Mary Ann Costantini and Young IV

Mary Ann Costantini (deaf USMC Veteran and Teacher in Steubenville, OH), and Young IV (a Spirited Golden/Lab cross) were matched in September 2015 in Santa Rosa, CA during Hearing Team Training. A little over a year later, 3-year old Young enjoys his daily routine working, and having fun, with his “team-mate”.

Mary Ann finds that Young is helping much more than she ever dreamed possible. Daily sounds including family voices and students became a major issue. She began withdrawing because of her hearing decline. She learned that at some “future point”, she would be completely deaf. With a background in teaching special education, she was aware of assistance dogs, but hesitated, thinking that those special workers would be more help to another who had greater needs. Finally, with more frequent encouragement from her family, she contacted CCI and applied for a hearing dog. Her experiences during the 2015 CCI Hearing Dog Team Training changed her life. Little did she know at the time, that 2-year old Young IV would become her team-mate, companion, and constant friend.

The team works together and, according to Mary Ann, is still “a work in progress” since there is always something new to learn from, and about, each other. “Becoming a true team requires a little effort from both of us.” Young alerts Mary Ann to various home sounds such as the microwave, door, alarm clock, laundry machines, family members, and any other sound she would normally be unable to hear. Young also goes to work where he alerts her to her students, co-workers, and other environmental sounds. When Young is “off duty”, they enjoy playing and relaxing together.