BROTHER and sister Bee and Monkey are heading for a new life helping those in need as they train to be hearing dogs for deaf people.

The two hairless dogs have been donated to the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf by Michaela Spittles, 20, of Micklefield, High Wycombe, who has recently rescued their parents from a dangerous situation.

Michaela was surprised when one of the dogs she rescued gave birth to a litter of four puppies just four weeks after being rescued.

She kept one of the puppies for herself and found a home for the other, but was unable to home Monkey and Bee.

Bee was eventually found an owner and Michaela offered Monkey to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity based in Oxfordshire.

Bee was offered to the charity a little later after she was returned to Michaela from her owner who was unable to cope with her.

Michaela said: "They are both lovely dogs and I knew that hairless dogs were often used for deaf or blind people who suffered from allergies or asthma."

"Charity representatives came round and after doing a few tests said they were suitable. They are the perfect age at just eight months and we are delighted."

The charity selects and trains dogs to respond to specific sounds and alert their owners by touch. The dogs then lead their owner to the source of the sound.

Not content with just donating dogs, Michaela and the staff of Hyundai Car (UK) Ltd, where she works, organised an open day and raised £240 which they also gave to the charity.

A spokesman for the charity said: "We are always grateful for donations of any kind, be they dogs or funds, but to get both from the same source is unusual, and very welcome."

He said: "Both Monkey and Bee are doing well in their training and are assured of rewarding and stimulating lives."