Meet Annette and her magnificent Hearing Assistance Dog, Misha.
Annette is a wife, mum, and grandmother to many grandbabies. She is also a solicitor and recently completed her Master of Laws, majoring in Family Dispute Resolution. Her journey has been full of challenges and triumphs, both personally and professionally.
Annette’s hearing loss began suddenly at age 29, with one ear followed by the other within seven months. “My hearing literally disappeared within hours. My ENT at the time was not helpful and said, ‘Why are you crying? It’s gone and it’s not coming back. Go and buy this book and get some hearing aids.’ I was devastated. I had four young children, and we didn’t live near family, so it was a case of ‘suck it up princess.’” The loss was compounded by her sister’s terminal illness, but Annette says it gave her perspective: “Losing my hearing wasn’t the end of the world. I would survive.”
Her hearing loss became a catalyst for growth. “I felt I had to prove I wasn’t useless or stupid—I’d just lost a part of me. I never had any intention of going to university, but when my youngest started school, I began studying law at 36. It was a whole new world for me. Hard, yes, but it opened so many doors.” Annette credits supportive friends and family, and even her children, with helping her adapt. “My youngest made up his own sign language when he was three to tell me he loved me. It’s the little things like that that make the loss easier to cope with.”
Before Misha, Annette began to feel socially isolated. “I didn’t really notice how lonely I felt until I got Misha. I tended to avoid noisy places and social outings if I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear. I also hated being alone in the house at night because I couldn’t hear anything once my ‘ears’ were off. I essentially lost a sense of security.”
Her introduction to Lions Hearing Assistance Dogs changed her life. “I was in hospital and a young bloke came around with a therapy dog. The dog sat on the bed with me, and we had a cuddle. I remember thinking how good it felt. Before I could change my mind, I applied for a Hearing Assistance Dog.”
“For me, having a Hearing Assistance Dog means I feel more confident and safer being home alone in the house.”
Misha supports Annette every day, providing both security and companionship. “Misha has given me back the sense of security I lost when I lost my hearing. She’s also had a positive impact on my mental health and is a wonderful companion.” Misha is trained with the “go get” command, which Annette has used when unwell: “Misha went and got my husband and brought him to me. It’s comforting to know she will get help for me.”
In public, Misha draws attention and spreads joy. “The nicest thing is the comments I get about her. People stop and tell me how gorgeous she is and ask questions about her. It’s amazing to see the impact she has on people.”
Annette also enjoys Misha’s playful quirks: “Misha is hilarious. She has carrots to snack on and for some reason barks at them. She likes to sprawl on my husband’s lap flat on her back. She has an inbuilt clock and at 6 pm can be found at your feet whimpering because she thinks she’s starving. Misha and our cat Roxy have sibling rivalry going on ,secretly, Misha is afraid of Roxy but still likes to chase her. It’s quite entertaining!”
Their daily life is full of companionship and fun. “Misha loves cuddles and playing fetch. She hates getting her feet wet and much prefers being inside. She likes going for walks, drags me along, and loves running around at the dog park. She loves wearing her uniform and struts her stuff, it’s clear she is the consummate professional in public.”
Annette emphasizes the profound impact Misha has had. “I cannot explain the impact Misha has had on me. I’ve had vestibular problems for over 15 months, which has been difficult physically and emotionally. During that time, Misha has not only been my second set of ears but also provided unconditional love and comfort. On days I wasn’t well enough to get out of bed, Misha would lay at my feet and keep me company. She has an inbuilt sense when I’m unwell and stays near me. I am prone to falls, and when I go to have a shower she lies near the door in case I need her to ‘go get.’ I have that added sense of security with her.”
“Words cannot express my gratitude at the gift I have been given by Lions Assistance Dogs. I feel like I have won the lottery with Misha!”
Misha has not only restored Annette’s sense of security but also enriched her emotional wellbeing, giving her companionship, confidence, and reassurance every day. Together, they show how a Hearing Assistance Dog can transform independence, safety, and quality of life.
Thank you to Annette and Misha for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
