"Jack is my rock"
Posted by Matt Sadler
Carole's hearing dogs have provided her with incredible support over the last 22 years. Carole shares her story of the impact King and Jack have had on her life.
“My name’s Carole and this is my hearing dog – Jack. I’ve had a hearing dog in my life for over 22 years.
“Over the years I had suffered from bouts of depression and when the doctor suggested that I should get a dog as a companion, I thought, ‘Why not get a hearing dog?’ I was lucky enough to qualify and my first partnership was with King, a Cocker Spaniel/Havanese cross. Sadly he passed away when he was 14, he was a great dog and I loved him very much.
“I didn’t have to wait long for my successor dog, a Poodle named Jack. I wasn’t keen on having a Poodle but agreed to have a look. They brought him round to my house, and he came right over to me, put his head on my lap, looked into my eyes and I said ‘okay! I’ll have him!’ How could I resist those beautiful eyes, they spoke a thousand words to me!
“I love the feeling of companionship that having a hearing dog gives me, the bond we have. Jack also helps me with a mental health issue. We go everywhere together; he’s by my side constantly, we are a team.
“Oral communication was not so great, so I learnt BSL (British Sign Language) to communicate. Jack can also understand sign language! Without me using any voice, he recognises 12 different signs! He’s very good.
“I became Deaf at the age of two from meningitis. This not only damaged my hearing, but it also affected my balance too. I can’t walk long distances; I need to use a mobility scooter. Jack trots alongside me quite happily. When we go into a shop I slow down and Jack does too, he never sniffs at the food or things on the shelves.
“Jack loves people, he’s so friendly, calm and quiet. We get a lot of attention from other people, they often tell me what a marvellous dog he is, I agree and say: ‘I know’. I feel part of a good community because of Jack and the awareness his Hearing Dogs jacket brings. Sometimes people want to chat to me. I explain I’m Deaf. Many people come up to chat to us, he’s well known in the community.
“Jack travels with me everywhere, in the car, on the train and the bus. He’s even been on a flight with me once. He was no trouble, people could see he’s a hearing dog and so they knew that I’m Deaf, we were considered a priority so to speak.
“One time I was feeling so ill I went to the GP. Jack was with me of course. The GP told me I needed to go to hospital immediately as there was a problem with my heart. He called an ambulance. Jack travelled with me, his head resting on my lap all the way to the hospital.
“Even when I was taken onto the ward Jack remained with me still gently resting his head on my lap. I was told I’d need an operation, so a good friend came to the hospital to take Jack home. She looked after him for two weeks until I came home. I missed him so much.
“Jack gives me fantastic eye contact, he’s very focused on me. Sometimes he sits, resting on me looking up at me and I think why are you looking at me like that?! He always manages to communicate what he wants somehow!
“Jack is a fantastic companion and so good for my wellbeing. Simply put, Jack is an amazing dog, as was my previous hearing dog King. I’m so very grateful. I’m the proud sponsor of a hearing dog puppy – I wanted to give something back to the Charity and help other deaf people like myself. I couldn’t be without a hearing dog. Jack is my rock.”
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