Trained pooch becomes ears for Kiwi kid

Tom Wilkinson uses hearing dog Albert to help him navigate the world.

Trained pooch Albert is Tom's new hearing guide

Like thousands of other Kiwi kids, Tom Wilkinson loves his dog to bits. But the bond between the 5-year-old New Plymouth boy and his cherished four-legged companion, Albert, is more than regular puppy love.

The 15-month-old Cavoodle is providing another set of ears for Tom, who was born with profound hearing loss. The pair were teamed up by Hearing Dogs New Zealand and Tom is the first New Zealander under 18 to be issued one of the highly-trained pooches.

A cochlear implant has since provided Tom - diagnosed with hearing loss at just 13 months - with limited hearing. But because he isn't able to safely wear the implant at all times, including while showering, he can't always hear warning sounds like smoke alarms.

Tom's mother, Jo Wilkinson, said having Albert around had provided her with greater peace of mind.

"Because Tom cannot wear his implant all the time, it means his safety and wellbeing is reliant on having a pair of eyes and ears on him at all times, which is obviously quite a task," she said.

"By having Albert, it means he will help alert Tom - and other people - if there is a situation which comes up, even something as simple as the telephone ringing."

Albert is one of 56 hearing dogs who are providing an extra set of ears to hearing impaired Kiwis.

Jo said her son and Albert had developed "a very cute bond. It's a long-term thing and it means that down the line we will be able to relax when Tom is not with us. For that we are very grateful", she said.

"For a 5-year-old, having a dog is a huge responsibility, but Tom is taking it all very seriously."

Albert is one of 56 hearing dogs who are providing an extra set of ears to hearing impaired New Zealanders. Each dog costs about $16,000 to train.

More New Zealanders are set to benefit from the charity after it received a $30,000 grant from Jetstar's Flying Start programme.

The airline's initiative allows community groups and organisations to apply for much-needed grants, made up of $15,000 cash and $15,000 travel, to fund a project that will enrich the lives of people in their local community.

Clare McLaughlin, general manager of Hearing Dogs NZ, said it was hoped Tom and Albert's partnership would open up more opportunities for those under 18.