Devon and her "most amazing" Molly

Devon lives with her mum and step-dad in Epping, Essex. Her mum, Joanna, explained, “When Devon was four years old, I contacted the health visitor because one of the ladies at nursery thought Devon may be deaf. I’d also noticed something about her speech.

 

“The health visitor said there was nothing wrong and that it was all in my head! Then the tests came back saying Devon had severe to profound deafness. I suddenly realised I could speak to her with no sound and she could still answer me because she was lipreading.”

 

Devon also lives with a rare condition called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) which means that she was born without a thigh bone. She wears a prosthetic leg but she can only walk short distances.

 

Growing up, living with both deafness and PFFD had significant impacts on Devon. Her family had to find schools, colleges and universities that could support her with her deafness and mobility needs. Despite their best efforts, Devon still faced discrimination from her peers, and struggled to gain sufficient support within her education.

 

During university, Devon’s mental health declined so much due to these issues that her mum worried about her safety. “I was worried she might do something to herself, so I pulled her out,” Joanna shared. “I had to get her emergency mental health services.”

 

On top of these intense challenges, Devon faced a shocking experience when she was trying to become more independent in her day-to-day life. Devon explained, “I was on a train, trying to go places by myself. Someone asked me to move but I didn’t hear them. So, they physically picked up my prosthetic leg and moved it.”

 

Life was feeling exceptionally tough for Devon. “I felt very isolated at that point. Being deaf, I’ve felt anxious and have struggled with friendships. I really wanted some companionship.” Devon also felt vulnerable in her everyday life. “At home I didn’t feel safe. Sometimes I’d hear something, but couldn’t identify what it was and that freaked me out. So I would just stay awake.”

 

Devon learned about Hearing Dogs at a fair in her local area and she was partnered with chocolate Cockapoo Molly in October 2022.

 

Just before Molly was due to come home with Devon, her trainer rang to say she had an issue with her hip and might not be able to walk too far. As if their partnership was written in the stars, Devon recalled, “If anything it made me want her more. I have my prosthetic leg, Molly has her hip - it just felt like it was meant to be.”

 

Once Molly moved in, Devon’s feeling that they would make a great partnership was confirmed. “I just fell in love with her instantly. We had a ‘Welcome Home’ banner and I bought her a pupcake! She is always by my side and helps me to relax. She makes my life so much brighter and more meaningful. She’s been completely life-changing.”

 

 

Since having “perfect” partner Molly, Devon says she smiles all the time. When the pair enjoy trips out, Devon feels more confident now people will know she is deaf due to Molly’s Hearing Dogs jacket.

 

“She makes me feel accepted. Molly’s really friendly with people and other dogs. I now feel really safe at home and when I’m out going into restaurants and shops. I’m also the fittest I’ve ever been. I’ve never had so much fresh air and it’s good for my wellbeing.”

 

Inspired by her own struggle to find mental health support when she was younger, Devon is now training to be a counsellor. “I think that with a counselling qualification, my qualification in British Sign Language and my ability to lipread, I could help people with different disabilities,” she explained.

 

As well as this exciting development in her career, Devon is looking forward to sharing many new experiences with Molly.

 

On the one-year anniversary of their partnership, Devon had some special words to say to her hearing dog: “You're the most loving, amazing, clever cockapoo and I'm so grateful you are mine. I can't thank you enough, Molly Dolly. I love you millions.”