MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

It's that time again when we read about the progress of my current Guide Dog sponsor pup, Sprout. As I had begun to suspect reading between the lines of earlier reports, he has proved a little too exuberant to be relied upon for full Guide Dog duties... thus, as you will read and see, he is to be transitioned to Buddy Dog. This is a looser companion dog structure, playing an important healing and emotional support role. 

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

I actually received this pupdate a couple of weeks back - just a wee tad forgetful on my part! For those new around here, I sponsor pups in their first two years of learning social skills as well as advanced training in becoming Guide Dogs for the Blind (or therapy dogs, if they don't quite make the grade!). You can read about them on the labels; Isaac, Irvine, IIFletcher, IISpirit and now IISprout.

Pupdate 4 - Sprout has arrived at Training School! 

Hi! It’s Natalie here, one of Sprout’s trainers. Sue and I have been working to progress Sprout’s training now that he has arrived at training school.  

Settling into the training school

Sprout has settled in well to training school. He’s a boisterous fellow and was quite a handful at first but he’s come a long way already. He spends his evenings and weekends with his foster family, including their 6-year-old twins, who are absolutely besotted with him. His time is spent free running in the woods and he loves a good sniff around in the undergrowth.

I love Sprout’s personality; he’s a real character and never fails to make me laugh. He’s so much fun to work with. In another life, he would have made a great comedian! He just exudes happiness and confidence; nothing fazes him at all. 

A clever dog! 

Sprout is very intelligent and he picks up new skills quickly. He’s already comfortable wearing his harness and has no problems putting it on. He has been on the obstacle course and did really well – it’s important for guide dogs to be able to confidently navigate their owner around hazards. Sprout is very good at staying focused and is not easily distracted when working. This definitely makes training a lot easier. There are so many potential distractions when we’re out on training walks but he doesn’t bat an eye. He’s already confident at finding lowered kerbs and stopping to allow for safe road crossing. 

Looking forward 

Sprout is such a lovable boy, although he does have his quirks! He’s not a fan of having his ears checked so Sue and I will be continuing to work on this with him. It’s crucial for him to become comfortable with this as it is important for his welfare, so I have been teaching him ‘chin rest’. This involves asking Sprout to rest his chin in my lap and rewarding him when he does. We’re gradually increasing the length of time he does this and will then start to introduce touching his ears. The main thing is that we ensure the experience is positive for him as well as letting him choose when he wants to move away.

Over the next few months, Sue and I will be continuing to teach Sprout all the guiding skills that he will need. We’ll be focusing on increasing consistency as he can sometimes be a little bit overconfident, and he has previously shown stopping behaviour on walks which does seem to be improving. We’ve also been working on getting in and out of the car – he knows exactly what to do but sometimes needs a little encouragement as he likes things to be on his terms!

We’re happy with Sprout’s progress so far and look forward to updating you in your next Pupdate. 

Menopdaytoree; Celebrations And Pupdate

Today, for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, is the main day in the festival of Diwali. It began with Dhanteras. On that day, the tradition is to give the homes a thorough cleaning and buy new items for the home, particularly kitchenalia and gold and silver jewellery. Then yesterday, the second day of five, was Naraka Chaturdashi, which celebrates Satyabhama, the wife of Krishna, who beheaded a demon king. On that day, there is lots of bathing and perfuming, and families gift each other new clothes. On the fourth day is Govardhan Puja, celebrating the hill of that name, a place of sanctuary close to Vrindavan, the birthplace of Sri Krishna. Day five is celebrated as Bhai Dooj when sisters and brothers affirm their kinship and strengthen bonds with gifts, play, prayers, etc.

Today though, the third day is the day of sweets and feasting and the goddess Lakshmi. In warmer climes, windows and doors are left open so that she may enter freely - that is a little more difficult to manage around about the Hutch in near winter! At six in the evening, all the lamps will be lit (or in my case, the tealights), and if tradition is to be followed, they will be kept alight through till six tomorrow morning... in a similar fashion to Hogmanay!

I have a little more joy in celebration this week, as my good pal Aitch is visiting! 

Now, the following came through over a week ago - time to share more news from Sprout!

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

As most of you are aware, I sponsor puppies being trained for work as Guide Dogs for the Blind. Currently, my "pupil" is Sprout. Here is the latest pupdate on his progress! I am ever in awe of the Love of the capital kind it takes to have a puppy, train it ... and then face releasing it to another and start all over again. That takes a special heart, methinks. You may detect in the eloquence here that Sprout is possibly a little bit mischievous! 

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Well, the new puppy is growing fast!!! Love and dedication describe those who work in training companion dogs... and the same is required from those dogs themselves. It is a joy for me to support this work and to be able to share it with you all.

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

As hinted last week (and some will have spotted from the sidebar), my new sponsor puppy for guide dog training is called SPROUT. I am excited to bring you an introduction to this little darling who truly looks a bundle of fun - let us wish Sprout all the very best for positive results!!!