Meg's letter to her hearing dog, Sparky

Meg’s world changed forever in November 2014 when she was partnered with her beloved hearing dog Sparky.

10 years on, and with Sparky having recently retired, Meg has written a letter to her life-changing Labrador...

Dear Sparky,

It’s been over 10 years now since we came home together from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s southern training centre. How well I remember that journey.

You’ve been by my side ever since, and I’ve watched you grow from an affectionate, clever and enthusiastic young dog into a mature, loving and loyal older gentleman.

Very soon you are going to retire from your role as my hearing dog, and this feels like a good time to tell you just how much your presence in my life has meant to me.

You have not only given me practical help and made me feel safe by alerting me to important sounds like the smoke alarm and the doorbell, you’ve also given me affection, unwavering loyalty, and companionship.

You’ve given me a reason to get out and appreciate nature every day and, wearing your burgundy Hearing Dogs jacket so that people know I’m deaf, you’ve helped me make new friends.

Above all, you’ve allowed me to conquer my hearing loss by helping me leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life.

We have had some worries along the way; you lost an eye when you were nine years old. It was very traumatic, but you came through in your stoic, Labrador way, adapting so well to your one-eyed status. More recently a tumour on your paw also caused me some sleepless nights.

When you accompanied me to give talks to local community groups about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, you were, quite rightly, the main attraction. Speaking in public is something I never thought I could do, but I felt so proud of you, and you boosted my confidence, simply by being by my side.

I treasure memories of my 70th birthday weekend in Wales when you and my daughter’s dog Bridie had such a wonderful time running together on the beach. I remember your protective ways, shepherding Bridie along as you splashed around together in rock pools.

For five years, you joined me when I worked as a volunteer befriender at a local Cancer Support Centre. You quickly established yourself as a very popular team member, even being forgiven when you couldn’t resist stealing a cake off the lap of one of our visitors.

So, my dear Sparky, it is with a slight sense of sadness that I am packing up your uniform ready to return it to the Hearing Dogs training centre at the end of your working life.

But you are almost 12 years old, and you certainly deserve a restful retirement. I am so glad you will continue to live with me and I hope we will enjoy plenty more time together yet.

I am so very grateful for your help, companionship, love and loyalty over the years.

I love you so much.
Meg