Case studies

Tracy Lewis and Budgie

Tracy Lewis has been profoundly deaf since birth. In May 2002 her life was to change completely owing to the arrival of a tiny mongrel called Budgie. This is how Tracy describes life with Budgie in her own words:-

"The year 2002 will always stay with me as one of the most important years of my life it was the year something truly wonderful happened sparking the start of an amazing journey which has changed my life for ever, it was the year Budgie my Hearing Dog entered it from that very moment I became equal,  I became me that is really something when you have spent so long trying to fit in pretending to be someone your not, I had created a prison for myself, at times I was confused, isolated and hating who I was.

"Budgie changed that, he became my ears, mentor and special friend he brought with him light that shone through to the darkest corners of my life, sense to my moments of confusion, awareness to my isolation he was the key to my prison within and the day I met him I was finally set me free to find my own identity.

"Budgie has enriched my life in so many ways with his huge character, zest for life and his work, this small dog has enabled me to live alone be independent, feel safe and secure, to be an active part of the world around me, he gives me confidence to grasp opportunities that come my way, he has given me strength and courage making me a stronger person, to get out in front rather than hide at the back, he has taught me to break down barriers, to speak up, to challenge not just for us but for others too and to hold my head high.

"Budgie when wearing his Burgundy Hearing coat really raises awareness that I am Deaf, no more trolley knocks while shopping or being stranded due to not hearing tannoy announcements while travelling – Once when flying home from Isle of Man our flight was delayed so we went outside then the delay became much shorter but a lady came out as it had been announced we were able to board and that it was Budgie’s coat that had prompted her to come looking for us as she knew I would not have heard.

"Budgie accompanies me to work – Supporting people recovering from Substance Misuse back into training / employment he is a much valued team member and works hard around the office alerting me to  the fax, Telephone, mobiles and “call Tracy” when needed the Fire siren oh not forgetting the lunchtime microwave! he helps me greatly with confidence, raising awareness and understanding when out meeting agencies and clients having him there encourages easier communication, eye contact and that little extra effort as well as being a good ice breaker as everyone always comments how good and cute he is!

"Budgie has many talents not only is he my Hearing Dog and best friend he has his own social life which he loves, doing mini agility, being part of the display team and obedience training he recently passed his Gold Good Citizen Award and now proudly enjoys being demo dog to others in his class like a true Star he aims for the top in everything he does.

"Budgie has really proved his amazing character, resilient nature, his devotion to me and his work, especially over the last 6 months as they have been very difficult, losing a very special friend, a really important part of our lives and my inspiration to have a Hearing dog, as well as him having an operation and to top it recovering from injuries, but throughout it all his fighting spirit has shone through, like everything we tackle we have come through it together as one!

"Budgie and I have been together almost 5 years now even I cant believe how quick it has gone and what we have achieved our partnership goes from strength to strength, our bond unbreakable, our trust in each other un measurable, the feelings I have when he is by my side so obvious to see as he makes me glow from the inside out but the biggest gift Budgie has given me is I now like who I am and am proud to be Me.

"The impact a Hearing Dog has on a Deaf persons life is truly WOW, alerting someone to sounds is just the beginning as their wonders really go deep, putting it into words does it no justice – See a partnership and the bond shared only then you might just start to imagine that impact and truly see what Budgie has done."