Teddy did it!

Introducing Team Teddy and Sarah!

Our brilliant boy has done it; Teddy is now living with his deaf partner, Sarah! Sarah, who is at college, became deaf when she was a baby due to a congenital CMV infection*.

Teddy and Sarah make a great team

“It’s really difficult being deaf as not everyone is aware that I rely on lipreading*,” she shared. “I’m the only deaf person in my house. My parents are hearing and they have learnt sign language*.”

• *Congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) – This is when a baby is born with a CMV infection, which can sometimes lead to health issues, including hearing loss. For most babies, however, this isn’t the case.
• *Lipreading – During a conversation, a person with hearing loss watches the speaker’s mouth and face to try to understand what they are saying, noticing speech patterns, movements, gestures and expressions. Lipreading can still be very challenging, it is estimated that even very experienced lipreaders may only pick up about 35% of what is being said.
• *British Sign Language – Using hand gestures, body language and facial expressions instead of spoken words, some deaf people use this visual language to communicate.

When Sarah was nine years old, she was partnered with hearing dog, Waffle. Now Waffle is in her golden years, clever Teddy has stepped in to fill her paws.

“Waffle was due to retire and I wanted another hearing dog as I gained so much confidence having her. Teddy is my best friend. I feel I can do anything when he is by my side.”

A royal day out

Hearing dogs are alongside their deaf partners every day, through the ordinary and extraordinary.

One such extraordinary day for Teddy and Sarah was when Sarah was invited to Buckingham Palace as a young ambassador for WOW (Women of the World) Girls Festival.

Teddy was on his best behaviour while being front row at a royal speech

“If I didn’t have Teddy I would not have gone to this event as I would not have the confidence to go. We really enjoyed our visit.”

“If I’m upset, Teddy knows”

Socialising can be challenging when you’re deaf. If a person lipreads, they need whoever is speaking to be facing them. Following conversations can be difficult, especially in group settings. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, which Sarah has also experienced.

Teddy is helping Sarah to feel less anxious when out in public

“Teddy helps me with my anxiety because I know people can see his jacket and so can see that I’m deaf. They know that if I miss something it’s not that I’m being rude, it’s because I didn’t hear it.”

“He is supporting me a lot. I feel calm and relaxed knowing he will let me know if the fire alarm goes off. He always checks on me. If I’m upset, he knows.”

As we already knew, this Cockapoo has a heart of gold!

What an incredible journey... from a tiny puppy into a life-changing hearing dog!

Your sponsorship has changed a life

“Thank you so much for sponsoring Teddy. It’s with your kindness that I’m living my life with confidence, knowing I’m always safe when he is by my side.”

Your sponsorship means that Teddy is now supporting Sarah to live life to the full. It would be wonderful if you’d consider sponsoring another puppy-in-training but, whatever you decide, thank you for being Teddy’s sponsor.