Nicole with Duke during placement week
Nicole wasn’t hesitant at all when she first considered applying for a Hearing Dog. In fact, she was excited to learn how a specially trained Service Dog could help her navigate daily life. What made her nervous, however, was the idea of doing things independently. Her husband had long served as her “extra set of ears,” and she had been nervous about going off and doing things without him. She hoped that a Hearing Dog would bring her confidence and security.
That hope became a reality when she was matched with Duke, a remarkable mixed breed dog who had been rescued from a shelter and trained through Dogs for Better Lives’ From Shelter to Service Dog program. The moment Nicole found out that Duke would be hers, she was overcome with emotion. “Absolutely ELATED and a bit nervous!” she recalled. “I wanted to cry—actually, I did! I prayed and hoped I could be the best companion to Duke as I believed he would be for me.”
From the start, Duke showed just how special he was. He quickly bonded with Nicole and got to work, alerting her to important sounds like the microwave, oven timer, doorbell, and even her husband calling her name. But one moment stood out above the rest.
“My favorite moment… Duke surprised me by alerting me to my nickname being called—which we NEVER practiced! He is one smart cookie!” Nicole said with a smile.
Beyond his impeccable hearing skills, Duke has become an integral part of Nicole’s life in other ways. He accompanies her on road trips, through antique shops, and around her wooded property. Though he was initially nervous about the long journey between their homes in Ohio and Florida, he has since settled in, thanks to the loving reassurance from Nicole and her husband. Now, with his own toys and kennel in both locations, Duke confidently embraces his new lifestyle. “He loves our daily walks and playtime—ball fixation, absolutely!” Nicole laughed.
Duke enjoyed training in our From Shelter to Service Dog program in Texas. He especially loved public outings.
Duke’s journey to Nicole is especially significant because he represents a major milestone for Dogs for Better Lives’ From Shelter to Service Dog program. This initiative, launched in 2023 in partnership with Operation Kindness in Carrollton, TX, is designed to more efficiently train shelter dogs to become Service Dogs.
Duke was selected by DBL’s trainers to join the program, and spent his days learning essential sound alert skills with trainer Melissa while being fostered by Zach. The program reduces challenges these dogs might face in a traditional training setting, such as kennel stress, and helps more rescued dogs find purposeful, life-changing roles.
Duke’s success is a testament to the power of second chances. “I honestly can’t thank them enough for all they did,” Nicole said of the team that helped bring Duke into her life.
“Duke is an AMAZING addition to my life—our lives! My husband is quite grateful for Duke’s presence, knowing he offers me confidence and protection. This amazing gift is one words cannot fully describe—so ‘THANK YOU’ will have to do!”
For Nicole, Duke isn’t just a Service Dog; he’s her second set of “ears”. He’s given her independence, peace of mind, and a sense of security she never imagined possible.
“I once feared not hearing a smoke alarm or someone calling my name, but Duke offers security and confidence. Knowing I don’t need to totally rely on my husband for sounds offers both of us peace of mind. Duke is truly a Godsend.”
And her advice for anyone considering a Hearing Dog? “Apply!” said Nicole. “You won’t regret it.”
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.
