"Budgie brings me so much security, happiness, laughter and
a real sense of self-worth. Mix all together and bake for an
hour or two and you end up with a ‘Budgie Special’. Rich in
confidence to see you through life’s challenges;
self-esteem to grab all opportunities that come your way; independence to live
alone and to live the life you choose; courage to be your own person; pride to
be proud of your successes however small; acceptance to like who you are; strength
to bounce back when the going gets tough; and the cherry on top is the chance
to be equal."
Tracy Lewis and hearing dog Budgie
Testimonials
Having a hearing dog can give life-changing independence, security and confidence to a deaf person - here are just a few case studies of hearing dog owners whose lives have been transformed by having a hearing dog.
Ian Finney and hearing dog Cinders
Cinders was rescued from a puppy farm with her siblings. She has now been with Ian Finney in Aberdeenshire since December 2007. "Cinders gives me a great deal of reassurance. It's amazing what difference one small dog can do to help with freedom, confidence and companionship."
Steve Beal and hearing dog Yogi
Yogi was found dumped in a dustbin in the Rupublic of Ireland when he was five weeks old. He has been with Steve Beal in Hampshire since June 2007. "I can never be without Yogi now; he is my ears, and my constant companion and best friend."
May Tribe and hearing dog Sparrow
Sparrow was selected by Hearing Dogs from the RSPCA in Leeds as a puppy. She was been with May Tribe in Berkshire since August 1997. "With Sparrow at my side my life has been turned around. She has raised my confidence, restored my self-esteem and helped me to make a lot of new friends."
Marika Rebicsek and hearing dog Amos
Amos came from a resuce centre and has been with Marika Rebicsek from Essex since April 2006. "Amos has helped me through the worst two years of my life. He fulfils my life. He is unique - he is much more than just a dog. He is my best mate, counsellor, hearing therapist and helpmate."
Bill Kincaid and hearing dog Jimmy
Jimmy was a former stray in the Republic of Ireland, and has been with Bill Kincaid from Essex since November 2006. "Without Jimmy my life would not be so complete. I am so very proud of him and the places we go are never-ending. Jimmy keeps me safe."
Carol Hopkins and hearing dog Tiger
Tiger was donated to Hearing Dogs when he was nine months old, and has been with Carol Hopkins from mid-Glamorgan since May 2003. "Tiger never leaves my side, night or day and is tireless in his loyalty, companionship, helper, ally, playmate and guardian roles. Tiger has turned my life around completely."
Louise Rodgers and hearing dog Dido
Dido was specially bred by Hearing Dogs and has been with Louise Rodgers from Fife since December 2004. Louise was like any ordinary 22-year-old woman when she was diagnosed with two brain tumours. The surgery to remove the tumours left Louise profoundly deaf. Over night she found herself in a silent and frightening world ...
Scott Liston and hearing dog Rory
Rory was donated to Hearing Dogs, and has been with Scott Liston from Warwickshire since May 2005. Scott says of their relationship: "Our relationship has achieved remarkable depth and understanding. The unspoken and unbroken bond is as strong as ever. I have something extraordinary with Rory as a result of all we've been through together. A dog in a million? No, far, far more than that."
Kenny Gibson and hearing dog Troy
Troy was donated to Hearing Dogs and has been with Kenny Gibson from Co. Londonderry since September 2006. Kenny has been deaf for 25 years. "Having Troy is the best thing to have happened to me and it has given me a new lease of life. He has been life-changing to me."
Evie Crook and team hearing dog Gem
Seven-year-old Evie Crook is the youngest recipient to date of a hearing dog specially trained to help a deaf child. Evie is severely deaf, and has had Gem for a few months. She lives with her older sister, Maddy, who is hearing, and her parents Dave and Becky who are also both hearing...
Mel Smith and hearing dog Keri
"My beautiful clever devoted little hearing dog Keri has not only changed my life completely, she has actually given me back my life: adding to it qualities and new dimensions which never existed before. Let me first set the scene with regards to how life was for me before Keri's arrival on 26 March 2001... "
Mags Adams-Aston and hearing dog Taz
"My best friend, Taz, has now been with me since December 1999. How time flies! Taz was christened Taz because when he was a puppy belonging to a family with two toddlers, he kept running in circles like the cartoon character Taz, the Tasmanian Devil. As the wife returned to work full-time the family could no longer keep him and they felt it was best to hand six month old Taz over to the dogs’ home in Cardiff in the hope of him finding a better home. Two weeks later, Hearing Dogs picked him as he has a lovely temperament. He went through soundwork training and it was at the end of November 1999 that I met Taz for the first time at the Hearing Dogs training centre."