A former volunteer puppy trainer from Ripon who spent years helping to prepare hearing dog puppies for life with their deaf person has shared how receiving his own hearing dog after the loss of his wife has made a huge difference to his life, giving him back confidence, companionship and peace of mind.
Kevin Rafferty, who experienced gradual hearing loss over two decades, was matched with hearing dog Dexter, a three-year-old Cocker Spaniel, in December 2025 after realising he needed more support for his hearing following the death of his wife, Marylyn.
Having previously volunteered with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People alongside Marylyn, training three puppies that went on to support deaf people across the UK, Kevin never imagined he would one day rely on a hearing dog himself.
Today, Dexter alerts Kevin to important sounds including the smoke alarm, doorbell, alarm clock and cooker timer, helping restore his independence while also providing comfort and companionship following one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Kevin, 76, from Ripon, first noticed his hearing loss around 20 years ago after being unable to hear a high-pitched device a colleague switched on at work.
“I was fitted with hearing aids six years ago,” he said. “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.
“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.”
After retiring, the couple responded to an appeal from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to become volunteer puppy trainers.
“Between us, we helped train three hearing dog puppies who all went on to change deaf people’s lives. It was incredibly rewarding.”
In 2023, Marylyn was sadly diagnosed with cancer.
“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 quite suddenly in 2024, leaving Kevin to navigate life alone.
“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 says he noticed the difference immediately.
“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.”
Every morning, Dexter wakes Kevin by jumping onto the bed and gently nudging him with his nose.
“It starts the day perfectly”, said Kevin. “We have a cuddle, then a play fight, before it’s time for his breakfast.”
Kevin also practises Dexter’s sound alerts every day.
“When he hears the smoke alarm, doorbell, alarm clock or cooker timer, he nudges me with his nose. When I ask, ‘What is it?’, he takes me to the source of the sound. If it’s the smoke alarm, he lies down to let me know it’s a danger sound.”
Beyond the practical support, Kevin says Dexter has helped ease the loneliness of losing Marylyn.
“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.”
Kevin now has an even deeper appreciation of the charity’s work.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
To find out more, visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk
What a sad story Kevin has to tell, but what a beautiful ending, I’m privileged to know Kevin and Dexter.
Dexter always stops for a fuss, and I have a chat to them both of them .