Adelaide Hills retiree, Bronwyn Paddick, has an incredibly special bond with her dog Spud – he’s completely transformed her life and has been trained to save it as well.
Their relationship is a heart-warming ‘tail’, with Bronwyn leading a much happier and safer life since the Hearing Assistance Dog moved into her home at The Laurels Retirement Village 18 months ago.
Spud saves Bronwyn from potentially life-threatening situations, alerting her to dangers in the home and notifies her when alarms go off. The highly intelligent pooch also makes sure that the door and phone get answered.
“At home I am no longer ruled by uncertainty and even fear,” she said.
“The day-to-day-tensions – what if there is a fire, the dinner boils over, the oven alarm is not heard, or my partner (Sue) needs help – are answered by Spud’s intervention.
“The doorbell and the phone get answered as well now because Spud gives me a touch and then takes me where I need to be.
“This is the kind of work he does that other people do not see that keeps me safe at home.”
The three-year-old engaging and curious canine is a popular personality at The Laurels Retirement Village, despite being bigger and more energetic than most of the other canine residents.
“He brings big smiles from a lot of the residents,” Bronwyn said.
“In fact, people tend to remember Spud’s name before mine! Many people ask me if he makes a real difference – I can say without doubt that he does.
“He has enriched my life. By addressing my fears, he has also brought me comfort, fun and a sense of safety in a warm bundle of love.”
Spud was gifted to Bronwyn by Australian Lions Hearing Dogs, a charity that has a ‘pawsome’ and enduring association with RetireAustralia, the operator of The Laurels Retirement Village.
Spud is one of three Hearing Assistance Dogs that have lived at The Laurels in recent years, and RetireAustralia is contributing towards the training costs of a future hearing dog that residents at the village named ‘Laurel’.
Australian Lions Hearing Dogs CEO David Horne said the contribution was valuable, given the charity is 100% funded by donations and sponsorship, and training can cost upwards of $37,000.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from RetireAustralia,” he said.
“They know the benefits that a Hearing Assistance Dog has on a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, seeing first-hand the impact on The Laurels resident Bronwyn with hearing dog Spud.”
Having experienced the life-changing benefits of having a hearing assistance dog, Bronwyn was moved when she learned about RetireAustralia contributing towards the cost of training a puppy.
“Each placement is special – it all starts with the puppy but can go no further without the support provided by sponsorship,” she said.
“Having this provided by what has become my home almost brings me to tears.”
About RetireAustralia: RetireAustralia is a leading owner, operator and developer of retirement villages in Australia, with 28 retirement villages across NSW, Queensland and SA.
