More than a hearing dog, Buddy is truly a “best friend”.

Buddy has brought more than just companionship into Aaron’s life - he has brought purpose. “Now I have Buddy, I’m happy.”

A man and a white labrador in a selfie style photo beside a tree. The main is smiling broadly.

Aaron was born profoundly deaf and has Asperger Syndrome. He communicates using British Sign Language.

Earlier in life, he was fitted with a cochlear implant, but it caused constant headaches and had to be removed. Since then, Aaron has built his life around his own ways of communicating and understanding the world.

Twelve years ago, Aaron lost his mum, who he had been living with. Her death marked a turning point in his life. "When my mum died, everything changed," he says. "Before, life was full. After… it was quiet and different."

Everything began to change when he applied for a hearing dog with the help of his best friend Gary. In 2023, he was partnered with Buddy, the Labrador he had always hoped for. "I love best Labrador," Aaron says with a smile. "When I met Buddy for the first time, I was very happy."

A white labrador, in a field holding an orange and blue ball in his mouth

Now, Buddy is central to Aaron's life. "Buddy helps take care of me," he explains. "He is my hearing - my ears. I look at him, and he hears. I watch him all the time." Aaron has learned to read Buddy's body language closely, using his reactions to understand sounds around him.

Aaron lives independently in supported accommodation for deaf people, where safety systems are adapted to their needs. He is surrounded by friends, many of whom are also deaf. "All my friends love Buddy," he says, "and I love Buddy meeting them."

When asked about the most important sounds Buddy alerts him to, Aaron doesn't hesitate. "My alarm clock," he says, "so I can get up for work."

Aaron works as a cleaner at Eastern College, starting early in the morning and returning again in the evening. His day begins at 4:30am, but it's Buddy who makes sure he wakes up.  

"When my alarm goes off, Buddy jumps on me," Aaron says. "That's very important. I practice it with him all the time."

After getting up, Aaron feeds Buddy and takes him outside. Then he brushes his teeth. "After that, he goes back to sleep on the sofa - and I have to wake him up again to leave for work," adds Aaron, laughing.

At work, Buddy is a familiar and much-loved presence. "My work friends love Buddy," Aaron explains. "My supervisor has a box of dog treats on her desk. Buddy loves her - he gets a treat every morning!" 

A happy looking white labrador, sitting in an office by a desk, looking straight at camera with mouth open.

In between working, Aaron and Buddy spend time together, often outdoors. "I take him to the woods, parks, and the beach," Aaron says. "He loves mud!"

Training Buddy required Aaron to adapt in creative ways. Without speech, he couldn't simply call his dog. "At first, I had to learn," he explains. "I jump around, wave my arms, clap, use a whistle. I make myself exciting so Buddy comes back." Now, their communication is smooth and natural.

On walks, Aaron enjoys a relaxed pace while Buddy explores. "If he meets other dogs, he plays," Aaron says. "When I tell him to come back, he listens."

At home, their bond is just as strong. "Buddy likes cuddles and licking my face," Aaron says. "We relax and cuddle on the sofa."

Aaron also enjoys exploring new places with Buddy. "We go to restaurants, shops, towns, cities," he says. "We go on mini-breaks." One of his favourite trips was to Cleethorpes in September 2025. "We stayed three nights. There is a beach - I took Buddy there because he likes swimming. We went to the central promenade where there were lots of dogs. Buddy really liked that."

White labrador Buddy, is in a cafe, wearing his hearing dogs jacket. He is looking back towards camera.

Buddy has brought more than just companionship into Aaron's life - he has brought purpose. "Now I have Buddy, I'm happy," Aaron says. "Before, I didn't have a hobby. Now my hobby is Buddy and walking him."

Sadly, Aaron's best friend Gary died four years ago. "We did everything together," he says. "Now it's like Buddy has taken his place."

For Aaron, Buddy is far more than a hearing dog. "He is my ears," he says simply. Then he smiles. "He's my best friend."