After serving his country in the U.S. Navy and living a life filled with work, adventure, and self-reliance, Tom found that his world that had grown quieter over the years. “I became deaf over the course of many years because of several jobs and hobbies, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.
After two years on the wait list to receive a Hearing Assistance Dog, he got a call from Dogs for Better Lives letting him know he had been matched with Demi. “They asked if I was interested. I WAS!” he emphasized.
Hearing Assistance Dog Demi and Tom at an event together
Demi, a pale yellow Labrador Retriever, arrived at Tom’s rural Wisconsin cabin in July. The moment she stepped out of the vehicle, their connection was immediate.
“I fell in love at first sight,” Tom says. “I got down on one knee, and she came in for hugs.”
The adjustment took time. Demi had been raised in a city environment, while Tom lives down a quiet gravel road surrounded by wildlife and unfamiliar scents. During those first days together, Demi wasn’t consistently responding to some of her hearing alerts. Recognizing that the team needed more time, Dogs for Better Lives Field Representative Jennifer returned for another visit to provide additional training and support.
That extra support is part of Dogs for Better Lives’ lifetime commitment to every Service Dog team.
Today, Demi lets Tom know when alarms are sounding, helps draw his attention to important noises around him, and provides peace of mind that someone is always listening when he cannot.
Just as important, she rarely leaves his side. In the months following Demi’s placement, Tom faced several medical procedures and increasing balance challenges. During walks, Demi began doing something remarkable on her own.
“If I start to have an episode, Demi stops and waits until I can go again,” Tom says. “That was picked up by her without prompting from me.”
With Demi at his side, Tom feels more comfortable visiting stores, attending appointments, eating in restaurants, and participating in everyday life.
“People now understand that I have a hearing issue, and they have more understanding of my disability. Demi has given me the confidence to go out more often as a result,” said Tom.
For Tom, a Navy veteran who has spent a lifetime forging his own path, that independence means everything. And while Demi may be his Hearing Assistance Dog, she’s also his faithful companion, a steady presence, and a trusted partner.
“At 71 years old, I still have my independence because of Demi.” Tom says. “Demi has been a godsend.”
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.
