Hearing dog Dexter transforms life of trainer Kevin Rafferty

Kevin Rafferty, from Ripon, was matched with Dexter, a Cocker Spaniel, in December 2025, after the death of his wife, Marylyn, and decades of gradual hearing loss.

Dexter was provided by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity he once supported as a volunteer puppy trainer alongside his wife.

Mr Rafferty, 76, said: "I can't fully put into words the comfort Dexter gives me.

"I still wonder sometimes what I've done to deserve him.

"He's not only my constant companion but my reason to get up in the morning.

"He's my rock."

Mr Rafferty first noticed his hearing loss around 20 years ago while at work, after being unable to hear a high-pitched device a colleague had switched on.

He said: "I was fitted with hearing aids six years ago.

"Wearing them, and with no other noise around me, I could just about get by.

"But in pubs or restaurants, the background noise was overwhelming.

"Unless someone was sitting right next to me, I struggled to follow conversations."

His hearing loss also affected life at home, particularly as he tried to care for Marylyn, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2023.

He added: "Sometimes Marylyn needed help during the night when she was feeling ill, but if I didn't hear her get up, I would sleep right through.

"It upset me that I couldn't always be there for her.

"That was when I first realised I needed extra support with my hearing."

The couple had previously volunteered with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, helping to train three puppies who went on to support deaf people across the UK.

After Marylyn died in 2024, a friend encouraged Mr Rafferty to apply for a hearing dog of his own.

Dexter now alerts him to vital sounds such as the smoke alarm, doorbell, cooker timer, and alarm clock.

Mr Rafferty said: "As soon as I got Dexter, I started sleeping soundly again.

"I think it was the confidence of knowing that if anything happened during the night, he would let me know.

"He's become my ears while I'm asleep."

Each morning, Dexter wakes Kevin by jumping on to the bed and gently nudging him with his nose.

He also practises Dexter’s sound alerts every day.

Beyond practical support, Mr Rafferty said Dexter has helped combat the loneliness he’s felt since losing Marylyn.

He said: "More people stop to chat when we're out walking because everyone wants to meet Dexter.

"Before he came along, I could walk right through the park without speaking to anyone.

"I know how hard it is for puppy trainers to say goodbye because I've done it myself.

"But now I have Dexter, I can see the incredible difference hearing dogs make from the other side."