Meet Kaye and her vigilant Hearing Assistance Dog, Nessie.
Kaye has been a practicing podiatrist for 55 years. She lives on her own, runs a small hobby farm, and breeds standardbred horses – both Trotters and Pacers. Her days are full of work, farm chores, and caring for her animals, and she enjoys the independence of living on her own.
“My hearing loss started in my late 30s. By the age of 42 I was pronounced profoundly deaf. I had my first cochlear implant at 44 and the second at 63. There have been enormous obstacles along the way to continue working and studying further, but I have always been tenacious and optimistic. My two cochlear implants are beyond belief amazing.”
During the day, Kaye’s cochlear implants allow her to manage a busy practice with ease. However, nighttime was a very different experience. “As I grew older, my personal safety became a concern. At night, when I’m ready for bed and the implant speech processors are off, I was totally unable to be aware of any sounds. All doors were deadlocked.” She wanted reassurance and a sense of security, knowing she could not rely on hearing alone once her implants were switched off.
Kaye had long been aware of Lions Assistance Dogs and believed that having “that extra set of ears” could bring freedom from worry, confidence, and peace of mind.
“For me, having a Lions Hearing Assistance Dog means confidence, joy, freedom from anxious moments, companionship, and the happiest and funniest times.”
Nessie primarily supports Kaye at night, providing comfort and security. “She cannot be described. She has become immeasurably important in my life” Kaye says. Even during the day, Nessie’s presence is meaningful. “When out in the community, particularly among a crowd, she performs creditably. She does have a ‘princess’ attitude as she is a huge attraction – a great promoter for Assistance Dogs.”
Kaye also enjoys Nessie’s personality and playful quirks. “Enjoyment – total and continuous. Pure joy! My security and safety with her responses to sounds. Quirks, so many: she loves open spaces and doing zoomies, doesn’t move from her special space while I am working, is totally loving, a terror with toys, absolutely loves playing fetch, and loves our evening quiet time – cuddles are essential.”
Together, Kaye and Nessie share a rich and active daily life. In addition to their routines on the farm, they enjoy buggy rides, playtime with toys and balls, and visiting friends for doggy play dates. “Chilling out together is one of our favourite things.”
Nessie has also strengthened Kaye’s sense of independence and security. “Living on a small farm alone for a considerable part of my life has never presented many issues with my independence. However, two years ago I felt that my security was perhaps a little more at risk… Nessie has given me that wonderful sense of security and comfort. I am more dependent on her now as she has completely adjusted to my life and remains ever vigilant when we are at home. An absolute blessing!”
Nessie helps raise awareness of Kaye’s hearing loss in public. “Hearing loss is an unseen sensory disability. There are times in my day when, due to my hearing loss, I might not hear someone calling from a distance, not speaking clearly, or not facing me to allow lip reading and body language cues. Having Nessie clearly shows that I am deaf and often encourages people to be more patient and speak more clearly. She lets the world know that I have a sensory loss, making my life so much easier.”
For Kaye, Nessie is more than just a helper – she is a constant companion, a source of joy, and a bridge to the world that ensures safety, awareness, and confidence in every aspect of daily life.
Thank you to Kaye and Nessie for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
