“Lucy was the birthday present that changed my life.”
Luke (23) was partnered with hearing dog Lucy, two years ago, on his birthday. He says she’s the birthday present that changed his life…
I’m the youngest of triplets – the only one born profoundly deaf.
I had hearing aids from very young. When they didn’t help, I had surgery for a cochlear implant. My deafness didn’t affect me too much back then, because I had all the support I needed – audiologists, my siblings and people around me who understood.
But as I grew older, things changed.
I found it hard to be with people outside of my family. I’d worry about whether I’d understand them. I always try to speak clearly, but there are some words I can’t pronounce properly, so I avoid them – even though sometimes they’re the exact words I want to use. It makes me feel I can’t be myself.
I also have agoraphobia. Being deaf contributes to that fear. Before being partnered with Lucy, I hardly went out at all unless it was essential; like for a haircut or a doctor’s appointment.
In conversation I completely depended on my family to tell me what people had said, and that created this emotional disconnect. If I had one wish, it would be to understand people first-hand 100% of the time.
I didn’t have friends. I didn’t have any confidence. I felt lonely.
I was nervous about applying for a hearing dog – I’d never even had a pet. It was my sister who applied on my behalf. She could see how much I was struggling. I wasn’t sure.
And then I met Lucy. She pushed her way into my heart.
Lucy encourages me to go out every single day. She’s helped me to overcome my agoraphobia. When I feel stressed or anxious, I just look at how chilled and happy she is and it takes my mind off everything. Honestly, I wouldn’t go out as much – or maybe at all – if I didn’t have her. She’s improved my confidence more than I ever imagined.
I started a university course during Covid, when everything was done online. When things started to open up again, I didn’t have the confidence to attend lectures in person, so I dropped out. I’ve now started a new course in computer gaming at Portsmouth University. I travel by bus. I attend lectures. I’m doing it. Lucy gave me the confidence to try again.
I’ve come to realise how deafness had even isolated me at home. Now that Lucy alerts me to the doorbell and takes me to the door, I feel more involved. More useful. More independent.
Lucy loves to play. She’s obsessed with tennis balls – I have to hide them from her a lot of the time! She also loves the Peppa Pig toy she was given by her volunteer family when she was a puppy.
