Sign inHEARING DOG PIN-UP No. 12: OAKLEY
Our Pin-Up hearing dog for summer 2025 is a cool and relaxed apricot Cockapoo who acquired the nickname Surfer Dude. Oakley lives with his partner, Donna, who was born with hearing loss.
Oakley is a two-year-old apricot Cockapoo. He was born in April 2023 and has two brothers and three sisters. Oakley successfully qualified as a hearing dog and went to live with his deaf partner Donna in March 2025.
Oakley, nicknamed Surfer Dude by his trainer.
© Paul Wilkinson 2024
About Oakley from his volunteer dog trainer, Sue
Sue has been with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for over 25 years, a large portion of which she has spent helping out with the charity’s breeding scheme.
Oakley – “He seemed to instinctively understand he had to be quieter and more reserved among children and older people.”
© Paul Wilkinson 2024
“Little Oakley, a gorgeous Cockapoo, was born at our house along with his five brothers and sisters. The puppies were so full of character; three strong-willed, inquisitive girls, and the boys more laid back. We asked if we could keep one of the puppies to train and we were given Oakley. Don’t tell the others but he was our favourite!”
“When he was little, he looked like a mini golden retriever. As he grew and his personality developed, we called him our Surfer Dude because he looked as though he had sun-bleached hair and his personality was cool and relaxed.
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“Oakley loved meeting other dogs on our adventures and would always go up and say hello. He also had a fantastic relationship with our other dogs, often ending the day sleeping with them – or on top of them! He was great with people too, he seemed to instinctively understand he had to be quieter and more reserved among children and older people. He was a very loyal companion, dearly loved by all our family and friends.”
About Oakley (from his partner Donna)
Donna, who has a cochlear implant, and Oakley.
Photo courtesy of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
“I was born with a hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since I was little. From the age of 19 my hearing gradually deteriorated further, so I started learning to sign, and in 2006 had an operation to fit a cochlear implant.”
“I first became aware of Hearing Dogs when I was a new mum with a young baby, and if I was at home on my own, I felt very vulnerable and worried that I would miss the smoke alarm, or someone coming to the house.”
“When they see his burgundy jacket, people are more understanding and make sure they’re looking at me when they talk to me.” says Oakley’s deaf partner.
Courtesy of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
“Oakley, my third hearing dog, came to live with us in March 2025. Strictly speaking, when the alarm clock goes off, a hearing dog is meant to either put two paws on the bed to wake up their deaf partner, or jump on the bed. Oakley has decided that a big kiss is the secret to waking me up! Oakley also helps me when we’re out in public. When they see his burgundy jacket, people are more understanding and make sure they’re looking at me when they talk to me.”
“I volunteer as Social Club Secretary and Trustee at the Leeds Deaf Centre. Everyone there already adores Oakley and it honestly feels as though he’s been with me for so much more than three months.”
Source: Audiology News UK issue 15 July-August 2025
