Hearing training for smuggled dog

Star will be introduced to new people and other animals during her training

A dog whose owner attempted to smuggle her into Essex from Holland is to be trained to help deaf people.

Star, an 11-month-old Collie cross, was quarantined after her owner tried to take her and another dog through Harwich port hidden in a car.

Following the owner's prosecution, Essex County Council launched a public appeal to raise £3,000 for the dogs' quarantine costs.

Now Star has been chosen by a national charity to work as a hearing dog.

She was seen by an assessor from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People who said she had the perfect temperament for such a role.

Jenny Moir, from Hearing Dogs, collected Star and took her from Essex to her new home with experienced volunteer puppy socialisers Val and John Corteen in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire.

'Horrendous' journey

She said: "Star has spent more than half of her life in kennels; her journey into the UK was horrendous, but despite this she is incredibly friendly.

"It was fantastic to see Star's arrival at her new home, where for the first time she will enjoy home comforts, and be gently introduced to experiences that she has so far missed out on due to her enforced confinement."

It was last summer when Star, along with a two-year-old Border Collie called Luchie, was quarantined in Stanway, Colchester.

Star has spent more than half of her life in kennels; her journey into the UK was horrendous, but despite this she is incredibly friendly Jenny Moir Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Their owner had attempted to smuggle them into the UK by hiding them in a cramped compartment inside the car.

They would have spent at least 10 hours in a dark, confined space during the journey from Holland, Essex County Council said.

The council said Luchie's future also looks bright as he is going to be found a new home by the RSPCA.

County councillor Tracey Chapman said: "I am delighted that we have been able to give both of these dogs a new lease of life, and would like to thank all of the residents who very kindly donated to our appeal."

Potential hearing dogs spend up to 10 months with a volunteer puppy socialiser.

Star will be taught basic obedience and manners before the next stage of advanced soundwork training.

If she passes the intensive training programme she will become a hearing dog, giving independence, confidence, companionship and security to a deaf person.

If she does not make the grade, then Hearing Dogs for Deap People will find her a suitable new home.