Volunteer Hearing Dog Niven, a cocker spaniel poodle cross, has been awarded a three day stay at Devon Hotel Association member, Deer Park Country House, together with his owner, Pauline.

Niven is being rewarded alongside his owner, as part of the ‘Room to Reward’ volunteer recognition scheme, to give them both a well-deserved rest in acknowledgement of his charitable activities – going above and beyond to care for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People community.

Niven and Pauline volunteer at the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education, letting deaf students work with a hearing dog. Niven has helped Year 7 students practise reading at the school weekly since October which has been a great aid to their learning.  

‘Room to Reward’ gives ‘hidden heroes’ and volunteers within charities hotel breaks (otherwise unoccupied rooms that are donated by hotel partners). The team at Deer Park will be rewarding their first four-legged recipient (Niven the super pup) with three days of country rambles, log-fire evenings and some gourmet doggy treat dining at the recently awarded best dog-friendly hotel. 

Recently voted as the most dog-friendly hotel in the South West at the South West Tourism Awards, the Deer Park is one of a handful of hotels in Devon offering dog-friendly holidays, with dog friendly accommodation and special treats for four legged companions.

Mark Godfrey, Managing Director of Deer Park Country House Hotel, said: “It’s great to support ‘Room to Reward’, such a great idea giving a well-deserved break to a volunteer or carer. In this instance, it’s extremely fitting as Niven is a volunteer Hearing Dog and Deer Park was awarded gold for the Dog friendly business of the year in Devon and the South West. Niven will also be treated to some goodies while he stays with us from Forthglade, natural dog food made in Devon.”

Deer Park Country House Hotel is a member of the Devon Hotels & Restaurants Association which represents more than 50 of the area’s best quality establishments.