International Week of the Deaf: Fintan & Crumble

This International Week of the Deaf, meet computer programmer Fintan. From feeling isolated, to being part of the community, Fintan shares just how much hearing dog Crumble has changed his life:

“My mum didn’t realise I was deaf until I started school. After I was diagnosed, I was given one of those hearing aids in a box that I wore around my neck. I also had speech therapy.

“This was the 1960s and 1970s – there was no provision for deaf children at school. I was told to sit at the front of the class, but the teachers would write on the board and speak facing away from me! So, I learned very little at school.

“I read a lot of books – that’s how I learn about the world around me. However, after I left school, I decided to study computing at college. Thankfully, they were really supportive.

“In 2014, when my wife and I split up, I moved near Darlington. I didn’t know anyone at all and I live on my own.

“I used to finish work at 1pm on a Friday, go to a coffee shop and watch the world go by. Then, I’d do my shopping, go home and not leave my flat until Monday morning.

“On weekends, I’d lay in bed because there was nothing to get up for. I never spoke to any of my neighbours. I tended to avoid people engaging me in conversation.

“I did that for at least five years. It got to the stage where I thought ‘I can’t live like this forever’! Then, I had a chance conversation with a friend who knew someone with a hearing dog. He put us in touch and I could see how happy and outgoing this person was. I thought, ‘I want some of that!’

“When I got the text that said I’d been matched with a black Labrador called Crumble, I was over the moon! I was quite nervous when I first met her, in case she didn’t like me. However, she settled in straight away as though she knew my flat was her home.

“At home, she wakes me up for work by jumping on the bed and nudging my arm with her cold, wet nose. She won’t stop until I’m on my feet! Also, I used to be forever looking out of the window waiting for deliveries, but now she lets me know when they arrive.

“Before, I went from feeling isolated at home to feeling isolated in the office because only a few colleagues knew to face me when they were talking to me. When I got Crumble, people I’d never even met before were suddenly interested in talking to me.

“When we arrive at work, she greets everyone. There are five offices and she goes into each one in turn. We call it her roll call! She loves lying there with her feet in the air having her tummy tickled!

“Before, when watching presentations at work, I wouldn’t have a clue what was being said. My manager had to go through it with me afterwards. Now, my colleagues save a space at the front for me and Crumble, so I can lipread.

My job is quite stressful; I have deadlines to meet every week. I come into work half an hour early so I can take an hour’s lunch break and I take Crumble for a walk. It’s great having that time away from the computer and I get talking to people and de-stress.

“I now go to the local pub, which is something I never did before. They always bring over a water bowl for Crumble and even some dog biscuits on the odd occasion! She loves going in there. I’ve got talking to loads of people since I had her, so I’ve made some friends. I feel as though I’m part of the community now.

“I’ve lost a stone in weight since I got Crumble. Before, of a nighttime, I’d just sit and eat. Now, after work, we walk together in the woods and I get talking to other dog owners. Crumble has made friends with another Labrador and I’m no longer afraid to talk to strangers. When we’re out and about, people ask about her Hearing Dogs jacket and I tell them all about it.

“Because of Crumble, I’ve also begun talking to another dog walker and we’re interested in each other. I’m just so happy now I have Crumble. I can’t imagine life without her.”