01
Aug
Hearing dog helps Ripon man regain independence following bereavement
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A former volunteer puppy trainer from Ripon has received his own hearing dog and has managed to regain confidence, companionship, and peace of mind after the devastating loss of his wife.
Kevin Rafferty had previously volunteered with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with his wife, Marylyn, and trained three puppies that support deaf people across the country.
Kevin, 76, who has also been suffering gradual hearing loss for over 20 years, was matched with a three-year-old Cocker Spaniel Dexter in December 2025.
Kevin and Dexter. Photo: Hearing Dogs.
Kevin 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 life at home has also been affected by his impaired hearing. He said:
To hear the television or radio, I had to turn the volume up very high, which was difficult because Marylyn had tinnitus that was made worse by loud sounds.
We couldn't call to each other from different rooms anymore. She always had to come and face me before speaking.
The couple became volunteer puppy trainers after retirement, but sadly, Marylyn was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Kevin said:
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.
Marylyn died suddenly in 2024, and it was then that Kevin realised that the help he needed with his hearing was more urgent than he'd thought. He said:
After she passed away, I realised just how much I'd been relying on her to hear things for me.
A friend encouraged me to apply for a hearing dog, and Dexter came to live with me in December 2025.
Kevin’s life changed shortly after Dexter came. Dexter helps Kevin stay alert to important sounds, such as the smoke alarm, doorbell, alarm clock and cooker timer, providing him with support and companionship through one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Kevin 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.
Kevin and Dexter. Photo: Hearing Dogs.
Dexter has not only helped Kevin with his hearing, but also given him a lot of emotional support. Kevin 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.
After the emotional pain of being widowed, Kevin has rediscovered stability, confidence and joy, thanks to a charity that relies solely on donations, with no government support. He said:
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.
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.
Hearing Dogs was founded in 1982, and by 1990, the charity had partnered its 100th dog.
Volunteer Montage. Photo: Hearing Dogs.
The charity has grown larger each year, and it has now partnered more than 3,500 dogs with people living with hearing loss throughout the UK.
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