Siamese feline bestowed the title of 'primary cat tester' for securing a position aiding in the training of hearing dogs.
In High Wycombe, UK, a unique collaboration is taking place at the training hub of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. A Siamese cat named Frank has taken on the role of 'chief cat tester', helping the organisation determine if their hearing dogs can live harmoniously with cat owners.
Frank's days are spent interacting with trainee dogs, often through a glass door, during training sessions. His behaviour during these interactions can provide valuable insights into how the dogs react to cats. If a dog barks, backs away, or shows excessive interest, it may indicate that they are not suitable to live with a cat parent.
Frank's friend, trainee puppy Kasper, is one of the dogs he interacts with regularly. The organisation's trainers suggest that other hearing dog puppies visit Frank to see if they could be matched with a deaf partner who already has a pet cat.
Frank's body language is carefully observed to determine if a dog is comfortable around him. His work plays a crucial role in the training process, providing valuable insights into dogs and cats living together.
Frank's involvement in training began by accident when Shute, a volunteer, brought a cockapoo puppy named Gizmo for a session. The idea of using Frank to evaluate how training dogs react to cats was proposed by one of his trainers, and it quickly became an integral part of the training process.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to recognize sounds like smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby monitors. Frank's work helps the organisation ensure that their dogs can live safely and comfortably with cat owners. After each training session, Frank is rewarded with roast chicken pieces, a treat he enjoys immensely.
Rachel Broadley, a dog training instructor at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People's Buckinghamshire training hub, stated that Frank is a valuable addition to their team. His unique role has earned him the title of 'chief cat tester'.
Despite being a cat, Frank's interactions with Gizmo showed that he could live harmoniously with dogs. Frank and Gizmo ate, slept, and played together, providing a heartwarming example of inter-species friendship.
While Frank's story may seem unusual, it highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a dog's potential living environment, including the presence of cats. Frank's work continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that Hearing Dogs for Deaf People places the right dogs with the right families, ensuring a happy and harmonious life for all involved.
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