My Dog, My Ears: How a Hearing Dog Changed My Life – My article from “Bay Woof”
We’re all aware of the usual things that our canine companions do for us, like offering unconditional love with a side of goofiness. But a few special working dogs go above and beyond, providing specific help for some of life’s toughest challenges.
In my case, I’ve been fortunate to be served by four hearing-assistance Golden Retrievers over the past 35 years. Many times people have stopped me to ask about my hearing dog. Why do I need a hearing dog? What does he do exactly? Well, let me tell you.
Back in the mid-90s I was hit with a series of ongoing sinus infections as a result of HIV. The infections spread to my ear canals and destroyed my eardrums. I was deaf. Gone was the familiar hum of the refrigerator or the sound of the birds in the garden. I could no longer talk on the phone to friends or hear the knock of someone at the door.
After I lost my hearing, it became dangerous to walk Nicholas, my first Golden, around the hill near our Russian River home for his exercise. I remember the day I was shaken when a car behind me suddenly sped by treacherously close to us. I had seen Nicholas turn his head, but I hadn’t given it any thought until it was nearly too late.
From that moment on, I learned to watch Nicholas for his every movement. He became my own private radar system. He monitored the area around me and let me know if anything was approaching. Now, when walking on the road, if he turned and looked in a certain direction, I knew something was there. I became even more in tune with him, noticing the slight shift of his ears, the squint of his eyes, and the speed of his walk.
After Nicholas passed, my second Golden, Willy, took over the job of hearing for me. Fortunately, I was able to have him officially tagged as a hearing assistance dog by Sonoma County Animal Control. With this license, he could accompany me into restaurants and even on planes.
Having Willy as my functional ears changed my life. Once he even saved my house from burning down. As a writer, I spend a lot of time at my computer and often lose track of time. But when Willy came into the bedroom where I was working and nudged my leg, I knew immediately that something was wrong. Sure enough, flames were shooting up from the stove in the kitchen where I’d absent-mindedly left some eggs to fry. Grabbing the handle of the pan, I carried it through the back porch and out into the yard, then went back inside and put a big sign over the stove reminding me to never leave it while something was cooking. And, of course, I took a few minutes to thank my house-saving companion.
Not too long ago, I lost my most recent service animal, Morgan, after 14.5 years. Trained by Officer Dan LaMaster, Morgan was my best friend and touchstone. I’ll never forget that first night soon after I got him when he alerted me that someone or something was on the property late at night. I felt him move on the bed and witnessed his barking. I watched his ears perk up as well. The next day my neighbor informed me that some cats had been fighting in her yard. While the feline fracas didn’t pose an immediate threat, it felt good to know that I was being protected again.
Though Morgan never had to save my house from fire, he did once alert me to smoke coming out of the microwave when a houseguest overcooked a sweet potato. But mostly it was his wide grin greeting me when I first opened my eyes in the morning that got me through the day.
It’s now been over three years since a giant six-year-old, English cream Golden named Franklin arrived at my front door with his handler, Lisa. Franklin had spent two years studying to be a helpful companion for a veteran with life challenging disabilities at Golden Paws Assistance Dogs based in Naples, Florida. But after four years of service, the veteran decided she no longer wanted the responsibility of an animal, and Franklin was retired. I knew Lisa and she arranged for Franklin to be flown to me to become my service animal for hearing.
Now that I’m older, I’ve become more wobbly on my feet so Franklin has learned an additional skill known as “bracing,” where he stands firmly on all fours and I lean on his back to steady myself when standing up. Of course, he still alerts me when anything is amiss in the hearing world. He’s a multitasker, for sure.
I’m grateful for the selfless service Franklin and all of my Goldens have provided to me over these many years, and I honestly believe I am still on this planet today because of them. So the next time you see a hearing dog, you’ll know what they do. They change lives – and sometimes even save them.
❤️❤️❤️❤️I hope all of you are well. I feel like I’m missing out!
I’ll try to keep you in the loop. We are well. I’ve been busy writing Franklin’s book. We miss you, too.
A moving tribute to all the Golden souls who have assisted you. Their love and devotion is unmatched!
Thanks Pat. I couldn’t do it with out them. Your support keeps me writing.
AnothercGood one, Daniel.
Stephen! So good to hear from you. Thanks. I’m sorry we were never able to have dinner. But we’ll be back on Dec 31 again. We’ll make it happen this time.
Awesome story !! Franklin is awesome!!
A double thank you Barb. Thanks for your ongoing support. It keeps me writing.
Very well written, Dan. Your writing skills continue to get better with age. (I hate that word, having turned 80 in May and looking in the mirror. Yuck!) I remember when Willy alerted you to the fire n the kitchen. He was a boon companion. All my love, my friend.
Such an inspiring story. . . thank you for sharing!
Truly rescued by Goldens! Me too!
What a great story about you & your guard dogs (Goldens) & how much of an asset, besides being a great friend! Goldens are truly amazing, bright & caring dogs.
Such a wonderful & meaningful story about you & your awesome Goldens & your most recent one…Franklin!