"Douglas has big paws to fill but he’s doing Sam proud"
Posted by Matt Sadler
When Lauren’s first hearing dog Sam retired, she knew there would be big paws to fill. However, black Labrador Douglas stepped in to give Lauren the confidence she needed to live life the way she wants, just like Sam had done before.
Lauren and Douglas
“I had my first hearing dog Sam at the age of nine and was one of the first children in the country to get a hearing dog.
“I never had a dog before that so I did not really know how much he would actually change my life for the good. Sam is the reason I am the person that I am today. He changed me in so many ways and I could not be any prouder. I can now talk with confidence to people I meet during daily life.
“Sam was my best friend, my comfort blanket in my deaf world. He made me happy and feel so secure. I was unable to do that before Sam came into my life.
Lauren and Sam
“Sam retired aged 10 and went to live with my family whilst I continued to work away. Due to COVID-19 my successor dog was delayed, and I was left without a working hearing dog. This made me realise just how much I relied on Sam and what a huge difference he played in my life for my well-being physically and mentally. I visited him regularly and he came on holiday with me in the Lake District.
“Then in August 2020 along came Douglas my new dog. We immediately bonded and I fell in love with him. Sadly, Sam passed away just a few days after I received Douglas. It broke my heart, and he will never be forgotten. I believe he waited and knew I was in a safe happy place because Douglas had come into my life.
“Douglas is a cheeky, loveable monkey. He has managed to keep me going whilst grieving for Sam. Douglas is my best friend and we are inseparable. Douglas has a wonderful life living and working with me in the Lake District. Just like Sam did he gives me confidence, security and has helped me integrate into the community.
“Sam and Douglas have played a massive part in making me the young lady I am today. I can't wait to see what adventures await Douglas and myself in the future. Douglas has big paws to fill but he’s doing Sam proud, and we often go to the place where Sam was laid to rest.”
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