Theo will retire after a career filled with joy in every moment.

Hearing dog Theo may be retiring soon, but the difference he has made to Stephen will last a lifetime.

"I began losing my hearing in my early thirties and am now profoundly deaf. I had a cochlear implant a few years ago, and while this brought a significant improvement, daily life still had its challenges.

"As a university lecturer, I relied on visual aids and the understanding of supportive students. Then 10 years ago, I learnt about the work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and sent off my application.

"I remember Theo, then a lively two-year-old Labrador, being brought to meet me for the first time. He seemed both patient and inquisitive, exploring every room, before settling down with us in the living room as if to say; 'This will do me fine, thank you!'. 

"After Theo arrived, everything changed for the better. It was winter and it snowed. He was so excited, racing around the garden, tasting the snow and looking at me as if to say; 'Please let it snow every day!'. I soon learnt that Theo lives in the moment and finds joy in everything. Whether running up and down hills, walking on the sand or charging into the sea, his tail wags constantly and his little face and wide eyes beam with pleasure.

"There are so many ways that Theo has made a difference to my life, but he also makes a difference to others in the community. The staff in a York book shop clearly enjoy his visits and last Christmas they gave him a card signed by the whole team. This type of welcome is not uncommon.

"But it works both ways. Before Theo came into my life, people would just walk by without speaking or even looking at me. Now when we go out people smile and stop to chat. If I'm alone, they ask; 'Where's Theo?'.

"What a difference he makes in helping me feel visible. These days I use a walking stick, but I've a habit of leaving it behind in cafés and shops! On one occasion when we revisited the shop, the young assistant presented it back to me and said: 'We always know you when we see Theo!'.

"This month it's Theo's 11th birthday, and retirement from his hearing dog duties looms large on our horizon. Despite this, Theo clearly still thinks he's a young dog, loving to join other dogs in a game of chase whenever he's off lead!