Meet Rose and her vibrant Hearing Assistance Dog, Sherbet
Rose lives in Adelaide with her husband Andrew and is supported by her close-knit family, including her two adult children and her young grandsons. She is a Registered Nurse working on a casual basis and is currently studying Auslan, undertaking a Certificate III at TAFE. In her spare time, Rose enjoys the beach, walking, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Rose’s hearing loss was diagnosed at age 46, initially requiring bilateral hearing aids. Over time, her hearing deteriorated, and by her late 50s she became profoundly deaf, leading to a cochlear implant in her left ear in 2022. “These wonderful devices assist me in many ways. However, there are times where I find it challenging to recognise sounds, especially from behind or far away.” her hearing loss has impacted her socially: “I tend to avoid noisy places and occasionally experience social anxiety due to a lack of deaf awareness from the public.”
Before Sherbet, daily life could feel overwhelming and uncertain. “Despite my cochlear implant and hearing aid, there are times I remove my devices due to hearing overload and fatigue, usually after a busy day. It is during these times, and early mornings or late at night, that I am profoundly deaf. I found it difficult to locate sounds, and this made me feel nervous when I was home alone. Not knowing where sounds were coming from made me feel anxious.”
After encouragement from her audiologist, Rose applied for a Hearing Assistance Dog. “I learned more about the services Lions Assistance Dogs had to offer and applied in late 2023.” Sherbet joined her in July 2025, marking the beginning of a life-changing partnership.
“For me, having a Hearing Assistance Dog means I feel more confident and secure at night and when I am out in the community. Sherbet has enabled me to make new friends within the community.”
Sherbet plays a vital role in Rose’s daily life and is trained to alert Rose to important sounds, including the doorbell, smoke alarm, alarm clock, telephone, and household timers. She also alerts Rose when her husband enters the home, preventing her from being startled.
In the community, Sherbet provides reassurance and connection. “She accompanies me on public transport and in vehicles, providing reassurance when I am unable to hear people approaching, particularly from behind.” Rose also notes how well Sherbet adapts to different environments: “Sherbet conducts herself appropriately in public spaces such as medical rooms, TAFE, transport, accommodation, and dining areas. She has certainly helped me connect to my community.”
At home, Sherbet is a constant and joyful companion. “She is my little shadow – wherever I go, she is right beside me.” Rose loves Sherbet’s personality and quirks: “She loves soaking up the sun but dislikes the cold and rain and won’t walk through puddles. She absolutely loves people and children and shares her excitement when they visit. Playing with squeaky toys, tug-of-war, and chasing balls are her favourite things to do with my grandsons. She lights up everyone she meets.”
Together, they enjoy a full and active life. “We enjoy walking and gardening. Sherbet joins me volunteering and at Parkrun on Saturday mornings. She loves holidays, staycations in the city, going out to dinner, trips to the beach, walking with a women’s group, catching the train, and visiting the library.”
Sherbet has had a profound impact on Rose’s life. “Sherbet has brought so much joy and happiness into my life. She is a bundle of energy with so much loyalty. She has helped me achieve a newfound confidence in public. I truly believe she was meant to be in my life, and I am forever grateful to have her.” Rose adds, “She has made being deaf feel less isolating and has helped me feel proud of my journey with hearing loss. Sherbet has helped me embrace my disability.”
Sherbet has not only restored Rose’s sense of safety and confidence but has also helped her reconnect with her community and embrace life with hearing loss. Together, they show how a Hearing Assistance Dog can bring independence, connection, and joy to everyday life.
Thank you to Rose and Sherbet for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
