Lions hearing dog Kim

Lions Clubs International

A dog that was destined to be put down was instead trained to be an attentive hearing assistance dog for a woman in need thanks to funding from the Ingleburn Lions Club

Pooch happy to hear for those who can't

BY ALEXANDRA PLEFFER

29 Aug, 2012 12:00 AM



A listening ear: Lions hearing dog Kim with her new owner Yvonne Shoolman. Picture: Jeff de Pasquale

FOUR-YEAR-OLD Kim lets her owner know when the doorbell rings, when the oven timer goes off and when the smoke alarm sounds.

But not long ago she was just another abandoned pet on death row.

The hearing dog was funded by the Ingleburn Lions Club to help Yvonne Shoolman around the house and to potentially save her life.

"This is the second dog that we've sponsored," club member Laurie Dickenson said.

"They get all their dogs from the dog shelters that would normally be put down.

"The institution is in South Australia so the trainer has to bring the dog up to Sydney on a plane."

When a timer or doorbell goes off, Kim will check the sound, nudge Mrs Shoolman and then lead her owner to the source of the sound.

In the case of a smoke alarm, Kim is trained to get Mrs Shoolman's attention and then drop to the floor.

"Kim arrived here to help me hear the fax phone ringing, a smoke alarm sound, a door bell ringing or a knock on the door, alarm clock sounds and microwave sounds," Mrs Shoolman said.

"I thank the Lions Hearing Dogs and Ingleburn Lions Club for helping me and Kim so much."

Kim is trained by Lions volunteers three times a week and will be re-evaluated when her training is finished to see if she is a good match for Mrs Shoolman.

She's been in her new home for about four weeks and has another three months of training to go.

To donate to the Lions Hearing Dogs or to buy a $10 calendar to support the program, phone 08 8388 7836 or email:  hearingdogs@picknowl.com.au.