Anyone who visits our Tonbridge campuses regularly, has most probably encountered Scamp, a seven-year-old working/show cocker spaniel and a certified ‘Hearing Dog for Deaf People’ for Early Years student Amelia Price.
In fact recently Early Years students held a fundraising event to raise money for the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Here Amelia tells us about Scamp’s daily routine, answers some frequently asked questions and talks how he's making a paw-sitive impact on campus life!
Scamp is my “Hearing Dog for Deaf People”. He is a seven-year-old working/show cocker spaniel and has completed rigorous training and assessments before being matched with a recipient (that’s me).
For those of you who have not come across me, my name is Amelia Price and I’m a student within the College.
I have worn hearing aids in both ears for 15 years and although I cope well when wearing them, when removed I hear very little (sometimes that is a blessing!). Things like hearing the doorbell, the alarm clock, the smoke alarm and the cooker timer all become an issue for me. Hence, my decision to apply for a “Hearing Dog”.
At home Scamp alerts me when the doorbell rings, wakes me up in the morning when the alarm clock goes off and lets me know when the cooker timer chimes (no more burnt offerings – hopefully!).
As a registered assistive dog Scamp is permitted to come to college with me (although apart from alerting me if the Fire Alarm goes off, he has no other “work” to do within the College).
He is also permitted (as long as he is wearing his working coat and lead) to enter many other establishments that dogs are often omitted from entering eg shops, restaurants, pubs, council buildings, schools etc. Basically, wherever I go, he goes.
Sometimes people are a little uncertain about what they should or should not do with regard to assistive dogs (Guide Dogs being the most commonly known type). The reality is that you should barely notice Scamp, since he has been trained to lie quietly whilst I get on with my work.
Here are some answers to some questions that students and staff have asked me during the time that Scamp has been trotting around the college.
I hope you find the information interesting and informative but please don’t hesitate to approach me with any questions you may still have. I will always try my utmost to be as open and honest as possible.
Can I talk to Scamp?
Like all dogs, Scamp adores attention and unless I am rushing to be somewhere (usually either being late for a meeting or in desperate need of the loo) the answer undoubtedly will be ‘yes’. I’d much rather he was made to feel welcome in the College as opposed to being ignored.
I am trying very hard to ensure he does not jump up at people as I am mindful that not all people like dogs and I don’t want him to be responsible for dirtying work clothes or ripping tights.
Therefore, my only ask of people is that if he does jump up, please ignore him until he has his four paws firmly planted on the ground again.
Where does he stay during the day?
Scamp has a bed and bowl of water next to my desk. However, you will often see him trotting happily alongside me as I take him everywhere with me (yes – even the loo).
During the time he has been in College he has visited classrooms, lecture theatres, Café bar, libraries, admin offices, finance.
Can I feed him?
Definitely not! Do you know how tubby he would soon become if I allowed everyone who asked to feed him, to do so?
On a more serious note, hearing dogs are fed a very carefully balanced diet and extras or titbits will affect both their health and the way they work. I would also recommend you keep your own food, sandwiches etc well out of temptation’s way!
Can I play with him?
Scamp is trained to lie down quietly where he is placed, and it would be a great help to me if you didn’t encourage him to run around the workplace.
When does he go out?
Early morning he has a two mile walk and I take Scamp out a couple of times during the day for around five minutes each time and you will often find me during that time on the grassy area at the back of the College. I also walk him for an hour prior to coming to work and again for an hour in the evening.
Rest assured he gets lots of exercise and on the days I am not working (I only work three days each week) and at the weekends he gets long off-the-lead walks around country parks.
Who looks after Scamp?
Caring for Scamp is my responsibility. He is taken to the vet for a health check every month and is routinely wormed and vaccinated.
I groom him on a daily basis to keep him clean and to try and reduce the number of hairs he sheds. He is fed at home twice a day (morning and evening) and it is my responsibility to supply lunch, ensure that he has a plentiful supply of water available to him whilst he is in College.
What happens if Scamp misbehaves?
As his owner applying appropriate discipline is my responsibility. There is no reason for staff or students to put up with disruption caused by his misbehaving. If a problem occurs, please let me know as I am very keen to ensure that he isn’t a nuisance.
Generally speaking, Scamp’s behaviour and manners are exemplary (a bit like my own) but that said, we can all have the odd off moment.
Does someone check on Scamp’s ‘work’?
Scamp and I are visited regularly by the Hearing Dog Instructor. He checks his sound skills to ensure that all is well.
He also made several visits to the College to offer support and advice, and this will continue now on a yearly basis.
North Kent College is set across four campuses at Dartford, Gravesend, Hadlow and Tonbridge, Students benefit from a range of state-of-the-art facilities including the highly acclaimed Miskin Theatre, the National Maritime Training Centre and a ‘concept orchard and vineyard’ that utilises AI technology and robotic fruit picking.
Many facilities across North Kent College’s campuses are open to the public and include a theatre, professional standard restaurants, hair salons and spa and beauty facilities that include sauna and steam rooms.
If you are interested in studying at the College there are a series of Open Events coming up in February. Visit the North Kent College events page or the Hadlow College events page for more details.