Capalaba hearing impaired resident Andrew Bell received a life-changing gift from the Capalaba Lions Club recently a hearing dog named Otis.
When Otis, the pug-chihuahua cross, was handed over to Andrew, the new owner said he could not be happier.
He said he felt a lot more competent now he had the dog.
A hearing dog goes through eight months of training and is valued at $30,000 when the training is over.
Australian Lions Hearing dog trainer Darren Coldwell said hearing dogs learnt a range of household sounds, including a baby crying, door bell, door knock, telephone, mobile text, microwave, oven timer, smoke alarm, and others.
Hearing dogs, trained in Adelaide by Australian Lions Hearing dog program, have the same access rights as guide dogs.
