"Otis has given me my life back"
Posted by Matt Sadler
Remember sponsor puppy Otis? Now all grown up, he is Gail’s hearing dog and is making an incredible difference to her life every day.
Gail shares her story:
“I was born deaf and growing up with hearing loss was tough. I was put off using a hearing aid (called a hearing loop) at school when I had to sit at the front of the class with the box around my neck. I decided I would never use hearing aids again. So, I developed a talent for lipreading.
“I find social situations hard. I’m OK one-on-one, with somebody who understands about my disability. However, in a group situation it’s difficult to keep up. So, I tend to avoid large groups.
“I used to enjoy my own company and my own four walls too much. This definitely led to isolation. As a result, I suffered with extreme anxiety.
“I’ve had lots of bad experiences, such as getting on a wrong train carriage, or not evacuating a supermarket, because I didn’t hear the tannoy announcement. As a result, I wouldn’t go out on my own.
“Life has completely changed since Otis arrived. I can wake with the help of Otis jumping on the bed when my alarm goes off. I can cook knowing I can leave the kitchen and Otis will alert me when the timer goes off.
“I can finally sleep soundly now that I know Otis will alert me to the smoke alarm if it goes off. He’s made a huge difference and I can’t imagine life without him.
“From the second Otis arrived he fitted right in, he is full of personality and energy. A quick sniff around his new environment and he was happy as anything.
“Having children in the home helped him to settle quickly as he loves company and there was plenty of love for him. He also loved all their varieties of cuddly toys and soon claimed a few for himself!
“The settling in process couldn’t have gone any better. It was as if he had always been with us. He is so attentive.
“I can shop with confidence, knowing that if there’s an announcement, people will see Otis’s burgundy jacket, understand that I am deaf, and will help me.
“I am out and about all the time with Otis now. This is a huge step forward for me. I no longer feel isolated within four walls.
“I feel safe knowing he’s by my side and I feel I can be more open about my disability because it’s always been something I’ve kept hidden as much as I can. I’m proud to call Otis my hearing dog and to tell people all the amazing things he does for me. He’s more than my companion, he’s my best friend.
“Otis has given me my life back; in ways I cannot put into words. I’m finally independent, happy, and content. Thank you to everyone who’s given me my little lifesaver.”
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