Meet Sharon and her spirited Hearing Assistance Dog, Pinky.
Sharon is a proud, resilient woman who, at nearly 68, lives independently after returning to North Adelaide four years ago. Widowed and recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Sharon faces life with strength and determination. “I’m giving it my best shot to recover fully,”
Sharon’s hearing loss began gradually in her 40s and has progressed over time. “It has been a struggle, as having an invisible disability is hard.” Like many people with hearing loss, Sharon experienced the challenges of not being understood. “There were countless eye rolls from shop assistants when they had to repeat themselves. I wouldn’t hear someone say ‘excuse me’ as they passed, and that would sometimes be met with a glare or a rude comment. The list goes on.”
At home, the challenges were even more isolating. “Living by myself, I wouldn’t hear the phone ring or the doorbell.” These everyday moments added to a growing sense of disconnection and frustration.
Sharon first discovered Lions Assistance Dogs online. “I remember thinking, WOW, this could be a game changer for me.” At the time, she already had a beloved dog, so she waited. “When my girl passed, I waited until I felt the time was right to apply.” That moment led her to Pinky.
“For me, having a Hearing Assistance Dog means that my invisible disability is now visible when I am out. At home, Pinky is a beautiful companion and helps me with sound work.”
Pinky supports Sharon not only by alerting her to important sounds, but also through companionship. “It’s not just the alerts—it’s having her with me. I live on my own, so she relies on me for her wellbeing. She is my friend and confidant… the things Miss Pinky could tell you!”
Out in the community, Pinky has transformed how Sharon experiences the world. “I am noticed now, not invisible. I’ve had lovely conversations with strangers.” What was once isolating has become an opportunity for connection.
Pinky’s personality brings constant joy and laughter into Sharon’s life. “She makes me laugh. She seems to know when I’m feeling down. I’ll say, ‘give mummy a kiss,’ and she does—but if she’s been told no to a treat, she’ll turn her face away like, ‘bugger!’” Sharon also laughs at Pinky’s playful energy: “When we play fetch inside, she prances like a lamb and often gives a little bark with each step.”
Like many dogs, Pinky has her quirks. “She absolutely loves going out, when she’s working outside the house, she is always 100%—she’s amazing.”
Together, Sharon and Pinky enjoy an active and social life. “We love free walking and visiting friends, especially if they have dogs. When we pull up at the dog park, she squeals with delight. When the weather cools down, I’m going to take her to agility—she’ll love it.”
Pinky has been by Sharon’s side through an incredibly challenging time. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer during her initial support period with my local Lions Club, so she has been with me from the start.” Through it all, Pinky has provided comfort, companionship, and emotional support when it’s needed most.
Sharon also shares her deep gratitude: “I am so, so grateful to be part of Lions Assistance Dogs. I feel blessed to have had two in my life—socialising dear Archie, and now being the recipient of my Miss Pinky. I take every opportunity to spread the word about Lions Assistance Dogs.”
Pinky has brought companionship, confidence, and connection back into Sharon’s life, ensuring she is never alone and never unseen. Together, they show how a Hearing Assistance Dog can transform not only safety and independence, but also bring joy, resilience, and renewed connection to the world.
Thank you to Sharon and Pinky for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day
