“Vesper is a lovely companion, and we’re really looking forward to our lives together.”

Vesper is a hearing dog!

Vesper made it! With your support, she has become an official hearing dog, and is partnered with Sian!

Sian was suffering terribly with anxiety, as her deafness caused her to lose confidence in her ability to be around people. Now, with Vesper as her companion, she’s becoming part of the world around her again.

The impact of deafness

Sian was born deaf, because she has a genetic condition called Pendred Syndrome. She had a hearing aid fitted aged three, and lost all hearing in her right ear aged seven.

Sian tells us: “I went to mainstream schools and then university before starting work as a social researcher. However, my hearing declined even further in my thirties. After that, I couldn’t hear alarms, or my children calling me, which really worried me. I also started not feeling safe or sleeping well when my husband was away overnight with work.”

“Out and about, I became very conscious of not being able to hear people around me, for example cyclists asking me to move out of the way on a path, or someone trying to get past me in a shop.

“Then the first lockdown came, with everyone wearing face coverings. I just could not follow what was being said. I completely lost my independence. I was totally reliant on my friends and family to ‘listen’ for me.

“Eventually I started to suffer a lot from anxiety and struggled to cope. I lost my confidence in being around people.”

Loss of confidence can so easily lead to isolation and depression. Deaf people sometimes feel their only option is to cut themselves off. Their worlds can become smaller, and they slowly lose touch with their community. Sian didn’t know it at the time, but what she needed was a constant companion, who could be with her all day, every day, looking after her emotionally and practically. What she needed was… Vesper! Together they are a great team.

Life with Vesper

We had a strong feeling that Sian would benefit from Vesper’s gentle nature.

We also knew that Vesper was brilliant at focusing on the person she’s with, and that this would give Sian the confidence to reconnect with the world.

So, how has life changed with Vesper?

Sian smiles. “She is such a comforting and reassuring presence.

"She has really helped to reduce my anxiety.

“I am definitely getting out more now. It’s wonderful to know that Vesper will alert me to sounds around me, both outside the home and indoors.

“Other people are more aware of my deafness too, because of her burgundy Hearing Dogs coat. In fact, when I’m out walking with her, other people are often very interested to know what hearing dogs do, so we get chatting, at a safe social distance of course.

“So, Vesper’s helped me practically, but emotionally too. I don’t only feel more confident about speaking to people: I actually feel more confident about my deafness altogether. I used to try and hide it. Now, I know Vesper’s by my side and I don’t need to conceal it any more.

“She calms me down when I’m feeling stressed. She’s so gentle, affectionate, and laid-back. She’s amazing with my children, who adore her. She’s a lovely companion, and we’re really looking forward to our lives together.”

What’s next?

For Sian, life is about continuing to build her confidence, now that she’s free to live the life she wants, without relying on other people. She is independent, at last, because Vesper is by her side. “Vesper and I are growing closer by the day,” she says. “She has settled in so well.”

This is a wonderful outcome. We’re thrilled, and we hope you are too. Without your support, Sian would today still be trapped in her own silent world, afraid to venture out, anxious about staying in. Through your kindness, Sian can embrace the life she wants, and deserves.

And so ends Vesper’s sponsor journey. However, deafness continues to rise, and it would be wonderful if you sponsored another puppy starting out on a new training journey. Whatever you decide, from all of us, and from Sian… thank you!