dog but I didn’t really think much about the impact that being profoundly deaf has on people like Sarah.”
Sarah said: “Before I had Albert, people would think I was ignorant when they spoke to me, especially when I pay for items in a shop, because they couldn’t tell I am deaf. I have even had people barge into the back of me, because I couldn’t hear them behind me. A woman once pushed her pram into the back of my legs and shouted at me in front of everyone. I was quite upset and embarrassed.”
Albert makes Sarah feel more relaxed at home by alerting her to sounds she needs to be aware of by nudging her with his nose. She is able to sleep properly, knowing that Albert will alert her to suspicious sounds by jumping on her bed, whether it’s the alarm clock, doorbell, smoke alarm or any sound that he feels she needs to be aware of.
Sarah said: “When Albert met me and my parents for the first time, he somehow knew that I am one whose life he will change, as he came to me and has never left my side. He has changed me and my life. We’ve been inseparable since the day we met. I can’t believe the difference he has made. Albert has changed my life. He has given me confidence and he makes everyone aware of my deafness. He is not just my hearing dog, he’s my best friend, my companion and my whole world.”
Kate added: “I’ve come to realise that Hearing Dogs For Deaf People are a vital support to people like Sarah. It’s such an alien concept to someone who has full capacity to hear the everyday sounds of life. It’s something we take for granted which makes it difficult to imagine what life would be like surrounded by silence. That’s why I want to raise money for the charity.”
The colourful calendar is sized 42.5cm by 30.5cm and features prize-winning dogs from the past year. It is priced at £11 (including postage) and the profits from each calendar sold will go to Hearing Dogs For Deaf People.
To purchase a charity calendar and read more about Albert and Sarah visit www.prizepaws.co.uk. To read more about the work that Hearing Dogs For Deaf People do visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk