Iggy is helping Ann regain her independence and confidence

It’s been a very long journey for such a little puppy – but Iggy made it!

In your last update we told you how he was growing up quickly, and was about to take his Hearing Dog Assessment. Well, he graduated. He now proudly wears his burgundy Hearing Dogs coat every day, helping his profoundly deaf recipient, called Ann, to regain her independence and confidence.

The partnership begins

Ann had ear infections throughout her late 20s which destroyed her Eustachian tubes – and her confidence. “I had no social life”, says Ann. “The more deaf I became, the less I went out. It was too much effort. I suffered with depression which was linked with isolation caused by the deafness.

“I already knew about Hearing Dogs after seeing an advert in a library. A few years later I saw a video about recipients and suddenly realised I was like the ‘before’ stories. It changed my life.”

Ann applied to Hearing Dogs and was matched with a handsome yellow Labrador called Max. “I called him ‘Captain Bold’. He got me going out again and gave me my confidence back.”

Max lived a long and happy working life but passed away of age-related health issues. So Ann found herself alone and depressed again. In particular, she had difficulty sleeping. Deaf people can experience this: their worst fear is that the smoke or fire alarm will go off and they will not hear it.

Ann needed a replacement for Max, which is why we have a lifelong commitment to all our deaf recipients. She wanted a little dog that liked to please and loved to be with people. Iggy was perfect. When they met, Ann’s first impression was “He’s just so ickle!” Iggy puffed out his chest, as if to say ‘Right, I’m all yours now, let’s get down to business’!

From the first night Iggy helped Ann sleep. “I slept better than I had for months, knowing I had Iggy listening out for me.

“Iggy could not have come at a better time”, says Ann. “This funny, bright and quick Cockapoo has transformed my life. He makes me laugh and I feel more secure than I have done for many months, knowing that he is listening for any sounds I need to know about, and keeping me safe.”

What’s next?

Ann is thrilled with Iggy. “To have a dog around who has been so beautifully socialised and expertly trained is a real pleasure.” Importantly however, Iggy is helping Ann look forward to the future. “Now I can take Iggy out with me I am joining in social groups again. I hope that he will give me the confidence to find employment again or voluntary work.”

She sums her feelings up: “The future is bright - the future is Iggy!"

This is because you sponsored Iggy. You made this happen.

Deafness is increasing, and the demand for hearing dogs is growing. We would love it if you would consider helping more pups in future. However you decide, now that Iggy is helping Ann every day, it’s a massive thank you from all of us at Hearing Dogs.