What You See Is What You Get. This is a journal blog, an explore-blog, a bit of this and that blog. Sharing where the mood takes me. Perhaps it will take you too.
Well, the news I had rather thought might be coming, has... but it's not all bad.
The good news for Fletcher is that he has been adopted by a young family in Norfolk and he has bonded quickly with the son, so he will live the life he no doubt really desires! Meanwhile, let us become acquainted with Spirit.
Thank you for all the well-wishes. Heartwarming. A week in, am certainly not 'over it', but there are definitely signs of improvement as of the time of writing (midday Saturday). Few of us can escape these viruses now. My ten-year record of being 'bug-free' has been broken, in that have now been down with a lurgy three times in the last twelve months. I guess it will help boost the immunity for, hopefully, another healthy ten years! No doubt the exhaustion that comes with care duty doesn't help. We are muddling on through though, thanks to that thing called Love.
Having had a couple of wee interim messages to allay any fears that Fletcher might be going to flunk, things are definitely looking good per this third update from his handler.
I got a lovely little surprise in the emailbox during the week - an interim update on Fletcher and a fresh photograph of him out and about.
❝Fletcher had a fun day out at an outdoor art exhibition, exploring the surroundings and savouring lots of sights and smells. It was also a great way for him to practise noise distraction. It’s important that Fletcher learns to remain calm in unfamiliar environments to ensure he stays focused on leading his future owner.❞
Reading between the lines, I think Fletcher might be having a little difficulty keeping on track with his training. Not every dog makes the grade. It is never considered a failure, only that there may be other things such a dog can do. Companion dogs for the elderly, support dogs for children; some transfer to police or search and rescue. Just as with humans, one does not always have to remain where one started! Let us put our paws together for Fletcher that he does complete his Guide Dog training successfully, though. Some lucky owner is waiting for him!!!
I was floundering a bit coming up with a post for today. Then it presented itself to me in the form of Fletcher's first pupdate. I think you will agree he is rather adorable! (It is cut&paste from Guide Dog's site, hence weird layout.)
This is a good post to have today as I send birthday wishes to another adorable... BERTIE BOFFIN!!!
Hello, I am Jill, Fletcher’s Puppy Walker. I am excited to update you on what Fletcher has been up to.
Fletcher moved in with us late last year. He will stay with us for around 12 months before he begins Guide Dogs Training School. During this time, it’s my job to teach him basic obedience, build his confidence and introduce him to lots of new sights and smells.
Fletcher is the 10th puppy I’ve raised for Guide Dogs but he is my first German shepherd cross, so I am having fun getting to know his different traits. He has such an inquisitive nature and loves to investigate everything around him. I love his colouring, he reminds me of an African Wild Dog!
Settling in
It took a couple of weeks for Fletcher to find his feet and start sleeping through the night. He has a very loving nature and wants to be near to me all the time, so over the last few months I’ve encouraged him to relax when he is by himself. Luckily, he loves chew toys and so he will settle quickly if I give him his bone to chew. I love the photo below of him curled up asleep.
When Fletcher arrived, he was mesmerised by the hoover and broom! He thought they were the best toys ever but soon lost interest in them. As Fletcher is a very bright and clever pup, he needs lots of stimulation to keep him entertained. I bought him some puzzle toys in which he needs to figure out how to get to the treat inside. These toys are brilliant for improving his patience but also keep him busy for a little while!
Learning fast
I have been taking Fletcher to puppy classes to teach him basic obedience. He did so well at his first class and I’m so impressed by how quickly he learns new commands. He can now ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘down’ when asked. I am hoping he will be as obedient whilst we are out and about, as there will be lots more distractions testing his focus! Fletcher is also brilliant at recall, always coming back when called.
I’ve taught Fletcher to nudge my hand with his nose when I give him the ‘touch’ command. This will be a valuable skill to his future owner as it will help them to locate him easily.
The big wide world
It’s my job to introduce Fletcher to many new environments, we call this ‘socialisation’. These experiences will prepare him for his future as a guide dog, as he will be calm and focused when visiting new environments for the first time. Fletcher is a regular visitor to the dentist, the hospital and the gym. The hospital reception team adore him, and he always gets lots of cuddles when I take him for a visit!
Many dogs can develop a negative association with the vets as they usually only go there when poorly or to have scary experiences such as vaccinations. I take Fletcher to the vets regularly and sit calmly in the waiting room, even when we don’t have an appointment. This will prevent any negative association and help to reduce his stress levels when he goes there in the future.
Gracious me... this happened with no prior warning!
The last pupdate on Irvine spoke about getting him ready for matching to his new owner but did not indicate (unlike with Isaac) that this was imminent. Then again, I ought to have realised that two years had flown by already!!!
Yes, Fletcher is my new 'focus pup' for monthly donation. He is a little unusual in that he is a mixed-breed dog, but I think that makes him even more special (if that is pawssible)! I received the notification during the week that Fletcher is now with Jill and entering his early-training phase. Cue another little video...
So, here he is, Fletcher the Finehair. Let us wish him well on his way through training and on into a life of Love and Service!
