A Returned Sense of Security

By Debbie Surman - 

Barry’s parents learned he was deaf when he was 18 months old. Then, when he was 7, they also learned he had “optic atrophy,” which, ultimately left him legally blind. This combination is called DeafBlind.

Although Barry uses hearing aids, high-pitched sounds like doorbells, sirens, phones, etc. are difficult to hear. Plus, optic atrophy causes blurred vision and blind spots, making it difficult for him to see distances or in darkness, and he can easily miss seeing flashing lights.

For 13 years, he successfully navigated the challenges with the assistance of his first beloved hearing dog, but at her passing, he lost his alert system. Unable to clearly see things or hear sounds, daily activities were not only difficult, but dangerous, and left Barry feeling frustrated. As he missed phone calls, visitors, alarms, and more, he lost his sense of security, freedom, and confidence.

Needing to regain some semblance of his life, Barry got a Golden Retriever puppy named Benny and hoped to train him as a Hearing Assist Dog. Barry was familiar with the successful program at Can Do Canines, so he applied to have Benny trained to learn many different sounds, what they meant, and how to alert Barry to those sounds and where they originated. Before long, Barry and Benny embarked on a bi-weekly, eight-month hearing dog certification journey that would forever change their lives.

With a nudge, Benny alerts Barry to sounds in the home. If the doorbell chimes, Benny nudges and runs to the door, or if a smoke alarm sounds, he nudges and then sits on the floor under the smoke detector. Noises from the phone and alarm clock are no match for this dynamic dog either. Benny’s ability to discern not only the different sounds but also detect from where they originate allows Barry to navigate his life safely. 

Completely trusting Benny, Barry depends on him to protect him from danger. Life with a certified assistance dog has been “fantastic,” he says. Not only is Benny a “great partner, playmate, and companion,” but he’s “fun to be around” and is Barry’s “best friend.” Knowing that he can have Benny with him traveling, running errands, attending events, riding public transportation, going to his office, and going on an airplane has given Barry back his freedom. He knows that Benny will alert him when they are out and about and a person or dog is approaching from either behind or ahead of them. 

A huge advocate for inclusion and a proud, active member of the DeafBlind culture, Barry works hard to educate others about his community. Now, with having Benny trained, Barry feels confident and safe enough to navigate his world and says that Benny really loves his job too…especially when treats are involved!