Annabel and her "loyal bundle of joy"
Posted by Matt Sadler
Annabel and her hearing dog Guinness have recently celebrated their one year anniversary together. Since being partnered, Guinness has had "a massive and positive impact" on her life. Annabel share her story with us:
"We suspect I was born profoundly deaf. It wasn’t until I was about one when my mum noticed something wasn’t quite right, she played different sounds (clapping, shaking a bag of crisps etc.) and I didn’t respond to them. Following tests at the hospital, they confirmed I had bilateral hearing loss so had my cochlear implant fitted when I was two years old.
"I remember a long time ago, probably over 15 years ago now, at a deaf community event, there was a girl who had a hearing dog. It was the first time I ever heard of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, I was so fascinated and in awe with what hearing dogs could do. So, from that point I knew I wanted a hearing dog!
"Now that I live with my partner and work full time at home, it was no brainer. I was ready for a companion who can support me in amazing ways. Since I spend a lot of time working at home by myself, it can very isolating and lonely so having a hearing dog there with me really helps with my mental wellbeing.
"I used to get really paranoid and constantly look out of the window for deliveries in case I missed it and I used to get nervous about sleeping on my own at night in case the fire alarm went off, even not hearing the oven timer going off and burning my dinner worried me!
"Now I don’t have any of these worries or anxieties because I have Guinness who nudges me to let me know what’s going on. It’s amazing having him there as my constant shadow and he’s made such a massive and positive impact on my life. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him.
"I’m quite a shy person and Guinness has really helped me come out of my shell to meet and speak to other people, especially at my local dog walking area. He’s a bit of a celebrity among the dogs and people in our neighbourhood. He even has more friends than I do!
"Honestly, I love everything about Guinness. He’s my loyal bundle of joy! He’s so loving and always finding opportunities to have a cuddle or to be close to you. He loves working, he’s always trying his best with soundwork and likes to show off his skills in his jacket.
"He’s also the happiest, friendliest, dog I know. Always happy to see you and makes sure no one misses out. He’s a cheeky chap too, and like any typical Labrador, he loves his food! He brings so much joy to our lives."
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