MenoSunday's; Life Lived Lovingly

Another puppy update for you today - this time from Spirit, who I was assigned after Fletcher's departure from the programme. Please note that I am cutting and pasting from the Guide Dog webpage and the content is entirely their copyright.

Spirit's Puppy Page

Pupdate 5 - excelling in training

Hi, I’m Louise, Spirit’s Trainer. I’m preparing him to be matched with a new owner! 

I’ve been working at Guide Dogs for 17 years and I’ve been training guide-dogs-to-be for 14 years. The thing I love the most is being able to help people with sight loss to have freedom and independence in their lives. Knowing the difference that these wonderful animals can make is truly amazing!  

Refining skills 

The recent impact of coronavirus has meant I’ve needed to find new ways of ensuring Spirit has continued to progress in his training, given that travelling to public places hasn’t been possible. Before the social distancing guidelines were introduced, we visited a few different places and used public transport which he handled with confidence. We also did café training; he’d simply flop down underneath the table and go to sleep – he’s very patient and always adapts to my pace. 

Additionally, I’ve focused on developing Spirit’s existing skills a little further. This included working on ‘targeting’ various objects, such as post boxes, empty benches and doors which will be extremely useful when guiding a future owner. 

A day in the life of Spirit 

Spirit had taken to life at training school like a duck to water and also made himself comfortable at his new home with his Boarder. Spirit is a really lovely dog and tries his best; he likes to make people happy and is doing wonderfully so far. 

Spirit has shown himself to be incredibly calm and really takes everything on the chin – he never gets fazed by anything unfamiliar. But he definitely has a cheeky side! He’s had to be reminded that he doesn’t rule the house and he isn’t allowed to nap on the sofa, but he’s great at following instructions. 

Looking ahead 

While Spirit can settle down in an office environment, he has so much energy and loves to be outside, so he’d definitely suit being partnered with someone who is really active. He likes to be busy, so someone who can keep up with him would be a perfect match! 

Thank you for sponsoring Spirit. Look out for his next Pupdate to find out about his progress.

Spirit's photo gallery