Hugo our listening dog and dog ears
Listening ears:
Hugo, our listening dog, is not a Hearing Dog for someone with hearing impairment, but if he was, his ears would probably be very useful. With a dog’s hearing being far superior to human hearing, dogs can really make a difference to the life of a deaf or hearing-impaired person.
It is thought that dogs hear about four times better than we do. The world is a noisy place for dogs, who can hear things like the bodily vibrations of termites in the walls.
Take a look at the NZ website of Hearing Dogs. Specially trained Hearing Dogs provide valuable services to deaf and hearing-impaired people in much the same way as guide dogs for blind people. In 1998, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People NZ was formally established and incorporated as a charitable trust. Hearing Dogs have the same access rights as Guide Dogs for the blind - they are allowed into all public places, including food premises.
Longest ears:
The longest ears on a dog measured 31.1 cm (12.24 in) and 34.3 cm (13.5 in) for the left and right ears, respectively, on 8 June 2010. They belong to Harbor, a Black and Tan Coonhound, who is owned by Jennifer Wert of Colorado, USA. Harbor is a seven-year-old Coonhound who weighs a healthy 40.51 kg (89.2 lb).
Deaf ears:
Floppy, folded, small, large - dogs’ ears come in many shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose - as funnels for sound.
But sad to say, from birth deafness has been reported in 85 breeds of dog, for example, Dalmatians. Older dogs can develop hearing problems as well.
University of Cincinnati researcher Pete Scheifele, also the director of UC’s Bioacoustics and Canine Audiology Clinic, is developing a hearing aid that will help dogs with acquired hearing loss.
Ears to communicate:
Dog ears are also designed to communicate. According to WebMD for pets:
Naturally held ears indicates being relaxed and comfortable
Ears flattened to head show submission or fear
Raising ears shows alertness (and they’re usually directed toward source of interest)
Up and forward ears can indicate aggression
Pulled back ears are a sign of friendliness.
Ears that move:
Can you move your ears, even at all? Dogs’ ears move independently of one another.
Dogs’ ears have at least 18 muscles work to tilt, raise and rotate these furry appendages, helping the dog identify and capture sounds from different directions.
And for most dogs, the ears can significantly enhance their facial expressions, so see if your dog is smiling or looking grumpy today!
Poorly dog ears:
Apparently, dog ear problems are the number one dog health issue.
But we don’t use our microscope to look in or treat dogs’ ears at Ear Suction Hawkes Bay, so you’ll have to take yours to the vets!
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Pet Sitting Available
Hello Everyone
Thank you for looking at my profile.
I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting.
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D.
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised.
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally.
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)
Services:
One home visit per day NZD $20
Two home visits per day NZD $25
The duties I can offer are:
*Home visits (while you are away)
*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.
*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.
*Happy to groom pets if needed.
*Happy to clean animal's habitats
*Keep a safe environment for the pets in my care.
*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.
*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs.
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.
DOG WALKING AVAILABLE WITH PET SITTING.
Need a pet sitter? Check out my profile on Pawshake: www.pawshake.co.nz...
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