Now on his fourth Hearing Assistance Dog, Chris has been a longtime supporter and recipient of Australian Lions Hearing Dogs. Throughout his school years, he dreamed of having a Hearing Assistance Dog and did everything he could to make it happen—then he discovered Australian Lions Hearing Dogs!
The timing couldn’t have been better, as Chris was about to start university and live away from home for the first time. Growing up, he relied on his parents to wake him up every morning and alert him to important sounds. This made him heavily dependent on his family, limiting the independence most teenagers take for granted.
Now, Chris proudly lives on his own. “I have been able to maintain my independence without depending on other people.” For Chris, having his independence is incredibly important. “Having my hearing dog means I can maintain my independence, which is important to me.”
One of Chris’s favourite things to do with Frodo is travel. “I’ve always loved exploring new places, and my hearing dogs have been right there with me on the journey,” he shares. Whenever possible, Frodo joins Chris on his adventures, just like his previous Assistance Dog, Tamari, who even travelled with him overseas to New Zealand and South Africa.
What Chris loves most about Frodo is his incredible dedication to his work. “He’s fantastic at what he does, and you can tell he truly enjoys it—especially when he knows a treat is coming his way!” Chris says.
Beyond alerting him to important sounds, Frodo’s training and obedience shine in public, making everyday life smoother and more independent. “The team at ALHD does an amazing job training these dogs. They’re not just skilled workers; they’re loyal companions who make a real difference.”
