When Tracee first met Hazel, she felt an instant connection. “I just wanted to pick her up and snuggle with her,” Tracee recalls.
“She was looking up at me with her big brown eyes as if to say, ‘Hello, I’m finally here.’”
Hazel, a graduate of Dogs for Better Lives’ From Shelter to Service Dog Program in Texas, came into Tracee’s life just six months ago. Since then, the two have formed an unshakable bond—one built on trust, independence, and love.
A Partner in Every Step
Tracee and Certified Hearing Dog Hazel
Hazel’s training as a Hearing Assistance Dog equips her to alert Tracee to essential sounds like the doorbell, oven timer, and smoke alarm. But Hazel’s impact reaches far beyond her skills. On their very first trip together—navigating a shuttle, busy airport, and two-hour flight—Tracee says Hazel was “perfect, even with all the distractions.” Hazel stayed calm, focused, and attentive, providing Tracee with a sense of security she had hoped for.
Even in everyday moments, Hazel proves invaluable.
“Oftentimes when we are out walking, she will hear a car approach from behind when I don’t. She will stop walking and look back—she is letting me know a car is coming.”
Building Confidence and Connection
Hazel’s presence has brought Tracee greater independence and changed how others connect with her. “I no longer worry about missing the doorbell or having to carry a timer around with me,” Tracee explains. “When we are out and about, people show more politeness towards me. For example, without a Service Dog if I tell someone I’m deaf, the typical response is to just not try to communicate with me. With Hazel, people at least try.”
One clerk even went the extra mile: “He spoke into his phone and then showed me the screen. It said, ‘Beautiful dog, did you find everything you needed?’”
A Bond Like No Other
Beyond the practical support, Hazel has become Tracee’s constant companion.
“Hazel has become such a part of me, she is my best buddy. We are a team. She trusts me completely and gives me the confidence to get out and do things I would not attempt on my own. I love her to the moon and back.”
That confidence extends to her new community, too. With Hazel by her side, Tracee feels comfortable exploring her town, trying new restaurants, and meeting new people—something she rarely did alone before.
The Power of Shelter Dogs
Hazel is Tracee’s third DBL Service Dog and she’s eager to dispel doubts about whether shelter dogs have what it takes to be Service Dogs.
“Hazel is my second ‘shelter dog’ Service Dog. Both of which were perfect in their sound work, obedience, personality, and behavior.”
Gratitude for the Journey
Tracee is deeply thankful to everyone who helped bring Hazel into her life.
“These people are the best! They couldn’t have matched me to a better dog. I am grateful to each and every one of them. And a very special thank you to Hazel’s foster parents. I know that hours of time and attention came from them—and they did an amazing job fostering her.”
For Tracee, Hazel is more than a Service Dog—she’s a teammate, and a source of joy. Together, they’re living proof that with the right training, shelter dogs can transform lives and open doors to independence, safety, and love.
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Hearing Assistance Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/hearing-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
