Meet Bernie and their extraordinary Hearing Assistance Dog, Shadow.
I hold many roles in my life a child, sibling, partner, “Dette” to my niece and nephews and each has shaped who I am. Professionally I’m a social worker with years of experience in child protection advocating for vulnerable children and families. Walking alongside people through difficult times continues to ground me.
Outside of work my world centres on my partner, my mum, my siblings and my niece and nephews Ava, Enri, and Matheo. I unwind with LEGO, books, documentaries and the quiet that comes each night when I remove my hearing devices. Travel brings joy but it’s my family, my work and everyday routines that define me.
I was born hard of hearing though my hearing loss wasn’t identified until kindergarten when I was diagnosed with Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (LVAS). With LVAS hearing is fragile and prone to sudden drops often with balance challenges. My hearing has never been stable. I began wearing hearing aids in kindergarten and later received a cochlear implant in my right ear; my left ear couldn’t be implanted due to LVAS‑related risks.
From early on I learned to navigate a world built for people who hear easily. Lip‑reading, context clues and subtle cues became essential but invisible tools. Before receiving my Hearing Assistance Dog these efforts carried constant anxiety especially around safety. Without my devices I heard nothing. Everyday sounds like alarms, knocks and timers required constant vigilance and living alone meant managing risks others rarely consider. The challenge wasn’t ability it was access.
When my partner and I moved in together I explained what living in a large home meant for me: being permanently on alert. For most of my life family members woke me each morning and later my partner took on that role. I was grateful but it affected my independence. Seeing the toll it took she began researching solutions and discovered the Lions Hearing Assistance Dogs program. Once we learned how these dogs increase safety and confidence we knew it was the missing piece. She supported me through the application because of what it represented: the hope of feeling safe and finally being able to relax.
Shadow now supports me in ways that go far beyond her trained tasks. She wakes me gently each morning a moment that once carried so much fear. With her listening for what I cannot my home feels like a place where I can breathe. She also brings validation in a world where invisible disabilities are often misunderstood. Her presence speaks for me.
She has transformed how I move through the community. People immediately understand that I’m deaf or hard of hearing easing the burden of explaining missed cues. She helps me navigate noisy unpredictable environments making the world feel more accessible. Most importantly she gives me genuine independence and confidence.
Beyond her skills Shadow fills my life with joy. She is friendly, playful and full of personality with post‑dinner zoomies, dramatic toy‑throwing and weekend cuddles. She loves kitten toys, knows words like “car” and “holiday,” sunbakes by the window and watches the neighbourhood with curiosity. Loyal and gently mischievous she is pure happiness.
In our daily routines just the three of us, Shadow, Lisa and me we’ve found a rhythm shaped by love. Coffee runs, quiet nights, brunches, family gatherings and travel adventures all feel richer with her. Whether exploring new places like Palm Cove or enjoying slow days at home these moments make us a strong little team.
Shadow hasn’t just changed my life she has transformed how I experience the world. Before her independence was tied to anxiety. Now I thrive. She makes my deafness visible in a way that empowers me and has helped me reclaim parts of myself I once tucked away.
I am endlessly grateful to Lions Assistance Dogs for this life‑changing gift. Every day I’m reminded how lucky I am to share my life with Shadow an intuitive, intelligent, gentle companion who brings comfort, courage and ease into my world.
A special thank‑you to her trainer, Sarah, whose dedication is reflected in every skill Shadow uses. She didn’t just train a dog she shaped a partner who feels like she was meant for me.
Receiving Shadow has been one of the greatest blessings of my life and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made our partnership possible.
Thank you to Bernie and Shadow for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
