I have been involved with the MK branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for many years now, my husband, Bruce, and I have been keen fund-raisers, taking part in flag days, coffee mornings, sing and sign and making dog beds to sell for the charity. Janet and I even made a dog bed which we gave to the Queen.
I was so pleased when it was my turn to be matched with a hearing dog, though I didn’t know how difficult it would be. I was commuting every day from Milton Keynes to Chiswick, a car journey of about 55 miles each way. Some dogs were sick in the car, others barked whenever someone walked past in the office, not good. My first hearing dog, Spud, was a working spaniel, a cheeky boy who needed far more exercise than we could manage with my office job, so that didn’t work out.
Iris was born in Claire’s van and trained at the Grange and it was a very special day when she chose me – because that is what happened. The socialiser who worked with Iris did a brilliant job, I am disappointed I never had the opportunity to meet her.
Iris was very good in the car and we used to travel to Chiswick very early so that we missed the worst of the rush hour. My boss, Libby, was also early to work and she liked to start the day with a few minutes playing with Iris.