"She’s earned me the nickname of ‘the doctor with the dog’"

Navigating life with hearing loss had become a struggle for Jess. Then, in June 2021, she was partnered with her hearing dog, Faye.

Now, Jess is supported in her work as a hospice doctor in Scotland, with her life-changing Cockapoo by her side.

“Following health issues and the COVID pandemic, my world had shrunk,” shared Jess.

“I was anxious going out on my own, barely used public transport and felt overwhelmed in busy environments. Then, enter Faye, this gorgeous apricot Cockapoo who changed my life.

“From the moment she arrived at my house, it was love at first sight. Now, I can have a full night’s sleep, knowing that she would wake me if there was a fire alarm. Within a few weeks of arriving, she even alerted me to an intruder trying to break into my house, which she hadn’t been formally trained to do.

“When I was in shops, I used to get dirty looks if I unknowingly waylaid the shopper behind me, simply because I couldn’t hear them. Faye has boosted my confidence when I go out.

“My family and friends have noticed I’m a happier, more confident version of me. I feel, in turn, I’m probably a bit nicer to be around, too.” 

To prepare her for life as a doctor’s canine assistant, the team at Hearing Dogs tailored Faye’s training. This included visiting hospitals with her to get her used to all the unusual sights and sounds, including patient trolleys, electric floor cleaners and the sirens outside. 

As a result of this additional training, clever Faye is a calm and confident presence when she accompanies Jess on her rounds at the hospice.

Jess continued, “She has worked with me in general medicine, on the intensive therapy unit and now in my chosen specialty of palliative medicine. She charms patients and colleagues alike with her intelligence and cheeky personality. She’s earned me the nickname of ‘the doctor with the dog’! 

“Having a hearing dog has revolutionised my life. Life would be a lot harder and lonelier without Faye. I don’t know where I would be without her.”