A number of IndePet stores across Australia are partnering with Australian Lions Hearing Dogs (ALHD) for its upcoming National Hearing Dog Day.

Participating stores will be selling their iconic orange National Hearing Dog Day shoelaces and raising money for the Hearing Assistance Dog program throughout the month of April.

The stores participating are Mt Barker Pet Care Centre, Pet Land Stores Campbelltown, and Pet Zone Woodville in SA; North Lakes Pet World and Pet Destination in QLD; We Know Pets, The Pet Shop Boyz, World 4 Pets (North Richmond and Vineyard), and Macarthur Pets in NSW.

John Counihan, Owner of Mt Barker Pet Centre, said the relationship with Australian Lions Hearing Dogs began approximately 25 years ago when he was participating in an Adelaide pet expo and met the Lions Hearing Dogs representatives and was impressed by their passion and work.

“From there, I was invited up to their facility in the Adelaide Hills and became a supporter both financially and through bringing awareness to their incredible organisation. In the time since then, we have been involved in all of their PR which includes fundraisers, open days, and any other activities that help them move forward.

“In August 2019 I facilitated, with the Black Hawk Territory manager, a feeding program with their generosity, this saves the organisation many thousands of dollars every year. Through the wonderful relationship we have created together with the Lions Hearing Dogs, they have kindly placed our logo on their staff uniforms and on their main signage at the front of their facility.”

For over 40 years, ALHD has been providing Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing a set of ‘furry ears’ free of charge. In 2022, ALHD has delivered 31 Australians with a professionally trained Hearing Assistance Dog.

Counihan said the friendship between the business and the Lions Hearing Dogs team has been remarkable, and they look forward to growing the relationship into the future. They are also very excited about their health dedication program.

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