If you are a cochlear implant user like I am, then you know that it is not a 24/7 fix to hear. Processors come off for sleep and bathing and leave you with the sounds of silence. Not being able to hear my phone or the smoke alarm in the night made me uncomfortable and dependent on always being with someone that could hear.  It was this discomfort that led me to apply for a hearing assistance dog. I had learned about Can-Do-Canines, an organization that trains assistance dogs here in my home state of Minnesota, and that is where I submitted an application. 

Before I was matched, Can-Do-Canines had started offering in-house training classes. I attended two days of classes to prepare for owning and caring for an assistance dog. This was good because I had not lived with a dog since I was a child. Having a childhood pet is a very different scenario from having an assistance dog. So while I waited for the match, I learned what to expect.

In May I was informed that I had been matched with a Can-Do-Canine. Upon receiving this exciting news I wanted to know all about the dog. My Client Services Coordinator, Elizabeth, informed me that his name is Yates, he is a 3 year old black lab and trainers and foster parents had labeled him a “sweet boy.” An appointment was set up for me to meet him and start training with him. I met him on a Wednesday in the middle of May and to my surprise and joy – I was told he could go home with me that day. This was possible because of the in-house training I had previously and due to extenuating circumstances at the time.  With some thought and a few adjustments to my schedule, Elizabeth and I made a plan for the trip home. Yates came with lots of goodies. There was a kennel, leashes, toys, food and a training cape. Elizabeth helped me load my car and get Yates settled for the 70 mile ride home. 

I had called Paul, my husband, to let him know I was coming home with Yates. He agreed it was exciting news and made sure he was home to greet us. While I showed Yates the house and allowed him to explore his new surroundings, Paul unloaded the car and set up Yates’ kennel. Once we were settled, I contacted the Field Trainer, Nancy, to set up our first at home training sessions. Yates had many basics already mastered and a good start on sound alerts. The next steps involved Yates and I getting to know each other and then learning to recognize the sounds in our home that he should react to and whom he should alert. 

Training sessions and daily walks with Yates were added to a summer filled with family activities. Together Yates and I progressed towards our graduation goals. We practiced sound alerts at home, and in the community we practiced visiting public spaces. He is a pro with commands such as “park” (he backs into and lays down under the chair I’m sitting in)  and “go under” (laying down under the table when I’m dining).

It hasn’t been all work. He enjoys tugging a toy, or I hide a toy and he finds the toy. He also enjoys cuddling in the big chair. When we are at the cabin, he enjoys boat rides, wading in the water and fetching floating rock toys. 

We have had a couple of nights on our own since Yates has come to live with me.  It truly is a comfort to know that he will alert me if my phone should ring in the night or if the smoke alarm were triggered. I can set my alarm and I know he will wake me. It is pretty nice to be awakened by a happy tail-wagging friend versus an electronic bed shaker. 

Can-Do-Canines is exemplary in the services they provide. I am so grateful to be a recipient of one of their hearing assistance dogs. So many people play parts in preparing the dogs for their assistance careers. It is a challenge to express the greatness of the gratitude. To the many people that participate; employees, volunteers, trainers and board members, I say THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!