My name is Geoff. I was matched with “Teddy” in February 2022. He came to live with me in July 2022. He is a 3 ½ year old blond standard poodle. I am soon-to-be 83 and have trouble hearing even with hearing aids. I am destined to become progressively deaf.

Teddy’s first tasks as my hearing dog have been to alert me to certain sounds: my name’s (I have many nicknames), a knock at the door or the doorbell, the phone, smoke alarm, etc. How does Teddy let me know when my name is called? He prompts me by a touch on the leg. Sometimes, for good measure, he will give me a hard poke and a bark to alert me.

In the morning, Teddy will fetch my shoes and has even learned to fetch and hold a towel after he drinks from his water bowl so that I can wipe his lips and chin.

I do not know what I would do without Teddy. He is a great companion and goes almost everywhere with me. In October we went to Breaks Interstate Park for 5 days where we hiked. We recently traveled to Lexington, VA, to attend two banquets and a luncheon in honor of a classmate.  He performed quite well at the banquet and presentation ceremony where he assumed the down position underneath a table. The noise, music, clapping, and singing, did not bother him nor prevent him from working.

Teddy is a testament to the Fidos process. I cannot claim credit for what a great service dog his is, but I reap the benefits. I continue to work with Teddy to improve his skills and teach him new ones.

My sincere thanks to all at Fidos who have helped and advised me on this journey so that I could ultimately be matched with Teddy.