Hearing Hear-O
Therapy/Service Bernadoodle Delights Audiology Patients
By Camp Bow Wow
Imagine walking into a doctor’s office to have your ears checked. You might be a little nervous or uncertain, and especially if you are not hearing well. Or maybe you are bringing in your wiggly toddler, and tensions are high. If the audiology office happens to be Hear in Texas, located in New Braunfels, you might be surprised to find yourself greeted by a 90-lb Bernadoodle. Hear-O is not only the practice’s official mascot and “pawdiologist,” he’s a trained therapy and service dog.
Hear-O officially belongs to Carlos, who runs the office for his wife, Dr. Sally Miranda, Au.D., where she and her team treat hearing issues for people of all ages. The four-year old pup serves Carlos, a disabled veteran, by detecting blood pressure or sugar changes that could endanger Carlos’ health. “If Hear-O senses something, he puts his head on my knee and diverts my attention to him,” Carlos said.
Hear-O also helps Carlos stand if he loses his balance. These skills come in handy at the office as Hear-O can tell who needs his quiet comfort and welcomes snuggles from strangers.
Hear-O comes to work with the Mirandas every day – ready to provide a hug or lick a hand to soothe young and old alike. Even patients who say they don’t like dogs are won over by his charm. Some schedule extra appointment time to interact with Hear-O.
His heritage combines the best traits from his mother, a Bernese Mountain Dog bred for friendliness and docility, and his father, a Standard Poodle, known for being hypoallergenic and intelligent.
Carlos enlisted Dog Trainers Elite to teach Hear-O skills to earn his therapy and service vests. When he’s “dressed,” Hear-O is welcome at locations all over New Braunfels. He accompanies Carlos to senior centers, fire stations and the children’s museum, where he not only spreads doggy love but serves as an ambassador for good auditory health. Children are happy to perform their hearing screenings with Hear-O nearby. “You can hear and focus better when you are happy,” Carlos said, and noted that Hear-O does not get tired. “He thrives on the attention. He can do this all day.”
Visits to assisted living homes are especially treasured. Nurses told Carlos they had never seen a particular resident smile until Hear-O walked into her room. “When he sees a group, he seems to know who needs to see him first,” Carlos reported. “The residents’ faces light up.” Hear in Texas regularly visits seniors to conduct screenings, educate patients about the connection between hearing loss and dementia and ensure devices are clean and working properly. Hear in Texas’ partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association brings in many patients eager for Hear-O’s hugs.
Carlos served four years in the U.S. Air Force. His work calibrating fighter jets under the turbines took a toll on his hearing. As a disabled veteran, he has a strong connection with the veteran community in New Braunfels and often brings Hear-O to meetings. “Some of the older vets may seem stern, but they love Hear-O,” he said.
The Mirandas look forward to adding to their pack this month, when they’ll welcome another Bernadoodle, “little brother,” Audio. He’s expected to eclipse Hear-O at 120 lbs once he reaches his full stature. Carlos said Hear-O will provide a great example. Once Audio completes his training, the office will be even more responsive to patients’ “pawdiology” needs.
