Episode 9:

Alfie is a sound support dog!

Posted by Elizabeth Murphy

Meet Alfie and Lucy!

Alfie has done it! Our clever boy is a qualified sound support dog who is now supporting his deaf partner, Lucy, to feel safe and confident every day.

A selfie of a black Labrador and a lady wearing a hat

As Lucy’s sound support dog, Alfie is alerting her to sounds at home but not in public places. When a clever dog like Alfie is brilliant at alerting to sounds but becomes a little distracted when out and about, being a sound support dog rather than a full hearing dog is the perfect role for them.

And it’s safe to say that in his new life as Lucy’s canine companion, the loveable Alfie is feeling right at home!

Black Labrador laying on grass with toys

“Alfie is my absolute joy, my four-pawed angel”

“I began losing my hearing in my early 20s after a bout of repeated ear infections,” explained Lucy. “At first, it was really subtle and I kept explaining it away as nothing.

“However, I began to miss more important sounds and withdraw from social situations. I realised I couldn’t rely on my hearing aids* alone. That’s when I found Hearing Dogs.

*Hearing aids – a small electronic device that fits onto the ear and can help someone to hear better. — *Hearing aids – a small electronic device that fits onto the ear and can help someone to hear better

“Now, Alfie is supporting me in more ways than I thought possible. He’s my absolute joy, my four pawed angel and my ‘lovable rogue’! With Alfie as my ears, I feel safer, less isolated and anxious. He has opened up a whole new world.

Black Labrador puppy sitting next to adult black Labrador dog on white studio background

“Alfie has opened up a whole new world”

“At home, I’m no longer on constant alert trying to listen for sounds. I have 110% confidence in Alfie. He alerts me to people at the door and has already alerted me to the smoke alarm. I no longer have to solely rely on my hearing aids.

Black Labrador puppy relaxing on dog bed

“With Alfie by my side, I feel we can conquer anything. His confidence gives me confidence and I’m exploring new places which are out of my comfort zone. What I love most is his absolute zest for life. Alfie starts his day with a bounce in his step and it’s infectious. And if I get excited about something, he joins in!

“Thank you. You helped to bring sound into a silent world”

“To Alfie’s sponsors, I cannot put into words how grateful I am – thank you. He has improved my life in every aspect. You helped to bring sound into a silent world.”

Black Labrador laying on back on grass looking very happy

Well done our lovely Lab! Thanks to your amazing support, Alfie and Lucy make a top team who are taking on the world, side by side. It would be wonderful if you’d consider sponsoring another trainee puppy but, whatever you decide, thank you so much for being Alfie’s sponsor.

Click here to return to Alfie's other pupdates!

About the author

Hello, I’m Elizabeth and I work in the Sponsor a Puppy team. I am very lucky to get to know lots of the adorable pups who are training to be life-changing hearing dogs – they really are amazing!

Mid shot of a woman smiling leaning on a wooden gate

Registered charity in England and Wales no. 293358 and in Scotland no. SC040486. Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal.