“I never realised what a difference Shilo would make to my life. I no longer live in fear of not hearing sounds, knowing that she will alert me to them.” — Judy
At 78 years old, Judy knows firsthand the difference an Assistance Dog can make. Profoundly deaf, Judy has two cochlear implants but still cannot hear some sounds. When her processors are charging, she experiences complete silence.
Before Shilo came into her life, everyday situations that many people take for granted created stress and uncertainty. Judy worried about not waking up on time, missing the doorbell, failing to hear the phone, or not being able to hear important sounds around her home.
“It was daunting and frightening,” Judy recalls.
Everything changed six months ago when Shilo, her beautiful caramel curly labradoodle, became her partner.
“My life changed completely when Shilo came into my life. It is such a privilege to have her. We are so much ‘Better Together’.”
Shilo has transformed Judy’s daily life by providing the independence and reassurance she once lacked. As a trained Hearing Assistance Dog, Shilo alerts Judy to important sounds including her alarm clock, doorbell, timer, home phone, mobile phone, and smoke alarm.
Each morning, Shilo wakes Judy when her alarm sounds, giving her confidence that she will not miss important moments in her day.
“I no longer live in fear of not hearing sounds, knowing that she will alert me to them.”
With Shilo by her side, Judy approaches daily routines with greater confidence and freedom.
The bond between Judy and Shilo is one built on understanding, patience, and companionship.
Shilo has a joyful personality and loves their morning walks, where she wears her black lead and enjoys socialising with other dogs and people they meet along the way.
When Shilo wears her orange lead and uniform, however, she knows it is time to work. She walks calmly beside Judy’s walker and accompanies her on buses, trains, and taxis, relaxing quietly on her settling mat.
Shilo has become a familiar and much-loved member of the community. She behaves beautifully in shopping centres, medical appointments, and restaurants, where she settles quietly under the table while Judy enjoys her outings.
Shilo has not only increased Judy’s independence — she has helped her build stronger connections with those around her.
During National Hearing Dog Day in April, Judy and Shilo were invited to the Glenelg Football Club game. At the beginning of the game, they were escorted onto the centre of the oval by Glenelg Lions Club President Keith, where Shilo proudly posed for photographs.
Afterwards, they joined the Edwardstown Lions Club in the marquee for a fundraising sausage sizzle. Once Shilo’s uniform was removed, she enjoyed spending time playing with the children — a moment that brought joy to everyone involved.
The event raised $1,000 for Lions Assistance Dogs, helping support the organisation that gave Judy and Shilo the opportunity to become a team.
Shilo’s impact has inspired Judy to become even more involved in her community. She has since joined Edwardstown Lions Club and now serves as Club Secretary.
Although Judy and Shilo have only been together for six months, their connection is already incredibly strong.
“I am 78 and she is 2 years old. I am slow and she has so much energy. However, she walks with me at my pace and in return I ensure that she gets to burn up some of her energy.”
Shilo enjoys playing ball games and running around Judy’s garden, while Judy enjoys the companionship and happiness she brings into her home.
Their relationship is a true partnership — each supporting the other in their own way.
While Shilo is highly trained and professional when working, she also has a fun and playful personality.
“She has a strong personality and often tries to be boss.”
When she wants something from her toy box, Shilo stands on her back paws and taps Judy with her front paws to make her request known. Her unique “Chewbacca” noises are another way she makes sure her message is heard.
“She is my beautiful, caramel, curly labradoodle and she certainly knows how to get her point across.”
Judy hopes others will understand the incredible difference Assistance Dogs can make.
“I never realised what a difference Shilo would make to my life.”
Through Shilo, Judy has gained confidence, independence, companionship, and a renewed connection with her community.
Judy is deeply thankful for the partnership she has found with Shilo and the support that has guided them on their journey together. She appreciates the dedication involved in helping Shilo become the confident and capable Assistance Dog she is today.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that Shilo maintains this high standard.”
For Judy, Shilo is more than an Assistance Dog. She is a trusted companion, a source of confidence, and a reminder that life truly is better together.
Thank you to Jude and Shilo for sharing their inspiring journey with us.