Iris

Hearing Dog Iris the Cocker-poo 2005 to 2018

Jane Minard writes this tribute to her dear friend and companion, Iris, a Cocker Spaniel-poodle cross who for 11 years lived with her as her Hearing Dog. 

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. 
Iris was so well-behaved, intelligent and very quick to learn. I taught her the sound of the fire alarm when we changed offices and she picked up the new sounds very quickly. She was friendly and lovable, she loved everybody and everybody loved her. So many people stopped to talk to us when we were out and about, I met a lot of very kind and interesting people because of Iris – as a result I felt more included and part of the community, I didn’t expect that. Even last week, a couple of local young men stopped me (I don’t know where they were from, as they weren’t English), and they asked me where was my dog? They must have got used to seeing Iris and me out together. I had to tell them she was now in heaven, they were very sorry to learn that.

Iris was full of life and a puppy at heart right to the end. She loved her walks and especially chasing a tennis ball – sometimes watching the ball so closely that she didn’t look where she was going. She had a lot of fun with a small rugby ball, because she never knew which way it would bounce. It was so hard, having to hide the balls because, while her spirit wanted to chase, her old legs were too fragile to carry her as well as they used to. 

Iris was also very special as she (and her brother) were sponsored by the Canadian actress, Amanda Tapping. Amanda is really lovely and has kept in touch over the years. Iris, Bruce and I have met her at the occasional events she has held in the UK for her fans (GABIT (Get Amanda Tapping Back In Town) events) where she has continued to support Hearing Dogs and spread the word among her fans. At the recent GABIT event, we received a cheque for over £10,000. I was heartbroken to have to tell Amanda that Iris wasn’t with me any more and Amanda was lovely about it – I am so grateful for her sponsorship, for the 11 wonderful years I have had with Iris, and all the amazing memories I have.
My lovely Iris has now crossed the rainbow bridge. 

I miss her so much – and you know what? I’ll bet she has got someone up there throwing a ball for her to chase. 
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