Here we show just how special all of our hearing dogs are: "Thelma’s devotion to duty in making me aware of sounds is just great, and my confidence and quality of life is growing day by day. She has many friends in our local supermarket, and now people stop me to talk to me about her and what she can do. We have even now been on holiday: this would have been unthinkable in the past, and is all down to Thelma giving me back confidence to enjoy life again."
Chris Goard and hearing dog Thelma
Hearing Dog of the Month
Each month a dog is chosen to be 'Dog of the Month' - all of our dogs are special in so many ways. These are just a few of our hearing dogs who have provided love and support to their owners.
Choose another Hearing Dog of the Month
January 2008
Name: Kai Breed: Mongrel
Kai is a two-year-old mongrel that was specially bred by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. He is a real mixture of breeds including toy poodle and spaniel, whose inherited traits make him a very bright and biddable little dog. He was placed with severely deaf Sarah Jessiman in January 2007.
Sarah is amazed at how much Kai has enriched her life already. “I thought I had adjusted well to my hearing loss over the years, but until Kai arrived I had not realised how stressful being at home alone was. I was constantly in a state of red alert in case I missed the doorbell, phone and other sounds – which I often did. Now I have Kai to alert me to these sounds, I can relax and the difference is just wonderful for me. The sense of security Kai gives me is fantastic. Funny how you are not aware of how difficult and stressful a situation is until it’s been sorted.”
Kai has helped Sarah’s family to feel happier too, as Sarah explains: “My husband works away a lot and he now worries less about me, knowing I have this excellent little assistant. It is also easier for him to ring me now as there is no risk I will miss the call with Kai around to alert me. His favourite sound is the doorbell as he loves to meet people, and what joy for me to be able to take in my parcels from the post lady rather than have to travel across town to pick them up from the sorting office as I had missed the doorbell yet again.”
Kai’s happy and friendly nature has meant that Sarah has made a lot of friends since he has been around. “Having a beautiful happy little dog as your constant companion and helper is just such a joy. Kai is always smiling and his fan club grows daily with the people we meet when we are out. People are drawn to him and it gives me the opportunity to explain about hearing loss and how these dogs help, so he is a real ambassador for Hearing Dogs and a walking advert for what is a hidden disability. People make that extra effort to face me now when they talk to me, whereas in the past they would have been quick to give up or become annoyed. When I’m working visiting customers who have art and craft shops, I am always looking for places to walk Kai and I cannot believe I have missed out on all these wonderful parks and fellow dog walkers for years; he is a real ice breaker!”
Training Kai was a challenge for Hearing Dogs’ staff as Sarah has two very big French Lop houserabbits so he needed to be totally rabbit-friendly. All the extra work getting him used to rabbits paid off as Sarah’s bunnies are really pleased to have such a friendly dog living with them. “It’s been wonderful to watch the rabbits’ initial concern at this little dog in their territory turn into real friendship,” says Sarah. “They all say hello to each other when we arrive home!”
Even though they have not been together long, Sarah is in no doubt about Kai’s impact on her life. “Kai and I may be a new partnership, but we are very close. I cherish him and look forward to all the help and friendship I know he will bring me in the coming years. He lights up my life.”