"To put it simply, she is my world"
Posted by Matt Sadler
We are celebrating the wonderful Pepper, who is retiring as a hearing dog after almost 11 years of changing her deaf partner, Jenni’s, life.
Everyone at Hearing Dogs is so proud of Pepper, and Jenni has shared some lovely memories of their partnership:
“For almost 11 years Pepper has been at my side doing everything she was trained to do and more. She has simply been amazing, especially with my younger two children, who have additional needs.
“Pepper is staying with us in her retirement, this is our home and I would be totally lost without her. I have applied for a successor dog and Pepper loves to socialise with other dogs, so I’m sure she will love having a new friend.
“Pepper is so gentle and friendly. No matter where we go, she can make the most miserable person smile with her gentle head nudges asking for a stroke! She is very gentle around children too.
“She is the most loyal and loving dog I have ever known. She follows me everywhere and loves attention. If you don't give her attention, she will throw herself on her bed, sigh, and put her head between her paws - giving you the most expressive ‘puppy eyes’ to make you feel bad!
“She also always has to pick something up in her mouth whenever someone new comes into the house and she walks around looking proud as a punch with her nose in the air and tail wagging furiously.
“Pepper has made such a massive difference to my life. Before her I struggled to sleep at night as I was so worried that if something happened, I wouldn't hear it. I also had to rely on my very young children to let me know if someone was at the door or if an alarm was going off. She has also helped me to get out of the house more and start speaking to more people who like to ask questions about Hearing Dogs.
“I've felt isolated most of my life and I struggle to go out without someone by my side. Pepper keeps me active, keeps me motivated and you are never truly alone if there is a dog by your side, who loves you no matter what.
“I have four children and my younger two have additional needs. My son, Reuben, has severe learning disabilities as well as medical issues, and I knew Pepper was perfect for our family when she was always more gentle with him than anyone else.
“A few years ago, I noticed she wouldn't leave Reuben’s side and started sleeping in his bed, which was very unlike her. She would also jump up beside him when he was on the sofa.
“Shortly after we discovered he had epilepsy and once his seizures were under control she stopped shadowing him and stopped sleeping in his bed - I suspect she sensed the seizures.
“My daughter Faith is deaf and has severe anxiety - she is awaiting assessment for autism. Pepper has been a huge help in calming her down, helping her anxiety especially at night as she will stay with Faith until she falls asleep.
“Pepper loves her soundwork and the most important one to me is ‘the call’. This is where my kids ask Pepper to get my attention when we’re in different rooms, and she comes and nudges me before taking me to them. This is especially important when they need me, as they could be hurt and I wouldn’t be able to hear them.
“Pepper’s favourite sound is definitely the cooker timer though, purely because it’s in the kitchen and kitchen means food!
“I want to thank everyone who played a huge part in her training as she is a testament to the work they put into her.
“To put it simply, she is my world. She fills that little hole in my heart and she has been at my side through the most difficult years of my life - just making sure her presence was felt by either putting a paw on my lap or her head on my shoulder, reminding me she was there no matter how hard things got.”
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