Long-awaited Ron is definitely the top dog at Mike’s specialist audio visual training business

Meet the latest – and long-awaited – employee at Mike Lammas’s specialist audio visual training business,

Ron is a hearing assistance dog; a cocker spaniel show dog crossed with a worker.

Mike, Founder and Director of Train AV in the Arena Business Centre, Ferndown, has waited patiently for Ron’s arrival.

Four years, in fact.

Mike said: “It comes as a revelation to many people to discover that, although I work in a world of sound, I am profoundly deaf, the by-product of a neurological condition I suffered when I was 27.

“I was determined not to let my disability put an end to using my skillset nor force me to give up my passion to run my own AV training business.

“I have become an accomplished lip reader and take translators with me to foreign assignments.”

Sadly, in the past couple of years, Mike’s hearing has deteriorated even further and he lives with huge levels of pain every day.

Mike, pictured left, said: “After seeking advice from a pain consultant, I decided to do what was best for me and hope everyone in my industry would understand.

“I have been polling clients for the past two years to see if there would be any objections to me bringing  a hearing assistance dog on site.

“My customers are so supportive and Ron’s already got many invites to go to client workplaces.”

After a four and a half year wait, with lots of form-filling and assessments, Mike and Ron were matched as the perfect working team and are finally together.

A highly intelligent hound, Ron has been trained to be Mike’s ears and alert him to dangers and specific sounds.

Maike said: “As Ron is going to be travelling all over the country with me, it was important to have a dog that has a legal right of entry into premises such as workplaces and restaurants.

“Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are one of the few charities who provide dogs with access all-areas status.”

Employer and employee are already working well together.

“As soon as his harness and jacket go on, Ron knows it’s time for work,” said Mike.

“His whole demeanour changes and he focuses fully on me.

“It can cost up to £40,000 to train an assistance dog throughout its lifetime and I cannot thank the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People enough for their support.

“Ron is making a huge difference not only to my working life but my homelife too.

“He’s so therapeutic to stroke and I am already noticing my pain levels have subsided exponentially.

“I feel more confident with Ron by my side when I am out in public.

“I’m proud to be championing disability in the workplace and hope my story will help other disabled entrepreneurs continue to realise their goals.

“This four-legged friend and employee is a life-changer for me.”