Sign inHEARING DOG PIN-UP NO. 10: GRYFFIN
Our print magazine, Audiology News UK, brings its readers a canine treat with every issue. Thanks to the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - and to help that charity in its awareness and funding drive - one dog is featured as a pin-up. This time round we present Gryffin!
About Gryffin
Gryffin is a six-year-old gold and white Cocker Spaniel, born in March 2019. He has four sisters!
Gryffin successfully qualified as a hearing dog and went to live with his partner Ann in 2021.
About Gryffin (from his volunteer dog trainer, Jackie)
“Gryffin was the first Hearing Dogs puppy we trained. He joined us as a young pup in June 2019 and stayed with us during COVID, before going to live with his partner, Ann.
“While he was with us, Gryffin was eager to learn and a pleasure to train. He was obedient during training, but also confident – always a dog who adored people. He was never happier than when snuggling into us for a cuddle and we found it hard to resist his expressive eyes, framed by wonderful long eyelashes.
“He could be cheeky and very adventurous. His favourite pastime was running in the woods, but he always checked in with us regularly to see where we were. He had so much character and always knew he was special – as did we.
“We now love meeting up with Gryffin, Ann and his forever family, and looking after him when they go on holiday.”
About Gryffin (from his partner Ann)
© Paul Wilkinson
“Gryffin has an incredible zest for life, seeing everything as an adventure, and this filters through to everything Gryffin and I do together. He is incredibly sociable and loves meeting people when we are out and about. He loves travelling by plane, train and boats and is a very patient traveller when there are delays or traffic jams. He brings so much happiness and pleasure to my family and I, as well as everyone he meets, with his unlimited energy, loving and friendly ways.
About Gryffin’s partnership with Ann
Courtesy of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Gryffin takes a flight, pictured with cabin crew.
Ten years ago, Ann experienced a coma triggered by an auto-immune response to a virus. When she regained consciousness, she was profoundly deaf.
“My first memories after waking up from the coma were of seeing people’s lips move, but hearing nothing,” explains Ann. “Adapting to living with hearing loss wasn’t easy. Going out in a group was no longer possible, as I could only follow conversations on a one-to-one basis.”
“Since Gryffin has joined the family, he has helped me in so many ways. He alerts me to sounds; for instance, wherever I am at home he’s insistent that I respond to the doorbell. His body language and expressive face reinforce my ability to make sense of what is being said especially in difficult situations. He makes me feel less vulnerable.”
© Paul Wilkinson 2024
“Gryffin is a very positive but undemanding communication partner. We chat away throughout the day with Gryffin happily wagging his tail in response. His face is always incredibly expressive. Taking him for a walk gives me a break from concentrating on lipreading or reading speech to text – both of which are tiring and require concentration.”
“He’s very patient when I am working, sitting calmly next to me, we both enjoy cuddling up together after a busy day. The bond we have is truly special. I cannot imagine life without Gryffin!”
Donate to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Hearing Dogs for Deaf PeopleSource: Audiology News UK issue 13 March-April 2025
