Madeleine had started to lose her hearing in 1992 at the age of 36. Just seven years later, she had become profoundly deaf due to a benign tumour that had damaged the auditory and optic nerves. She tried to maintain her social life, but found it very difficult. “I tried to live my life as I had done before; be cheerful and happy and keep my sense of humour, but I found it impossible. I couldn’t keep up with friends’ conversations. I couldn’t understand what people were saying to me in shops or at work, and I found myself excluded by work colleagues who called me arrogant, aloof and unfriendly because I didn’t join in. All of this sent me spiralling down in despair and depression. I became reclusive, isolated and lonely, and my self-esteem and confidence were shattered.”

Madeleine’s self-confidence was so low, and she dreaded meeting people so much, that she set up her own mail-order business so that she could work and earn money without having to interact with people. In 2004 Madeleine made a life-changing decision to apply for a hearing dog. From the moment she met Ludo, she knew her life was about to become so much better.

“Ludo is a fun dog,” says Madeleine. “He is a breath of fresh air. He has a wonderfully happy personality and is always making me laugh. He has a beautiful sweet and loving nature. Ludo is also very enthusiastic about his soundwork and I know I can trust him to tell me if there is someone at the door, and this makes me feel confident and secure. No longer am I the lonely, isolated recluse I was. No longer am I the invisible deaf woman shuffling in and out of shops. No longer do I dread meeting and talking to people.”

Thanks to Ludo’s friendly personality, Madeleine has made many new friends, and his burgundy hearing dog coat instantly tells people that Madeleine has a hearing loss and she finds she is now treated with understanding. Her confidence has grown so much thanks to Ludo that she has had the courage to take her business out in public by trading at major shows and exhibitions, with Ludo at her side, of course.

Madeleine knows she owes Ludo so much: “My sense of humour has returned; the depression and despair are gone. I now accept my deafness and do not apologise for it; all thanks to Ludo. He has brought laughter, fun and happiness back into my life, and has given me courage, confidence and purpose. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Ludo has rescued me, and completely changed my life.”