The Cockapoo Club for owners, enthusiasts and ALL recipients of Hearing Dogs
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
MEMBERS STORIES
Showcase Member - MAY'S STORY
This story, from May Ping Wong, describes just how much a dog can change your life for the better. May became not only an owner of one dog, but took another rescue dog in, and also has been involved in helping rehome and help dogs locally..
She writes a blog, promotes dog friendly establishments, has appeared on tv, and has also kindly donated prizes for our fundraising for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Not bad for someone who was fearful of dogs a few years ago.
This story, from May Ping Wong, describes just how much a dog can change your life for the better. May became not only an owner of one dog, but took another rescue dog in, and also has been involved in helping rehome and help dogs locally..
She writes a blog, promotes dog friendly establishments, has appeared on tv, and has also kindly donated prizes for our fundraising for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Not bad for someone who was fearful of dogs a few years ago.
This February, seven years ago, a little apricot puppy squirmed out of her mother’s womb and joined her brothers, sucking milk from their mother’s nipples.
At around the same time, I was in London, busy trying to find ways to win the heart of a Gentleman Farmer (only in England!) I had absolutely little knowledge about dogs but when Gentleman Farmer decided he needed a new dog, specifically a Whippet, though I supported his campaign and enthusiastically joined in the discussion.
I had to Google what a Whippet was.
Desperately trying to find common ground with the "farmer", I decided that I too should get a pet, specifically a dog – in hope that we would have at least that in common, and maybe, just maybe he might fall in love with my dog too, like he did with his ex-girlfriend’s Whippet.
On one of my visits to his farm, we had gone for a walk across his farm land with his current dog, Polly, a black Labrador (but of course). It was a beautiful April day and the pub where we had stopped for lunch was completely packed. We sat outside taking in the sun and watched two little girls playing with their black puppy. The "farmer" had earlier borrowed a dog bowl from their mother so Polly could have some water.
As the owner came to retrieve her dog bowl on her way out, we started a conversation. On learning that she was from London, my farmer friend immediately suggested that she would be in a better position to advise me on what breed of dog would be best for a city girl like me. “A Cockapoo", she insisted, "they are the best dogs for London. They’re a good size, they don’t yap and they don’t shed". That ticked all the right boxes, but "a what”? I asked.
I couldn’t wait to Google the breeder’s website. And there they were - three "frowning" apricot puppies looking back at me. I contacted the breeder and secured the girl. I decided to name her Darcy – after Jane Austen’s character – as I was determined that I would have a “Darcy” in my life – even though it came four-legged.
Six weeks later, a little puppy scampered into my flat and curiously ran from room to room – checking out the new environment – and dutifully pee’d on the silk rug in the living room.
Though I had fantasised having a dog during my childhood years – from watching Lassie and reading about Timmy and his Famous Five friends, I was in fact fearful of them.
I was warned that dogs bite and they are dirty. The fantasy and the reality didn’t quite match up.
When that little puppy entered my life, I didn't even know how to hold her leash. In fact, I kept her at bay – behind gates in the kitchen in case she should have an accident or chew anything.
Apparently, dogs are not allowed on the sofa and definitely not sleep in my bed. Reality had hit home.
She changed my life rapidly. I could no longer have lie-ins and be foot lose and fancy free. The first thing I did when I got up was worry if she had pee'd. I had to feed her before I even had a shower, and forget about having breakfast, so I could rush out of the flat before an accident. When I hesitated, she pee'd on the stairs!
I couldn’t buy enough kitchen rolls to mop up the various accidents.
I was on wits end on what to do. I had lost control of my life and I was having separation anxiety – I couldn’t leave her at home alone – in fact she managed to break through every barrier I had set up. I was ready to call it quits.
Thoughts of rehoming her crept into my consciousness, but I feared what my friends would think of me. After all, they did warn me about the responsibility of a puppy and I had wanted to prove them wrong.
Maybe they were right after all. Well, you know the end to that story.
Maybe it was the moment when I had introduced her to the Gentleman Farmer, hoping she could be the bond between us, but instead he smacked her so hard with his large farmer’s hands when she pee’d on his wool rug. She was after all a puppy and after a state of excitement in meeting his Labrador she couldn't control herself.
How dare he? She was mine and he had no right to hit her.
That incident made me realise the true person he was and I was surprised how protective I had felt about her. From then on, I knew she was mine and we were going to go on this adventure together – and we would make it work.
She will be as much a part of my daily activities as we can manage.
I started to seek out all the dog-friendly restaurants and places I could take her to, and that was how I began to write about our “adventures” together. Neither was she going to curb my love for travel. As soon as I found ways to cross the Channel, we were off exploring.
It was me and Darcy – the girl with the dog.
I still wake up each morning thinking of her needs and I arrange my days around her schedule. She gave me a chance to learn responsibility and through her, I found that I was capable of loving a lot more than I could ever imagine. I wanted to protect her with every sinew of me, and in return I received undeniable loyalty and love that was incomprehensible – how can another creature love me so much?
Three years later, I was thinking Darcy might want some company especially at times when I had to leave her at home. I had by then stopped running out of the movies when the credits rolled because I knew she was fine staying home alone, but it was I who wanted another puppy, and giving her companionship was an excuse.
By then I was fully immersed in the world of dogs and had learnt of the many cruelties that goes on in the animal world and could not justify getting another puppy. I was looking at rescues and I had another name I wanted to call the next cockapoo – "Khaleesi", after the character in Game of Thrones – a white Cockapoo girl was what I had in mind.
At about that time, I had learnt about a white Cockapoo in a rescue and inquired where he was found – and that was how I learnt about Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue. As I followed the charity and became involved with their ongoing efforts to save dogs from the streets and from Killing Stations, I decided that maybe I can do more than just send money.
Maybe I could help foster a dog every now and then?
As soon as I made the gesture in showing interest, Hilda, the founder of HHDR asked if I could take Bobo – or he would miss the next scheduled transport to England as he had not been spoken for. Er, yes, well, hmm. It was easier to give money, much harder to take on the responsibility of fostering.
At around the same time, I was in London, busy trying to find ways to win the heart of a Gentleman Farmer (only in England!) I had absolutely little knowledge about dogs but when Gentleman Farmer decided he needed a new dog, specifically a Whippet, though I supported his campaign and enthusiastically joined in the discussion.
I had to Google what a Whippet was.
Desperately trying to find common ground with the "farmer", I decided that I too should get a pet, specifically a dog – in hope that we would have at least that in common, and maybe, just maybe he might fall in love with my dog too, like he did with his ex-girlfriend’s Whippet.
On one of my visits to his farm, we had gone for a walk across his farm land with his current dog, Polly, a black Labrador (but of course). It was a beautiful April day and the pub where we had stopped for lunch was completely packed. We sat outside taking in the sun and watched two little girls playing with their black puppy. The "farmer" had earlier borrowed a dog bowl from their mother so Polly could have some water.
As the owner came to retrieve her dog bowl on her way out, we started a conversation. On learning that she was from London, my farmer friend immediately suggested that she would be in a better position to advise me on what breed of dog would be best for a city girl like me. “A Cockapoo", she insisted, "they are the best dogs for London. They’re a good size, they don’t yap and they don’t shed". That ticked all the right boxes, but "a what”? I asked.
I couldn’t wait to Google the breeder’s website. And there they were - three "frowning" apricot puppies looking back at me. I contacted the breeder and secured the girl. I decided to name her Darcy – after Jane Austen’s character – as I was determined that I would have a “Darcy” in my life – even though it came four-legged.
Six weeks later, a little puppy scampered into my flat and curiously ran from room to room – checking out the new environment – and dutifully pee’d on the silk rug in the living room.
Though I had fantasised having a dog during my childhood years – from watching Lassie and reading about Timmy and his Famous Five friends, I was in fact fearful of them.
I was warned that dogs bite and they are dirty. The fantasy and the reality didn’t quite match up.
When that little puppy entered my life, I didn't even know how to hold her leash. In fact, I kept her at bay – behind gates in the kitchen in case she should have an accident or chew anything.
Apparently, dogs are not allowed on the sofa and definitely not sleep in my bed. Reality had hit home.
She changed my life rapidly. I could no longer have lie-ins and be foot lose and fancy free. The first thing I did when I got up was worry if she had pee'd. I had to feed her before I even had a shower, and forget about having breakfast, so I could rush out of the flat before an accident. When I hesitated, she pee'd on the stairs!
I couldn’t buy enough kitchen rolls to mop up the various accidents.
I was on wits end on what to do. I had lost control of my life and I was having separation anxiety – I couldn’t leave her at home alone – in fact she managed to break through every barrier I had set up. I was ready to call it quits.
Thoughts of rehoming her crept into my consciousness, but I feared what my friends would think of me. After all, they did warn me about the responsibility of a puppy and I had wanted to prove them wrong.
Maybe they were right after all. Well, you know the end to that story.
Maybe it was the moment when I had introduced her to the Gentleman Farmer, hoping she could be the bond between us, but instead he smacked her so hard with his large farmer’s hands when she pee’d on his wool rug. She was after all a puppy and after a state of excitement in meeting his Labrador she couldn't control herself.
How dare he? She was mine and he had no right to hit her.
That incident made me realise the true person he was and I was surprised how protective I had felt about her. From then on, I knew she was mine and we were going to go on this adventure together – and we would make it work.
She will be as much a part of my daily activities as we can manage.
I started to seek out all the dog-friendly restaurants and places I could take her to, and that was how I began to write about our “adventures” together. Neither was she going to curb my love for travel. As soon as I found ways to cross the Channel, we were off exploring.
It was me and Darcy – the girl with the dog.
I still wake up each morning thinking of her needs and I arrange my days around her schedule. She gave me a chance to learn responsibility and through her, I found that I was capable of loving a lot more than I could ever imagine. I wanted to protect her with every sinew of me, and in return I received undeniable loyalty and love that was incomprehensible – how can another creature love me so much?
Three years later, I was thinking Darcy might want some company especially at times when I had to leave her at home. I had by then stopped running out of the movies when the credits rolled because I knew she was fine staying home alone, but it was I who wanted another puppy, and giving her companionship was an excuse.
By then I was fully immersed in the world of dogs and had learnt of the many cruelties that goes on in the animal world and could not justify getting another puppy. I was looking at rescues and I had another name I wanted to call the next cockapoo – "Khaleesi", after the character in Game of Thrones – a white Cockapoo girl was what I had in mind.
At about that time, I had learnt about a white Cockapoo in a rescue and inquired where he was found – and that was how I learnt about Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue. As I followed the charity and became involved with their ongoing efforts to save dogs from the streets and from Killing Stations, I decided that maybe I can do more than just send money.
Maybe I could help foster a dog every now and then?
As soon as I made the gesture in showing interest, Hilda, the founder of HHDR asked if I could take Bobo – or he would miss the next scheduled transport to England as he had not been spoken for. Er, yes, well, hmm. It was easier to give money, much harder to take on the responsibility of fostering.
A million questions later I found myself being driven by Kim to meet Bobo. He was going to stay for just eleven days as I already had a trip planned for the States. Before the weekend was over, I told Hilda I wanted to have first refusal. She laughed but was delighted. Bobo became George – after a certain Mr. Clooney. Did I just realise that I name my dogs after dreamy men?
While Darcy taught me to love, George taught me that love was expandable.
It was not without guilt that I brought George into our home. Darcy was very much an only-dog and her life changed quite significantly after George arrived.
There was first of all another creature in our bed, and this wild creature who fought for his food on the streets thought he needed to do the same at our home.
It took me awhile to settle the dynamics but now they are two. While Darcy tolerates George, he loves her. And as unreliable as George is, he has my every attention and he has grown my heart.
Well, with two, what’s a third? I thought about it ever so often and the only reason I wouldn’t is because I needed more space – it is not right to have three dogs in a London flat. By having only two means there’s always room for another – Charlie, Jaffa, Marley, etc, etc – until the day I accidentally met Churchill tied up outside a bookstore and barking his head off in anxiety.
I stayed with him and I am glad I did – as he became my next project.
After meeting his owner, I knew I had to stay in touch for Churchill's sake. I had to save him - somehow. Before I knew it, I was fully entrenched in his life and his owner’s life. His was such a complicated situation and I knew I couldn’t help him on my own. I recruited my dog walker and suggested to Churchill’s owner that our dog walker would be good for him.
While Darcy taught me to love, George taught me that love was expandable.
It was not without guilt that I brought George into our home. Darcy was very much an only-dog and her life changed quite significantly after George arrived.
There was first of all another creature in our bed, and this wild creature who fought for his food on the streets thought he needed to do the same at our home.
It took me awhile to settle the dynamics but now they are two. While Darcy tolerates George, he loves her. And as unreliable as George is, he has my every attention and he has grown my heart.
Well, with two, what’s a third? I thought about it ever so often and the only reason I wouldn’t is because I needed more space – it is not right to have three dogs in a London flat. By having only two means there’s always room for another – Charlie, Jaffa, Marley, etc, etc – until the day I accidentally met Churchill tied up outside a bookstore and barking his head off in anxiety.
I stayed with him and I am glad I did – as he became my next project.
After meeting his owner, I knew I had to stay in touch for Churchill's sake. I had to save him - somehow. Before I knew it, I was fully entrenched in his life and his owner’s life. His was such a complicated situation and I knew I couldn’t help him on my own. I recruited my dog walker and suggested to Churchill’s owner that our dog walker would be good for him.
A very convoluted story later, we took Churchill out of his situation and found him another home – almost five months after we “accidentally” met.
I struggled wondering if I should keep him. He had such a confusing existence for the first year and a half of his life and I didn't think my dogs would like to have another permanent member.
Whatever you call it, fate, the Universe – brought the most perfect couple and their dog to meet Churchill, and from the moment they met, Churchill slipped from my fold and found his happy ever after forever home.
Today, he has a doggy brother and they love each other to death – and parents who couldn’t love him more – and I must admit, they probably love him more than I was able to.
Churchill, now Winston will always have a special place in my heart. His sweet face with big eyes was so vulnerable and so confused - and made me see how many dogs there are out there who did nothing wrong but found themselves in confusing situation.
He made me want to fight their corner.
So as I celebrate Darcy’s seventh birthday, it’s hard to believe that it has only been seven years since dogs entered my life.
In that short time, I have loved like I have never before, I have wept for dogs I have never even met, I have met "hoomans" whom I would otherwise not have known.
They say people don’t change, well, I guess I am evidence that sometimes change can happen in unexpected ways.
I struggled wondering if I should keep him. He had such a confusing existence for the first year and a half of his life and I didn't think my dogs would like to have another permanent member.
Whatever you call it, fate, the Universe – brought the most perfect couple and their dog to meet Churchill, and from the moment they met, Churchill slipped from my fold and found his happy ever after forever home.
Today, he has a doggy brother and they love each other to death – and parents who couldn’t love him more – and I must admit, they probably love him more than I was able to.
Churchill, now Winston will always have a special place in my heart. His sweet face with big eyes was so vulnerable and so confused - and made me see how many dogs there are out there who did nothing wrong but found themselves in confusing situation.
He made me want to fight their corner.
So as I celebrate Darcy’s seventh birthday, it’s hard to believe that it has only been seven years since dogs entered my life.
In that short time, I have loved like I have never before, I have wept for dogs I have never even met, I have met "hoomans" whom I would otherwise not have known.
They say people don’t change, well, I guess I am evidence that sometimes change can happen in unexpected ways.
Showcase Member -FIONA'S STORY
Fiona has been a member since we started the club and has devoted a lot of her time and energy breeding, raising, socialising and training dogs to become fully fledged Hearing Dogs. This continued even through her own health issues and dealing with cancer.
Here is her story, and a few pictures of some of the dogs Fiona has cared for. Thanks Fiona for all your hard work!
"I first became involved with the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 11 years ago, in 2006.
We had our own dog, Mufty, and whilst out walking her I used to often meet a couple who were socialising a puppy for Hearing Dogs.
They suggested to me that it was something that I might like to do, but like so many people I wasn’t sure how I would cope with parting with the puppy after a year. It took me a while to think about it but once my youngest left for university I decided I’d give it a try and I’ve never looked back.
Yes it is hard saying goodbye but I know I’ll get over it and the thought that that dog is going to completely transform someone’s life is an amazing feeling.
It’s extremely rewarding and you get to meet lots of lovely people in the process.
A year later I decided I’d like to get involved with the breeding scheme and our lovely Cockapoo, Hope came into our lives at the age of 2.
She had already had one litter and went on to have another 3 litters with us, producing some fantastic puppies, before retiring and living a very happy life with us until we sadly lost her at the age of 10 to cancer.
I enjoyed having the litters so much that even though it was hard work I wanted to continue with another brood bitch.
I was still socialising dogs during this time and fortunately for us our beautiful Cocker Spaniel, who we’d had from the age of 10 weeks was selected for breeding.
Fiona has been a member since we started the club and has devoted a lot of her time and energy breeding, raising, socialising and training dogs to become fully fledged Hearing Dogs. This continued even through her own health issues and dealing with cancer.
Here is her story, and a few pictures of some of the dogs Fiona has cared for. Thanks Fiona for all your hard work!
"I first became involved with the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 11 years ago, in 2006.
We had our own dog, Mufty, and whilst out walking her I used to often meet a couple who were socialising a puppy for Hearing Dogs.
They suggested to me that it was something that I might like to do, but like so many people I wasn’t sure how I would cope with parting with the puppy after a year. It took me a while to think about it but once my youngest left for university I decided I’d give it a try and I’ve never looked back.
Yes it is hard saying goodbye but I know I’ll get over it and the thought that that dog is going to completely transform someone’s life is an amazing feeling.
It’s extremely rewarding and you get to meet lots of lovely people in the process.
A year later I decided I’d like to get involved with the breeding scheme and our lovely Cockapoo, Hope came into our lives at the age of 2.
She had already had one litter and went on to have another 3 litters with us, producing some fantastic puppies, before retiring and living a very happy life with us until we sadly lost her at the age of 10 to cancer.
I enjoyed having the litters so much that even though it was hard work I wanted to continue with another brood bitch.
I was still socialising dogs during this time and fortunately for us our beautiful Cocker Spaniel, who we’d had from the age of 10 weeks was selected for breeding.
When Ginny was just over a year old I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to endure surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It was a horrible year but so fantastic to have the dogs to keep me going.
My husband had said that we wouldn’t be able to keep Ginny while she had her first litter, but I refused to let her go until we saw how things went.
Ginny very cleverly waited to come into season so that we had the pups during the time between my finishing chemotherapy and starting radiotherapy.
It was such a positive experience during that time, we were both so pleased that Ginny had stayed with us to have her pups.
My husband had said that we wouldn’t be able to keep Ginny while she had her first litter, but I refused to let her go until we saw how things went.
Ginny very cleverly waited to come into season so that we had the pups during the time between my finishing chemotherapy and starting radiotherapy.
It was such a positive experience during that time, we were both so pleased that Ginny had stayed with us to have her pups.
We had 3 dogs at this point, Mufty, Hope and Ginny, and although I wanted to carry on socialising a puppy, my husband had said we weren’t having 4 dogs.
However once I’d got over all my treatment he was so pleased to see me well enough to have a puppy that he relented!
Chocolate poodle Oliver came along and joined the gang. He is now out working as a Hearing Dog in the Liverpool area if anyone ever comes across him.
However once I’d got over all my treatment he was so pleased to see me well enough to have a puppy that he relented!
Chocolate poodle Oliver came along and joined the gang. He is now out working as a Hearing Dog in the Liverpool area if anyone ever comes across him.
I have continued to socialise as well as having 3 more gorgeous litters of Cockapoos with Ginny. We also have had other puppies to stay on a short-term basis, mostly those that have come into the centre at 8 weeks old and need a home for a few days before transferring to their full-time socialisers.
In total to date we‘ve had 110 Hearing Dogs through our household!
Ginny has now retired from breeding but will continue to work with me as a Demonstration Dog for Hearing Dogs. I am also very lucky now to have her son Chilli from her third litter back permanently with us as a Demonstration and Applicant Assessment Dog.
He is a super dog, very laid back and completely unfazed by anything, he’s just a little too keen on taking off on walks but I’m used to that with Ginny! They always find their way back to us!
Ginny may have finished having puppies but I want to have more, so am currently awaiting my third Hearing Dog brood bitch, hopefully in May if she passes all her health tests.
Watch this space!"
In total to date we‘ve had 110 Hearing Dogs through our household!
Ginny has now retired from breeding but will continue to work with me as a Demonstration Dog for Hearing Dogs. I am also very lucky now to have her son Chilli from her third litter back permanently with us as a Demonstration and Applicant Assessment Dog.
He is a super dog, very laid back and completely unfazed by anything, he’s just a little too keen on taking off on walks but I’m used to that with Ginny! They always find their way back to us!
Ginny may have finished having puppies but I want to have more, so am currently awaiting my third Hearing Dog brood bitch, hopefully in May if she passes all her health tests.
Watch this space!"
Showcase Member -CHARLEY'S STORY
It is a story of 3 dogs rescued, but marred by an accidental mating and subsequent litter. Hopefully people can enjoy and learn from it too.
Charley has been a member for nearly 3 years and during that time we have seen her family grow with the lovely little boy Ashton and three much loved dogs.
Her furry family started off with a rescued dog, Gypsy, a Cockapoo. Slightly nervous and unsure initially, Gypsy became a loved member of the family and settled in well, Ashton came along and right from a baby had a bond with Gypsy that grew stronger and stronger.
That might sound like enough of a handful, but Charley heard of another dog that needed a new forever home, and so Cavapoo Romi joined the clan. Again, he needed some love and security to settle, but within no time he was a happy and content member of the family, and another buddy for Ashton.
Charley tells her story below
"I saw an ad for Cookie on Facebook that she needed rehoming and I just had to have her. We already had Gypsy who's a Cockapoo and Romi who's a Cavapoo but after my husband agreeing I went to visit her with my mum and fell in love even more. Her owners contacted me that evening and said that they'd love for us to have her so we went and collected her the next day and she just fitted right in with the others.
After a week of having her she came into season so we didn't get chance to have her spayed, we had already had Gypsy done and we had planned to have Romi done when he had turned one, but unfortunately her first season didn't exactly go to plan.
I took her everywhere with me and never left her and Romi in the room together on their own, I looked away for 2 minutes to change my little boys nappy and heard a cry!
She was stood on Romi at the time so I just thought she'd squashed him, I tapped her and told her to get off but little did I know they were locked.
Cookie went to run one way and Romi the other but they were stuck together bum to bum, they finally released, Romi was traumatised and so was I!!
Hoping every day that they wasn't successful, the day came where we had her scanned and we were told that she was having 6 puppies and we were devastated for her, we never wanted this to happen in a million years but it had so we brought everything we needed and after lots of research and talking to breeders for advice we were finally ready and then it was just a waiting game.
The day finally came, and she had puppy number 1 a little boy who was born at 6:30pm he wasn't in his sack and he was born feet first so it was very difficult and stressful for her, they say they don't like to much fuss while giving birth but Cookie decided she wanted to sit on her nannys lap while pushing lol, and then another pup was born at 7:17pm a little girl again feet first but she was in her sack and then another little boy at 7:58pm who again was feet first but still in his sack so they were a lot easier for her to cope with.
Her contractions completely stopped after pup number 3 and she went straight back to being her normal self. Me, my mum and my husband sat and waited for pup number 4 but 2 hours passed and still no more puppies,
it turned out that she had absorbed the other 3 during the pregnancy, so we have 3 healthy, beautiful puppies and one very proud poo mummy here!!
Cookie done amazing and she is proving to be an amazing mummy, we love them all so much!!"
It is a story of 3 dogs rescued, but marred by an accidental mating and subsequent litter. Hopefully people can enjoy and learn from it too.
Charley has been a member for nearly 3 years and during that time we have seen her family grow with the lovely little boy Ashton and three much loved dogs.
Her furry family started off with a rescued dog, Gypsy, a Cockapoo. Slightly nervous and unsure initially, Gypsy became a loved member of the family and settled in well, Ashton came along and right from a baby had a bond with Gypsy that grew stronger and stronger.
That might sound like enough of a handful, but Charley heard of another dog that needed a new forever home, and so Cavapoo Romi joined the clan. Again, he needed some love and security to settle, but within no time he was a happy and content member of the family, and another buddy for Ashton.
Charley tells her story below
"I saw an ad for Cookie on Facebook that she needed rehoming and I just had to have her. We already had Gypsy who's a Cockapoo and Romi who's a Cavapoo but after my husband agreeing I went to visit her with my mum and fell in love even more. Her owners contacted me that evening and said that they'd love for us to have her so we went and collected her the next day and she just fitted right in with the others.
After a week of having her she came into season so we didn't get chance to have her spayed, we had already had Gypsy done and we had planned to have Romi done when he had turned one, but unfortunately her first season didn't exactly go to plan.
I took her everywhere with me and never left her and Romi in the room together on their own, I looked away for 2 minutes to change my little boys nappy and heard a cry!
She was stood on Romi at the time so I just thought she'd squashed him, I tapped her and told her to get off but little did I know they were locked.
Cookie went to run one way and Romi the other but they were stuck together bum to bum, they finally released, Romi was traumatised and so was I!!
Hoping every day that they wasn't successful, the day came where we had her scanned and we were told that she was having 6 puppies and we were devastated for her, we never wanted this to happen in a million years but it had so we brought everything we needed and after lots of research and talking to breeders for advice we were finally ready and then it was just a waiting game.
The day finally came, and she had puppy number 1 a little boy who was born at 6:30pm he wasn't in his sack and he was born feet first so it was very difficult and stressful for her, they say they don't like to much fuss while giving birth but Cookie decided she wanted to sit on her nannys lap while pushing lol, and then another pup was born at 7:17pm a little girl again feet first but she was in her sack and then another little boy at 7:58pm who again was feet first but still in his sack so they were a lot easier for her to cope with.
Her contractions completely stopped after pup number 3 and she went straight back to being her normal self. Me, my mum and my husband sat and waited for pup number 4 but 2 hours passed and still no more puppies,
it turned out that she had absorbed the other 3 during the pregnancy, so we have 3 healthy, beautiful puppies and one very proud poo mummy here!!
Cookie done amazing and she is proving to be an amazing mummy, we love them all so much!!"
BARBARA AND JESSIE
When I brought Jessie home as an eight week old pup, my terminally ill husband said, "Hello, you are my replacement".
It broke my heart. However, he came to love her and she would sit at his feet and have tummy rubs with his walking stick, as he couldn't bend down.
She visited him in the palliative care ward and several times at the hospice.
When he died in November 2015, she became my reason for getting up and out every day.
She is my constant companion and sits by my side every evening and at the bottom of my bed every night. She travels with me both in the train and in the car. She loves all the family, especially the grandchildren and gets really excited when she sees the family.
She is a joy and the welcome that I get when I return, even if I am out only five minutes, is awesome and I feel loved.
She is the most lovely natured, friendly dog. In a strange sort of way, my husband was right, she has replaced him in some ways and she has helped me get through my grief at losing him after almost 50 years together.
When I brought Jessie home as an eight week old pup, my terminally ill husband said, "Hello, you are my replacement".
It broke my heart. However, he came to love her and she would sit at his feet and have tummy rubs with his walking stick, as he couldn't bend down.
She visited him in the palliative care ward and several times at the hospice.
When he died in November 2015, she became my reason for getting up and out every day.
She is my constant companion and sits by my side every evening and at the bottom of my bed every night. She travels with me both in the train and in the car. She loves all the family, especially the grandchildren and gets really excited when she sees the family.
She is a joy and the welcome that I get when I return, even if I am out only five minutes, is awesome and I feel loved.
She is the most lovely natured, friendly dog. In a strange sort of way, my husband was right, she has replaced him in some ways and she has helped me get through my grief at losing him after almost 50 years together.
MARY AND HARLEY
Congratulations to Mary, and her lovely dog Harley for becoming an official Hearing Dogs partnership.
Mary has been fundraising for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People ever since she suddenly lost her hearing a few years ago, organising competitions and events whenever she could to help spread the word and help raise money for this wonderful charity.
Harley has recently been going through his training with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and came through all his assessments with flying colours, recently passing his final assessment. He is now the proud owner of his official HD burgundy coat and can accompany Mary everywhere she goes.
Congratulations to Mary, and her lovely dog Harley for becoming an official Hearing Dogs partnership.
Mary has been fundraising for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People ever since she suddenly lost her hearing a few years ago, organising competitions and events whenever she could to help spread the word and help raise money for this wonderful charity.
Harley has recently been going through his training with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and came through all his assessments with flying colours, recently passing his final assessment. He is now the proud owner of his official HD burgundy coat and can accompany Mary everywhere she goes.
CHARLIE BY JAN
We had been without a dog for over a year having said goodbye to our three ancient (all 16 +) woofers fairly close together. One weekend in August 2012 it felt like the right time, and within days of Charlie's arrival it was as though he had been with us forever!
We had no idea what joys lay ahead in the world of Poo!
Charlie is now nearly nineteen months old and there isn't a day that goes by when he doesn't have us in stitches as his crazy little character just continues to develop. He is generally a very relaxed boy who loves playing with his many (fantastic social life!) friends, and meeting new ones wherever we go. It is impossible to put into words how much one little fluff-ball has given us, and we certainly did not anticipate the part that he plays in making each day pretty special.
Just after completing his hot-water bottle (hockle-wockle bockle as it is in our house!) training, which I'm sure you'll be please to know he passed with distinction, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As I write this I am three quarters of the way through chemotherapy with more surgery and radiotherapy planned in the New Year; the prognosis is good.
Thanks to his arrival, at the time I was diagnosed, I felt healthier and happier than I had been for years.
There are times when the best thing in the word is a Charlie cuddle, and I will always cherish the million smiles that he brings as he lies in poo pose with floppy legs stretching out now and again, or talks in his own very serious and special way (beautiful button eyes saying 'please understand me').
The extra little bond that Charlie has developed with 'Daddy' (probably should be the other way round, and yes I know that he is a dog!) has been so funny to watch and good for us all.
I am not able to do justice to our little boy in words but when it comes down to it, I can truly say that life with Charlie is nothing short of wonderful!
We had been without a dog for over a year having said goodbye to our three ancient (all 16 +) woofers fairly close together. One weekend in August 2012 it felt like the right time, and within days of Charlie's arrival it was as though he had been with us forever!
We had no idea what joys lay ahead in the world of Poo!
Charlie is now nearly nineteen months old and there isn't a day that goes by when he doesn't have us in stitches as his crazy little character just continues to develop. He is generally a very relaxed boy who loves playing with his many (fantastic social life!) friends, and meeting new ones wherever we go. It is impossible to put into words how much one little fluff-ball has given us, and we certainly did not anticipate the part that he plays in making each day pretty special.
Just after completing his hot-water bottle (hockle-wockle bockle as it is in our house!) training, which I'm sure you'll be please to know he passed with distinction, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As I write this I am three quarters of the way through chemotherapy with more surgery and radiotherapy planned in the New Year; the prognosis is good.
Thanks to his arrival, at the time I was diagnosed, I felt healthier and happier than I had been for years.
There are times when the best thing in the word is a Charlie cuddle, and I will always cherish the million smiles that he brings as he lies in poo pose with floppy legs stretching out now and again, or talks in his own very serious and special way (beautiful button eyes saying 'please understand me').
The extra little bond that Charlie has developed with 'Daddy' (probably should be the other way round, and yes I know that he is a dog!) has been so funny to watch and good for us all.
I am not able to do justice to our little boy in words but when it comes down to it, I can truly say that life with Charlie is nothing short of wonderful!
BENSON BY MURIEL
In May 2012 my sister Linda came to my house with her new pup Marley. Phil, my husband, fell in love with him.
We had been without a dog for 16 years but after Linda and Marley left, Phil was looking on the internet night after night at Cockapoo puppies and as the weeks went by he just kept talking about Marley.
On Saturday 14th July 2012 , I said to Phil "You really want another dog don't you?" the reply came straight away "Yes I do"
Next morning we drove from our house in Buckinghamshire to a breeder in Linconshire and there we saw three beautiful Cockapoos - 2 female black and white and 1 black male with white bib, His name was to be Benson and he was the one we chose.
We paid our money and saw both parents, had a long chat to the owners and started our journey home with our new puppy. Benson was so good! He sat on my knee for the three hour journey although of course we did stop on the way home to let him have a wee - good job we had some plastic in the boot of the car to put him on for a wee.
We stopped off at Pets at Home to buy a bed, bowl. toy, and a small collar.
He settled in very well the first night, coming up to bed with us in the bedroom where he went under our bed to sleep. We said that this dog would never be allowed on chairs or bed - how things have changed!!! He sits on chairs and starts the nights off on our bed! He does still go under the bed for a while but can always be found between us in the morning.
Benson made this his home very quickly. He loves to go out with Phil gardening, he enjoys riding on the back of our steam engine and coming to rallies with us. Benson has lots of toys but his favourite has to be the tennis balls. Benson makes us laugh every day. I can say that he is a clown. Like most poo's he loves socks!. Yes he does a few tricks and is always very active.
The only thing that worried me was that he has always been very funny about food, but we found that he loves hearts so that is what he eats along with kibble.
Benson always loves to see Marley. they play together very well and are like brothers.
In May 2012 my sister Linda came to my house with her new pup Marley. Phil, my husband, fell in love with him.
We had been without a dog for 16 years but after Linda and Marley left, Phil was looking on the internet night after night at Cockapoo puppies and as the weeks went by he just kept talking about Marley.
On Saturday 14th July 2012 , I said to Phil "You really want another dog don't you?" the reply came straight away "Yes I do"
Next morning we drove from our house in Buckinghamshire to a breeder in Linconshire and there we saw three beautiful Cockapoos - 2 female black and white and 1 black male with white bib, His name was to be Benson and he was the one we chose.
We paid our money and saw both parents, had a long chat to the owners and started our journey home with our new puppy. Benson was so good! He sat on my knee for the three hour journey although of course we did stop on the way home to let him have a wee - good job we had some plastic in the boot of the car to put him on for a wee.
We stopped off at Pets at Home to buy a bed, bowl. toy, and a small collar.
He settled in very well the first night, coming up to bed with us in the bedroom where he went under our bed to sleep. We said that this dog would never be allowed on chairs or bed - how things have changed!!! He sits on chairs and starts the nights off on our bed! He does still go under the bed for a while but can always be found between us in the morning.
Benson made this his home very quickly. He loves to go out with Phil gardening, he enjoys riding on the back of our steam engine and coming to rallies with us. Benson has lots of toys but his favourite has to be the tennis balls. Benson makes us laugh every day. I can say that he is a clown. Like most poo's he loves socks!. Yes he does a few tricks and is always very active.
The only thing that worried me was that he has always been very funny about food, but we found that he loves hearts so that is what he eats along with kibble.
Benson always loves to see Marley. they play together very well and are like brothers.
BISCUIT & BETH
Congratulations to Beth and Biscuit.
They have recently had their final assessment and passed with flying colours. Biscuit and Beth are now a fully fledged Hearing Dog partnership.
Well done to both Beth and Biscuit, this is a major achievement for them both, and Biscuit looks so good in her burgundy HD vest.
Congratulations to Beth and Biscuit.
They have recently had their final assessment and passed with flying colours. Biscuit and Beth are now a fully fledged Hearing Dog partnership.
Well done to both Beth and Biscuit, this is a major achievement for them both, and Biscuit looks so good in her burgundy HD vest.
GINNY, BY FIONA
What a special girl Ginny is!!
Today at the Chalgrove Fun Dog Show she won 'Prettiest Bitch' and then went on to win 'Best in Show'.
She also took first prize for clocking the fastest time in 'On My Command' which consisted of going round a course following instructions such as slow pace, fast pace, left and right turns and sits and downs.
Here she is showing off her prizes and all on the second birthday of her first litter!
Happy Birthday to Jarvis, Jamie, Josey, Jess, Juno and Jenna, 5 of which are now fully fledged Hearing Dogs.
What a special girl Ginny is!!
Today at the Chalgrove Fun Dog Show she won 'Prettiest Bitch' and then went on to win 'Best in Show'.
She also took first prize for clocking the fastest time in 'On My Command' which consisted of going round a course following instructions such as slow pace, fast pace, left and right turns and sits and downs.
Here she is showing off her prizes and all on the second birthday of her first litter!
Happy Birthday to Jarvis, Jamie, Josey, Jess, Juno and Jenna, 5 of which are now fully fledged Hearing Dogs.
KIA (HEARING DOG) AND ALVA
I had to stop working as a teacher as I was considered too deaf to hear the children!! I was mid 40's, I knew nobody else as all my friends were working and got very, very depressed!
I saw a poster in an audiology department for Hearing Dogs and applied for one. After checks on my level of deafness and suitability I was placed on an 18 month waiting list.
This was sooo long, I contacted local Social Services and had a Flashing light fitted to front doorbell which helped a bit, but it was a long long wait.
I got more and more worried about going out with more than one other person and lost what little self confidence I had left after being forced out of teaching.
I was always missing phone calls and the postman. I used to go to the nearby Asda and sit and have coffee. Lonely I suppose.
.
Anyway the day finally came when I had THE PHOTO!!!!! I was to meet Emma a black lab the next week!!!!
It was a snowy March day and we drove from Surrey to Oxfordshire, where the old centre was. We met Emma and took her for a walk. After about 3 months the time came for me to join her for training. I stayed from the Monday to Friday and had to learn how to look after a dog as well as all the sound and obedience training!!!
It was very tiring but exciting!!
On the Friday I brought her home!!
The next week another trainer came to my home to work with us, take us shopping, on public transport and generally answer any questions I had. Then we were on our own!!!!!!!
Suddenly life was fun, she chased butterflies and played with other dogs and I got to meet other dog walkers who were keen to chat. Shopping took hours because I was stopped by everyone - Hearing Dogs were rare in 1995.
After a few months I realised I felt happy, something I hadn't thought about before. Emma passed her final assessment and we started giving talks and doing simple demonstrations in order to raise money for this wonderful charity. A local group started up and we would work at shows raising awareness and money.
Hearing Dogs are now a victim of their own success! Unfortunately there is a five year waiting list for new applicants and two years for replacement dogs.
Emma overlapped with Daisy when she was eleven. Daisy was a Havanese crossed with a bichon. She was really lovely dog who was full of life and worked really well. Emma was so sweet with her at first and I got no alerts to bells etc that first week because Daisy told Emma she shouldn't be working, it was her job now.
About eighteen months later Emma reached the end and Daisy was wonderful. Sadly when Daisy was six the MRI scan detected a osteosarcoma at the back of her skull and she died later that day.
It was bolt from the blue and I was devastated. I was plunged back into the depths of despair and everything was lonely again. I had to see a counsellor and it was a terrible time. I was in bits.
Then ten months later Kia was matched and trained for me and has been working and keeping me company ever since. I am now happy again but at the vets a bit, worried nothing will be missed. I am making friends on Facebook due to Hearing Dogs and going out and about. I don't do talks any more but help out on the Hearing Dogs stall at shows.
Training and working with recipients is different now. Unfortunately the waiting list is now 5 years long but the charity works so hard to raise money to get these dogs out to waiting deaf people.
They desperately need socialisers, part time and for the first year of a pups life. They are really working hard to raise awareness.
I had to stop working as a teacher as I was considered too deaf to hear the children!! I was mid 40's, I knew nobody else as all my friends were working and got very, very depressed!
I saw a poster in an audiology department for Hearing Dogs and applied for one. After checks on my level of deafness and suitability I was placed on an 18 month waiting list.
This was sooo long, I contacted local Social Services and had a Flashing light fitted to front doorbell which helped a bit, but it was a long long wait.
I got more and more worried about going out with more than one other person and lost what little self confidence I had left after being forced out of teaching.
I was always missing phone calls and the postman. I used to go to the nearby Asda and sit and have coffee. Lonely I suppose.
.
Anyway the day finally came when I had THE PHOTO!!!!! I was to meet Emma a black lab the next week!!!!
It was a snowy March day and we drove from Surrey to Oxfordshire, where the old centre was. We met Emma and took her for a walk. After about 3 months the time came for me to join her for training. I stayed from the Monday to Friday and had to learn how to look after a dog as well as all the sound and obedience training!!!
It was very tiring but exciting!!
On the Friday I brought her home!!
The next week another trainer came to my home to work with us, take us shopping, on public transport and generally answer any questions I had. Then we were on our own!!!!!!!
Suddenly life was fun, she chased butterflies and played with other dogs and I got to meet other dog walkers who were keen to chat. Shopping took hours because I was stopped by everyone - Hearing Dogs were rare in 1995.
After a few months I realised I felt happy, something I hadn't thought about before. Emma passed her final assessment and we started giving talks and doing simple demonstrations in order to raise money for this wonderful charity. A local group started up and we would work at shows raising awareness and money.
Hearing Dogs are now a victim of their own success! Unfortunately there is a five year waiting list for new applicants and two years for replacement dogs.
Emma overlapped with Daisy when she was eleven. Daisy was a Havanese crossed with a bichon. She was really lovely dog who was full of life and worked really well. Emma was so sweet with her at first and I got no alerts to bells etc that first week because Daisy told Emma she shouldn't be working, it was her job now.
About eighteen months later Emma reached the end and Daisy was wonderful. Sadly when Daisy was six the MRI scan detected a osteosarcoma at the back of her skull and she died later that day.
It was bolt from the blue and I was devastated. I was plunged back into the depths of despair and everything was lonely again. I had to see a counsellor and it was a terrible time. I was in bits.
Then ten months later Kia was matched and trained for me and has been working and keeping me company ever since. I am now happy again but at the vets a bit, worried nothing will be missed. I am making friends on Facebook due to Hearing Dogs and going out and about. I don't do talks any more but help out on the Hearing Dogs stall at shows.
Training and working with recipients is different now. Unfortunately the waiting list is now 5 years long but the charity works so hard to raise money to get these dogs out to waiting deaf people.
They desperately need socialisers, part time and for the first year of a pups life. They are really working hard to raise awareness.
POEM TO HEARING DOG BISCUIT, BY BETH
I once had a dog called Patch
She had a beautiful coat and big brown eyes
She was a bit of a scaredy cat
She would cross the road to avoid a cat!
She came to me when I was three
I use to put her in my dolls pram
She was soft and so gentle you see
As I grew up she became my best friend
When I felt sad she would sit on my knee
I’d stroke her soft coat
Tell her my secrets and how I did feel
I’m adopted you see
Patch would listen intently to my tale
Her ears would prick up she would wag her tail
Then one day she was gone
I came home from school
To see her taken out in a box
My best friend was gone
My heart did break
I didn’t get chance to say good bye
The vet had been called
She had to be put to sleep
I knew it was for the best
But I felt sad for a very long time
She had left a huge big hole
But not in my heart for that was full
Full of the time that we had shared
Full of the love she gave willingly to me
She had left a hole in my life
I made a vow that when I left home
I would have another dog
But alas
I fell in love with someone who didn’t want a dog
He would say whenever I did ask
Absolutely not
It’s me or a dog
My children came along
They too as children do
They wanted a dog
We had lots of small animals
At times it was like a zoo
The animals seemed to find me
I found them in the garden lost you see
As the boys wanted a dog too
Oh me thought two allies
Brilliant now we will see
Three against one maybe
My husband was adamant
It’s me or a dog
His reasons weren't logical
Well not to me
He didn't want to become too attached
He didn't want the pain of the inevitable loss
I always felt
Better to have loved and lost
Rather than never to love
For I know Patch is in my heart
I close my eyes and she is there
The memories and feelings
Of good times and bad
In 2008 one day I did wake up
Silence no sound, strange I did think
Something was wrong I could not hear
Sudden hearing loss I was told
My world collapsed all in one go
I felt no hope
Work became difficult
Too much noise on the ward in the day time
My hearing aid caused too much back ground noise
I work in a hospital you see
So I cut down my hours and just worked nights
I tried to adjust to this new way of being
But it was hard
Hard to suddenly not hear
I would hardly go out
When I did I would feel daft
As I had to ask people to keep repeating themselves
The supermarket was as bad
I’d be pushed aside
They probably had said "excuse me"
But I wouldn't have heard
So I withdrew into myself
At home the doorbell would ring
A delivery, a parcel
But alas, I had not heard the doorbell go
So I didn't answer the door
A card through the letter box
The card did say
We called today you were not in
You can collect your parcel from the main office
In two days
I didn't want to go into town
To fight my way through the crowds
To get pushed and ignored
To be embarrassed
I’d wanted my parcel to be delivered to my house
I had been in
I just didn't hear the bell
The phone would ring I wouldn't hear
It was my friend from a little way a way wondering if I was in
It would have been nice some company
To see my friend for the day
Isolation
Then I herd about Hearing Dogs
Wow I thought – hope – a light
Then my heart sank
The word my husband had spoke
It’s me or a dog
It took a bit of persuasion and a little bit of time
Then hurray! - he agreed
I could apply for a Hearing Dog
I applied in march 2009 and I was successful
But then I was told a five year wait
My heart sank what a long wait
However I knew it would be worth it
Gone would be the isolation
Gone would be the missed parcels
Gone would be the missed phone calls
Gone would be the fear to go out
Four years later not the five that I thought
A letter falls through my door
Two days before my birthday
I open the letter my hand begins to shake
I read the letter words jump off the page
It’s from Hearing Dogs
"We think we have a dog that’s a good match"
There's a photo too
My heart is pounding like it’s going to burst
Oh my she is adorable! It’s love at first sight
I only have one week to wait
To go to meet her see if we get on
I never thought a week could be so long
I drive to Bielby, what a lovely place
I'm shown to my room where I will stay
My stomach begins to do somersaults
I’m so excited but nervous too
A big step to come all this way on my own
The trainer arrives all bubbly and bright
She made me so welcome
I suddenly feel alright
She explains about Biscuit and her little ways
Then says she will come back with her in about one hour
To give me time to settle in
Tick tock tick tock
That hour passed so slowly
Then there she was at the door
A bundle of black fur
Tail wagging ever so fast
As she ran around sniffing the floor
Then she came over to me
I placed my hand gently on her back
As she didn't know me
I began to stroke her
I was instantly in love, she is adorable
"I’ll take her now, please!" I squeeled!!!
We went for a walk
Wow! She can run ever so fast!
Full of energy and full of life but also gentle as well
Time now went fast
Too fast for me
For it would soon time for me to leave
It was agreed we were a good match
My heart did sing inside of me
She was just what I need to help me
A friend a companion and an alert for the door
It wouldn't be long before I returned
I did have a weep as I said goodbye
I didn’t want to leave her now we had met
But I did have some pictures to take back
The hole in my life that had been left by Patch
Will be filled once more
My new friend is adorable
She’s bouncy, pretty and ever so bright
She will change my life I’m sure about that
She will be my ears my companion my friend
Her name is Biscuit
She’s as black as the night
To all those who have been involved with biscuit
The breeders the trainers the socializers and to Hearing Dogs trust
I want to thank you for what you do
To help people like me
A life changing opportunity given to me
A gift
You give your time, you give your love
I bet you have had many sleepless nights
It must be hard to do what you do
To then have to say goodbye for good
At least with our children when they fly the nest
We see them!!
Well, from time to time
I promise you for all your hard work
I will love and cherish Biscuit all of her life
She might even drop you a line
From time to time
I send you a pink ribbon from my heart
A ribbon of pink to wrap round you
It’s sent from my heart with love
Not just from me but from Biscuit too
We both now stand to a step
A step together
One that you helped create
I now have a new best friend by my side
THANKS FOR THE HUGE GIFT YOU HAVE ALL GIVE TO ME
NEW EARS AND A FRIEND AND COMPANION
I once had a dog called Patch
She had a beautiful coat and big brown eyes
She was a bit of a scaredy cat
She would cross the road to avoid a cat!
She came to me when I was three
I use to put her in my dolls pram
She was soft and so gentle you see
As I grew up she became my best friend
When I felt sad she would sit on my knee
I’d stroke her soft coat
Tell her my secrets and how I did feel
I’m adopted you see
Patch would listen intently to my tale
Her ears would prick up she would wag her tail
Then one day she was gone
I came home from school
To see her taken out in a box
My best friend was gone
My heart did break
I didn’t get chance to say good bye
The vet had been called
She had to be put to sleep
I knew it was for the best
But I felt sad for a very long time
She had left a huge big hole
But not in my heart for that was full
Full of the time that we had shared
Full of the love she gave willingly to me
She had left a hole in my life
I made a vow that when I left home
I would have another dog
But alas
I fell in love with someone who didn’t want a dog
He would say whenever I did ask
Absolutely not
It’s me or a dog
My children came along
They too as children do
They wanted a dog
We had lots of small animals
At times it was like a zoo
The animals seemed to find me
I found them in the garden lost you see
As the boys wanted a dog too
Oh me thought two allies
Brilliant now we will see
Three against one maybe
My husband was adamant
It’s me or a dog
His reasons weren't logical
Well not to me
He didn't want to become too attached
He didn't want the pain of the inevitable loss
I always felt
Better to have loved and lost
Rather than never to love
For I know Patch is in my heart
I close my eyes and she is there
The memories and feelings
Of good times and bad
In 2008 one day I did wake up
Silence no sound, strange I did think
Something was wrong I could not hear
Sudden hearing loss I was told
My world collapsed all in one go
I felt no hope
Work became difficult
Too much noise on the ward in the day time
My hearing aid caused too much back ground noise
I work in a hospital you see
So I cut down my hours and just worked nights
I tried to adjust to this new way of being
But it was hard
Hard to suddenly not hear
I would hardly go out
When I did I would feel daft
As I had to ask people to keep repeating themselves
The supermarket was as bad
I’d be pushed aside
They probably had said "excuse me"
But I wouldn't have heard
So I withdrew into myself
At home the doorbell would ring
A delivery, a parcel
But alas, I had not heard the doorbell go
So I didn't answer the door
A card through the letter box
The card did say
We called today you were not in
You can collect your parcel from the main office
In two days
I didn't want to go into town
To fight my way through the crowds
To get pushed and ignored
To be embarrassed
I’d wanted my parcel to be delivered to my house
I had been in
I just didn't hear the bell
The phone would ring I wouldn't hear
It was my friend from a little way a way wondering if I was in
It would have been nice some company
To see my friend for the day
Isolation
Then I herd about Hearing Dogs
Wow I thought – hope – a light
Then my heart sank
The word my husband had spoke
It’s me or a dog
It took a bit of persuasion and a little bit of time
Then hurray! - he agreed
I could apply for a Hearing Dog
I applied in march 2009 and I was successful
But then I was told a five year wait
My heart sank what a long wait
However I knew it would be worth it
Gone would be the isolation
Gone would be the missed parcels
Gone would be the missed phone calls
Gone would be the fear to go out
Four years later not the five that I thought
A letter falls through my door
Two days before my birthday
I open the letter my hand begins to shake
I read the letter words jump off the page
It’s from Hearing Dogs
"We think we have a dog that’s a good match"
There's a photo too
My heart is pounding like it’s going to burst
Oh my she is adorable! It’s love at first sight
I only have one week to wait
To go to meet her see if we get on
I never thought a week could be so long
I drive to Bielby, what a lovely place
I'm shown to my room where I will stay
My stomach begins to do somersaults
I’m so excited but nervous too
A big step to come all this way on my own
The trainer arrives all bubbly and bright
She made me so welcome
I suddenly feel alright
She explains about Biscuit and her little ways
Then says she will come back with her in about one hour
To give me time to settle in
Tick tock tick tock
That hour passed so slowly
Then there she was at the door
A bundle of black fur
Tail wagging ever so fast
As she ran around sniffing the floor
Then she came over to me
I placed my hand gently on her back
As she didn't know me
I began to stroke her
I was instantly in love, she is adorable
"I’ll take her now, please!" I squeeled!!!
We went for a walk
Wow! She can run ever so fast!
Full of energy and full of life but also gentle as well
Time now went fast
Too fast for me
For it would soon time for me to leave
It was agreed we were a good match
My heart did sing inside of me
She was just what I need to help me
A friend a companion and an alert for the door
It wouldn't be long before I returned
I did have a weep as I said goodbye
I didn’t want to leave her now we had met
But I did have some pictures to take back
The hole in my life that had been left by Patch
Will be filled once more
My new friend is adorable
She’s bouncy, pretty and ever so bright
She will change my life I’m sure about that
She will be my ears my companion my friend
Her name is Biscuit
She’s as black as the night
To all those who have been involved with biscuit
The breeders the trainers the socializers and to Hearing Dogs trust
I want to thank you for what you do
To help people like me
A life changing opportunity given to me
A gift
You give your time, you give your love
I bet you have had many sleepless nights
It must be hard to do what you do
To then have to say goodbye for good
At least with our children when they fly the nest
We see them!!
Well, from time to time
I promise you for all your hard work
I will love and cherish Biscuit all of her life
She might even drop you a line
From time to time
I send you a pink ribbon from my heart
A ribbon of pink to wrap round you
It’s sent from my heart with love
Not just from me but from Biscuit too
We both now stand to a step
A step together
One that you helped create
I now have a new best friend by my side
THANKS FOR THE HUGE GIFT YOU HAVE ALL GIVE TO ME
NEW EARS AND A FRIEND AND COMPANION