Sarah and hearing dog Albert are an important part of Prize Paws. With many wins under their belt they have become a firm favourite with all our community. I’ve always known that Albert was Sarah’s Hearing Dog but I didn’t really think much about the impact that being profoundly deaf has on people like Sarah. I don’t think many of us do. It’s such an alien concept to someone who has full capacity to hear the everyday sounds of life. It’s something we take for granted which makes it difficult to imagine what life would be like surrounded by silence. Reading Sarah’s story changed this. 

Sarah’s story
Hearing Dog Albert has changed Sarah’s life and given her the confidence to live a more independent. 

 

“People would think I was ignorant when they spoke to me, especially when I pay for my items in a shop, because they couldn’t tell I am deaf. I have even had people barge in to the back of me , because I couldn’t hear them behind me. A women once pushed her pram in to the back of my legs and shouted at me in front of everyone. I was quite upset and embarrassed. “

“When Albert met me and my parents for the first time, he somehow knew that I am one whose life he will change, as he came to me and has never left my side. He has changed me and my life. We’ve been inseparable since the day we meet. I can’t believe the difference he has made.

"I am more relaxed in my home with Albert, knowing that he’ll alert me to sounds that I need to aware of by nudging me with his nose. I am able to sleep properly, knowing that Albert will alert me to sounds by jumping on my bed, whether it’s the alarm clock, doorbell, smoke alarm or any sound that he feels I need to be aware of. Albert has changed my life. He has given me confidence and he makes everyone aware of my deafness. He is not just my hearing dog, he’s my best friend, my companion and my whole world.

About Hearing Dogs For Deaf People
Hearing Dogs For Deaf People are a vital support to people like Sarah. Dogs like Albert help give deaf people their independence back, making them feel less isolated and more confident. The charity supports thousands of deaf people every year, pairing them with hearing dogs who become their ears and their best friend too. 

To read more about the work that Hearing Dogs For Deaf People do please visit their website www.hearingdogs.org.uk

 

About our calendar

Prize Paws is all about celebrating dogs. Every year we come together to create a calendar featuring dogs from the Prize Paws community. This year our 2025 charity calendar is being sold to help raise funds for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. Obviously the lovely HD Albert features on a number of pages alongside some of his HD pals too. With your help, we hope to raise lots of money for this amazing charity. 

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