Not Only My Ears: Nicole and "Patty"

My name is Nicole and I was born profoundly deaf. My parents were determined to give me every opportunity to overcome the obstacles I would be faced with and as I grew up they inspired me with a desire to be as independent as possible. Following graduation from college, it was time for me to find a place of my own. Living by myself presented me with many new obstacles and challenges. I missed a lot of phone calls, especially when the TV was on or when I was doing dishes. Often visitors stood outside my door knocking for long periods of time before I realized it. I would frequently go to bed with the unpleasant thoughts of, "what if a burglar got in, what if there was a fire? I'll never wake up." I lived with these difficulties that some days were trivial, and other days were critical; then I heard about Texas Hearing and Service Dogs (THSD).

The first time meeting Patty is something I'll never forget; she was so happy and willing to work with me. I fell in love with her right away. We became certified and now she goes with me just about everywhere I go. She comes to work with me everyday at the nursing home where I work as an Occupational Therapist and stays by my side as I work with my patients. Patty even does some therapy of her own, helping to lift the patients' spirits and make them laugh and smile. She even motivates them to do exercises by catching balls they throw and bringing it back to them.

As Patty and I spend more time with each other our bond gets stronger and just seeing her tail wag brings joy to my life. She has made me feel so much more independent and secure living on my own. I rarely miss a phone call or visitor anymore and I sleep better at night knowing Patty will be my ears when I'm asleep. Patty even helps me with things I had not thought about before. When I am shopping at the grocery store, for example, and people behind me are asking to get around me, Patty alerts me to their "noise" that I would otherwise be oblivious to. Patty has helped me to live a fuller lifestyle now because I can jog safely on the streets instead of being limited to running on a treadmill in an expensive gym. When I put on my running shoes, her tail wags wildly and she brings me her leash; we are up to five miles now.

Looking back, I am so glad to have had this opportunity to have a hearing dog. I knew it would be special, but I didn't realize just how special it is — she is not only my ears, but also my little best friend.