Give a life-changing gift this Christmas
I became profoundly deaf when I was four years old. Growing up, life was incredibly lonely. By my early twenties, I couldn’t see a positive future for myself.
Then, when I was in my twenties, I was partnered with my first hearing dog, Cazzie. She gave me my confidence back. My mental health improved because I wasn’t alone anymore. I was smiling again and went to university feeling safe.
Cazzie was my hearing dog, but she also really loved my Mumma. When I sadly lost my Mumma in May 2023, I shut down. I doubt I would have been able to cope without Cazzie.
Six months later, just before Christmas, we had to move out of Mum’s house. Almost straight away, Cazzie became ill. I thought she was just sad about leaving the house, but our vet discovered she had a tumour growing on her heart.
When Cazzie passed away on 4 December 2023, I was desolate. Something inside me just switched off. My life felt empty.
I kept missing everyday sounds like people knocking at the door, my cooker timer and my alarm clock. Every day, I’d go to my sister’s house as I didn’t want to be in my new home by myself. It was Christmas, but having lost both Cazzie and my Mum, I wasn’t enjoying life anymore.
Then, I heard about my new hearing dog – my successor dog – Ozzy. At first, I was in shock, then I burst into tears of joy.
Ozzy has brought laughter back into my home and back into my life.
When Ozzy arrived, my house finally felt like there was life in it – he has made it feel like home again and I haven't stopped smiling since!
[When a hearing dog reaches retirement age, or passes away like Cazzie, their deaf partner can apply for a ‘successor’ hearing dog. These dogs take over from their previous hearing dog, ensuring they continue to receive companionship and practical support.]
Now, I love waking up in the morning and getting into our routine. He wakes me up by putting two paws on me, then once I’m awake, I get a kiss on the cheek!
Ozzy has given me a focus which has helped me through my grieving process. At Christmas, I used to wake up to my Mum and Cazzie. Since losing them, it will always be a difficult time, but this year, I know Ozzy will be there for me on Christmas morning.
Whatever the future holds for me, I know I won't be alone. Ozzy and I are now our own little family.
Your kindness today could help another deaf person, like Lucybeth, to rebuild their life after devastating grief.
