Growing up deaf was tough for Sue. But as a single mum, life was even harder. Not only did she need to cope with the practical and emotional impact on her own life, she had to deal with the pressures and responsibilities her deafness placed on her young sons.
“They knew from a very early age that their mummy couldn't hear,” says Sue. “They talked to people on the phone when I struggled to understand. I relied on them tremendously. All that stopped when they went to school, leaving me isolated in this very quiet world.”
Then last year, hearing dog Jasmine came along and turned the family’s life around.
Where once she’d be worried to venture out on her own, with Jasmine by her side, Sue can now lead a more independent and fulfilled life. Not only that, but knowing Jasmine is there for their mum has given her sons the freedom most teenagers take for granted.
Hearing dogs like Jasmine really do change lives, and as Sue’s story shows, the difference they make can reach much further than their deaf recipient.
We want to train more special dogs like Jasmine, so that more deaf people and their families can enjoy the independence, confidence and companionship they bring.
The care and training of a hearing dog takes time, expertise and money. With no government funding, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help us train more hearing dogs to meet the growing demand.
This Christmas, will you help us transform the life of more deaf people by making a donation to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People? With your support, we can help deaf people and their families overcome the isolation, insecurity and lack of independence deafness so often brings.
Please, consider giving a Christmas gift today to help more people lead a happier and more fulfilled life.
With heartfelt thanks for your kind support and very best wishes for the festive season.
Allegra Scott
Head of Fundraising
See Sue’s story first-hand in this short video
