CSV

And it's goodbye from Moby...

Guide dog diary

January 2006

Time to say goodbye

We have now reached the time to say, so long and farewell Moby. He has completed his puppy walking stage with us and the time for him to return to Guide Dogs has arrived.

Moby has been a real pleasure to walk and we have so enjoyed our time with him. Always eager to please and learn all that has been asked of him, and whatever the weather he's been ready and waiting. We had some down days and the worry over his joint problem during the year but the signs are still good that this is all behind him now.

It is a day of mixed feelings when a dog has to be returned. There is a sense of pride in achieving the aim of sending back a confident young adult dog that has been exposed to many situations he could need in his future role and who is now ready to take on the demanding specialised training he's ready for.

But of course there is the sadness of parting from the little bundle of black fur who had mischief written all over him when he arrived as a seven week old puppy. Who very soon enlarged the holes left in the lawn by previous 'guests', stole flowers, gave us lots of laughs and will leave many memories and some tears behind him. Moby quickly became a family member and grew into the handsome black Labrador he now is. He's such a great and super dog, he can be trusted full stop. We really are going to miss him. 

We have really enjoyed our time with Moby and I would like to say a huge thank you to the Radio Stoke staff and listeners for all their tremendous effort in sponsoring him. Without it there would not have been a Moby and we would not have had the privilege of puppy walking such a lovely dog.

As his transport is now due to take him on the next part of his life, I hope you will forgive me for keeping this brief and understand the reason, even after 15 pups there is still a huge lump in the throat as they get in the back of the supervisor’s car for the last time, please don't look back at me Moby. I hope you will all join me in wishing him every success for the future with lots of love and hugs as we say

Goodbye & Good Luck Moby!

November 2006

Gunfire or fireworks

It's that time of the year again when the firework season begins early and remains with us until at least the Chinese New Year. The horrendous bangs, like gunfire and bombs being dropped each night, certainly leave us with a reminder of our soldiers continuing dangers in Iraq as they spend this Christmas and beyond out there. I hope you will all join me in wishing every one of them returns home safely.

Surely in this day we should have fireworks without bangs to lessen the misery and fear of both humans and animals. Why can't the manufacturers produce just pretty display lights? Fortunately for Moby and us, he is not bothered by the bangs and actually asks to go in the garden to have a look. But soon it’s a case of "Right, seen that let's go back in."

I'm sure the police helicopter has had a big input in teaching him to accept noise as it passes over us almost daily, along with the motor bike of our daughter's boyfriend and the harrier jump jets he encountered during the summer. Maybe if Moby decides a guide dog career is not for him he could take a look at gun dog work!

Getting ready for school

We continue to practice all Moby has learnt as everything now becomes repetition. He has experienced just about everything we can think of showing and exposing him too and now it's a case of practice makes things better.

Sitting at each down kerb has become the norm for him, likewise walking in the centre of the pavement. Right and left turns are becoming old hat along with boarding buses and sitting quietly while on them. He's good in shops and can pass the tempting toys on display now. All in all he's ready to return to the training centre for guide dog training which is due to start after the New Year.

Because his birthday falls in December when he will be one year old he will get a small reprieve before he starts due to the holiday season. This means he will get to spend the holiday with us.

Latest photo of Moby

But what about presents? Now who ran off with the computer mouse? Who was it that stole a flower from the shop? Which pup was it that drenched "mum" with cold water?
And as for the holes in the lawn and lack of flowers...well!

Yes Moby, you were just a baby then. Look at you now, all grown up and with good looks too. Where has your year gone. 

28 September 2006

Around twenty puppies with their walkers and families gathered together at Wollaton Park in Nottingham for a picnic and to say goodbye to Jason, only Jason was off sick so was unable to be there .Rather than cancel again Vanessa choose to go ahead and hopefully Jason will be able to attend a Christmas get together, fingers crossed. Fortunately the weather was very kind to us and we had lovely sunshine.

As the park is a deer park with two resident herds dogs have to be kept on leads, just as well as some of the deer decided they wanted to graze the grass on our right which meant they had to cross in front of us. Here was a test for the pups to sit or stand quietly while the deer came leaping across no more than thirty yards from us. Some of the pups were surprised and looked on with interest at them while the other pups were more interested in playing together.

Watch out for deer!

Moby's getting all grown up!

It was great to meet up with fellow walkers and share advice, tips and compare notes on our changes. We had loads of food and drink as each of us contributed items and the tables we had could not hold it all. The pups had more than their normal portions of dog biscuits as it was a special day along with their water bowls needing constant refilling. Not sure who enjoyed the day more us or the pups. Right from the youngest, Lace at three months old, through to the pups approaching twelve months and shortly leaving their families to return to the training centres for formal guide dog training. No bad behaviour, fighting or falling out, just twenty good natured puppies enjoying a day out a really lovely sight and providing an interesting diversion for the general public also enjoying the park.

New lamp posts installed on our street provided a golden opportunity to introduce a different aspect of everyday life for Moby.

Noisy workmen in the road

Workmen arrived in a variety of vans, lorries with cranes to lift the posts and others with cradles to lift the men up to the top of the posts. As we have a lamp very near our home Moby was able to sit by the gate and “Supervise” the work going on. First holes were dug for the new posts using noisy diggers and spade work, Moby just waiting for an invitation to “help” before a lorry with a crane arrived to lift the new post in the hole, more noise and more men to make a fuss over him. With the electricians vans to connect the lamps, the lorry with the cradle for the men to attach the light fitment, refilling the holes and inspection it has taken about a week to complete the street so we have had plenty of opportunities to take Moby through the barriers put in place. You can see him working in his photograph. He is getting good at left and right turns and starting to move me further over to pass an obstacle.

A nasty trip to the vet!

As Moby is not being considered for breeding stock, he has reached the time when it has become necessary to remove his “crown jewels” this was carried out during last week. I’m pleased to say this has gone well with no problems. His vet Richard said he walked in to theatre tail thrashing and a welcome for all. When asked to sit and wait while the anaesthetic was administered he did so without protest which earned him the hearts of theatre staff. Richard did a very neat job on him with only a tiny shaved area and three small stitches. Usually a dog is still drowsy for the rest of the day after an operation but not Moby, soon as he arrived home he was looking at the food cupboard where his dish is kept and he didn’t want just water. We had our hands full trying to keep him quite Moby couldn’t understand why we wouldn’t play outside with him it was just another normal day as far as he was concerned, thanks to his vet’s expertise with the anaesthetic. His stitches have now been removed and all is well.

Getting ready for a day out!

As the nights are now drawing in we will be going out for walks during the dark so Moby can gain experience of the way things differ during this time, such as shadows, outlines of people, traffic with headlights and even litter blowing around can be alarming when its dark. Although I can’t see Moby having any problems with this time of year as he is such a confident lad.

Moby needs a new football, having played with it all summer it has finally given in and burst. As it now won’t roll around he began to chew it in frustration so it’s now waiting for his friends the dustbin men to take it away. 

30th August 2006

Take a look at Moby having a bath ready for the “Picnic in the Park”. He really enjoyed this and the rub down with five towels it took to dry him. But then Jason could not make the date so it has had to be rearranged. I’ll tell you how it went next month.

I thought it would be of interest for you to read a guide dog trainers professional opinion on how Moby is progressing so I asked Vanessa if she would write a few words for us on how she thinks our boy is coming on. Vanessa very kindly agreed and the following report written by her is much appreciated and I hope Moby’s readers will enjoy reading this.

Moby's Report at 8 months old

Not looking too happy.

My name is Vanessa Best and I am training to be a Puppy Walking Supervisor for the Nottingham and Derby area. I am 3 months in to my training programme and am in the process of getting to know my Puppy Walkers and the puppies.

At my last visit with Moby who is now 8 months old myself and my trainer Jason, took Moby in to the local town centre. He travelled very well in the car and was keen to get started once there. At the start of the walk Moby was a little fast, I spent time slowing him down and doing some obedience with him to get him focused on the job in hand. He soon settled to a nice comfortable speed, the town was quite busy so being at the slower speed is much safer.

Moby has good obedience responses and is always willing to please the handler which is a good trait for a guide dog. He always sits at the kerb before being told to cross over. We are now introducing him to finding left and right, we do this by stopping him and then as we say left we show him where left is. We are also introducing him to finding doors and crossing points, on the approach to a door or crossing point we simply say find the ‘door’ or ‘crossing’ and then take him up to it. This way with repetition and time he will start to pick this up which will be of big help to the visually impaired client.

Moby is a willing, responsive lad who seems to really enjoy his work, hopefully one day he will make someone a excellent guide and companion. 

31 July 2006

Vanessa was delighted with Mobys progress. She arrived with Jason on his final visit, and they both took Moby to Eastwood. This was his first proper assessment since regaining full fitness and the first time for Vanessa to see him cope with town traffic, pedestrians and walking in shops again. I felt confident he could do it without me and so choose to stay at home and have refreshing drinks ready on their return.

Moby was taken in their car to Morison’s and his behaviour while travelling, getting out in the car park and walking in the store were all noted. They thought he gave a toddler with an ice cream an envious look I was told, before continuing on his way with a good pace and in a straight line. Moby was then walked through the town and back to see his reaction to traffic and pedestrians. Eastwood is a small town with a narrow through road, which is always busy with traffic. It only takes a bus pulling up at the bus stop and with three zebra crossings within 40 yards to create a traffic queue.

Moby passes his assessment!

Guide dog Moby at 4 months old.

As it was a warm day the pavements were busy so Moby had plenty to distract him as he walked and waited to get past standing or slow pedestrians, guide dogs don’t barge past. He walked by the entrance to the park and the pet shop without trying to drag Vanessa in - I’m convinced all these pups know when it’s “Best Behaviour Boss In Tow” time – before heading for home all in need of a drink. Vanessa was delighted and said he couldn’t be better for a seven month old. So well done Moby, knew you could do it.

We have a weekly ritual with our dustbin men now. When Moby hears their lorry approaching our road he wants to get to the garden gate greeting them with his tail thrashing the air. While one of the crew was off on his holiday his replacement was told he had to speak to guide dog pup or he would be in trouble with the regular man on his return. As we live in a Close, Moby can watch the men as they empty each bin and with the last one done the men hitch a ride in the lorry to the next street, but not before waving goodbye. No, not to me, as their shouts of “See you next week Moby” prove.

Making friends with the dustbin men & postman!

The postman is another favourite of Moby's and one in particular who always has a delivery for him in the form of a dog biscuit. He’s not our daily postman fortunately for Moby's waistline, but he’s very touched that Moby recognises him even away from our road. I don’t think he’s cottoned on why! This postman told a colleague whose turn it was for our round that she had to come and ring the doorbell if Moby wasn’t in the garden to and say hello to him. Being a lover of black labs she was more than happy to oblige, and to Moby's delight she carried dog biscuits as well so another friend for life was made.

Moby cheers on England!

The World Cup may be over for us but Moby still loves chasing and dribbling his ball. He has developed a habit of picking up the ball while carrying another toy in his mouth at the same time or using a toy as if it was a bat to propel the ball along. Off duty he has been taking walks in Sherwood Forest, lovely and cool amongst the trees. Moby met up with some other puppies at walk in the Victoria Centre in Nottingham on a recruitment day for more puppy walkers and boarders. This was a good opportunity for Moby to experience a longer bus journey than usual as we travelled there and back by bus. He received many admiring looks and comments one of them being “Which brand of polish do you put on his coat”. Although it was a hot day Moby was really good, sat quietly all the way and thoroughly enjoyed a bottle of water I had taken for him during the journey. 

In August Vanessa is organizing a picnic in Wollaton Park for Jason’s farewell from the Nottingham & Derby puppy walkers. As well as worrying about the weather holding out she’s a little apprehensive at the thought of twenty odd puppies descending on the food once it’s laid out. But I told her the pups will know “Boss Is Here Best Behaviour Time” Won’t they??????? Find out next time.

26 June 2006

Moby is fine - and getting in the World Cup mood!

It looks like we are heading in the right direction as Moby received the go ahead to restart full training and exercise, at his latest vet check. We can’t detect any lameness so hopefully the enforced rest has done its job. So the very best of luck to Rooney and the rest of the England team, also to our Moby, who needless to say is raring to go.

When Richard, his vet, said he could begin having 5 minutes of free running I knew Moby would be full of excitement when he was let off his lead so we made plans, just in case!!! As John was on holiday he was able to help by following with the car as I walked Moby up the farm roads to the fields at the rear of our house. We needed to go early in the morning, before the glorious weather we had made it too hot for dogs to be out in, but not before the vets surgery would be open. Making sure no other dogs were around for this first run of freedom again, we didn’t want his loopy Labrador friends to come charging him right now, I asked him to sit while his lead was taken off. He looked up at me as I said “Away you go” I could almost feel the look of disbelief on his face, then the joy as again I said “Yes, you can go”

Enjoying running free again

Like a greyhound out the trap, runner off the starting block he took off and my heart was in my mouth. I was torn between letting him run and whistling him back. I was afraid if I blew the whistle and he made his usual sharp turn to come back he might twist that leg or there could be a hole to trip him up. I could only leave it to him to read the path he took while praying that limb wouldn’t let him down. Hot sweats, cold sweats is this how Sven felt over Rooney? As Moby finally began to slow down I called him back and attached his lead, it was only half time but I didn’t want to push our luck- or my nerves- so he was given the red card on this first match (sorry run).

We continue to give Moby his free runs and also different training experiences. In the spring and summer months we have cattle and sheep in the fields near us so he has had to learn not to bark when passing by them. On seeing some skittish calves running around he wanted to join them in the field and took some coaxing to just sit and look but he got a reward when one became brave and poked it’s nose through the wire fencing to give Moby a sloppy lick. Soon there were eight of them jostling for position to get to the front. I just hoped the fence would be up to holding them, saving me from hurdling over garden fences dragging a reluctant pup with me as he was quite content making new friends.

Getting used to the noise from the 'big birds'

Another new experience for him this month was a noisy one. John is the organiser of the Nottingham Classic Tour, which has helped sponsor a Guide Dog. Now in it’s eight year this event is 120 miles of tulip navigation for road cars from 1905 to 1986 with a start and finish at Nottingham Castle. It was while out planning the route for this year’s event that we came across two harrier jump jets practicing landing and take offs at RAF Cottesmore. We had stopped to stretch all of our legs when we heard the first of these jets approaching. I sat down next to Moby talking gently to him while noting his reaction to the increasing noise. He looked at me then at the source of this noise and seeing I wasn’t showing any alarm or appearing interested in the “big bird”. After backing away slightly as the jet passed us, Moby found smells in the grass more of an interest. With the next jet it was a case of been there seen that. The police helicopter, which frequently flies over our house now only warrants a look if Moby is on his back sunning. Hope he can treat the noisy bangs from fireworks when they begin again with the contempt that they deserve.

We will have two Guide Dog supervisors at our next visit as Jason is preparing to take up a new post so will be handing over the reins, I suppose that should be leads to Vanessa. It will be interesting to see what Vanessa thinks of Moby.

Sue & Woofs from Moby 

30 May 2006 - A medical problem with Moby

Moby at 4 months old.

Training was going really well with Moby, probably too well as unfortunately we now have a set back which everyone is hoping will be just a temporary one.

Towards the end of last month Moby developed an intermittent limp around his right shoulder / elbow. As medication and rest did not appear to be helping it was arranged for him to see an orthopaedic specialist and as I type this months diary report Moby is by my side still sleeping off the after effects of the anaesthetic gases.

A look inside his affected limb via a camera (arthroscopy) and further X-rays revealed the ulna bone is a tiny 2mm shorter than the radius bone and causing the lameness. As his bones are still growing it is hoped that the ulna will catch up with its partner so that no further invasive action will be necessary. For now it means medication, rest and short lead walking only.

With any pain kept under control the problem is trying to ban a five month old puppy from running, jumping or rough play and not letting him become bored. He can’t understand that the restrictions are being made to help him. It’s going to be a long month for both of us before he will be re- examined.

Trying to make a 5 month old puppy rest...

Moby’s training with me is continuing but obviously not at the same pace. He travels more in the car or we go on the bus to shops and railway stations to limit the walking.
Pavement and kerb work is being practised in short sessions near home, again so that walking is kept to a minimum to help his recovery.

It’s sad and frustrating, Moby is such a lovely chap with a great character who really is enjoying learning and tries so hard. The Guide Dog Association are as concerned as myself and are making every effort to see he gets the best advice and treatment to help him.

Lets hope this is just a small set back and that next month I shall have better news to pass on. Moby is waking up now and as I promised him a new teddy – if only I owned a soft toy factory the pups get through that many of them! We have to gonow to catch the bus to the shop.

Woof Moby & Sue.

25 April 2006 - From Cutie to beauty!

Hello Everyone, Moby calling, my mum says as this is my diary it's only fair that I paw a few words myself. Yes, it came as a surprise to me that I could write. So after watching mum hit somethings called a mouse and keys which looked interesting, I jumped up to get a closer look, trouble was one of my big paws hit several of them key things and the words disappeared, my other paw knocked the mouse to the floor and I ran off with it .

I thought it was a good game, mum didn't and she let slip more than "No", a word I've come to know so well, before saying I was a typical male trying to get out of a job. Turning my innocent brown eyes on her, I've got that one down to a fine art, she couldn't help but smile as she told me just because I was turning from a cutie to a beauty - honestly her words not mine - it didn't mean I could get away with everything. We then came to a compromise, I would remind her of what I've learnt so far, she doesn't need reminding of my sins, while she pawed the words.

Learning to get in and out of cars

Learning the "Stay" command indoors - we have been putting Moby's understanding of this while in the car parked on the drive as he learns to get in and out of it safely. Moby is required to sit and wait while the boot door is opened, but it's still quite a high jump for him yet so he puts his front legs on the bumper and we give him a hand up with his back ones. Getting out is a bigger safety point as he is required to sit and stay in the car while the door is opening, this is the danger point as puppies are so excited and eager to jump out they can be in the road as you are still dealing with the door opening at the same time trying to catch a catapulting pup who suddenly develops a pair of wings, hence the reason for practice on the drive and behind closed gates.

We are giving him more shops to walk in now which he does in a calm manner though low shelves with soft toys he needs to be reminded to "Leave" at the beginning of the aisles. Like all pups his age Moby is mischievous and loves to be in the middle of everything - the more pups you have the wiser you become to spotting what they are thinking of doing next!

A mischievous pup!

The second you take your eyes off them is the second the deed is done. Walking past one of our local flower shops a congested pavement is further encroached on by having buckets of flowers for sale, a mum and toddler stopped us to speak and stroke Moby, as we finished our chat I turned to wave to the little girl who continued to shout "Bye Moby" as she walked away and in that second he must have nabbed the flower head hanging out his mouth like a romantic suitor, from one of the buckets. Fortunately it was just a daffodil so I quickly pushed it in my pocket and made a dash round the next corner. Have I said you need a sense of humour to puppy walk? One of these days a pup really will land me in it.

During the Easter holidays Moby insisted on helping my husband with digging in the garden and sand bags though he wasn't any help with laying patio slabs, he just stood on each one as John tried to check if they were level. Moby much preferred scattering the sand , run round with the yard brush and hose pipe. It was while I was weeding that he found the trigger on the hose and managed to spray cold water down my back. His hobby is gardening, he's very keen at dead heading the daffs, I just wish he would wait until they are past their best!

Moby's first tram ride

Moby learns to use trams!

We met up with Jason our supervisor, Guide Dog Puppy Taylor and his family to give the pups their first rides on the Nottingham trams. Two other walkers with their puppies couldn't make it. Taylor, five days older then Moby, is also a black labrador. We let the two pups greet each other and have a little play to take the edge off their excitement at meeting up before heading for the platform were the Brian Clough tram was waiting.

The pups had no trouble getting on the tram as the doorway is perfectly aligned with the platform edge. Just as we sat down the conductor said "No dogs, you canna bring dogs on here thay norra allowed" It was explained they were trainee guide dogs. Soon the tram began moving and at each stop more people got on until it was full, as we were sat next to the glass doors Moby was able to look out on the sights of Nottingham. The conductor kept one eye on the pups each time he passed them but soon realized they would cause no problems and said "Thay good arn't tha, berra behaved than a lorra kids" He was won over and sneaked a quick pat or two. I think the tram was more interesting for us humans as both pups seemed unimpressed and were quite content to sit or lay down to the end of the line were we got off which is at the railway station.

At the railway station we took the pups in the lift and down to the train platforms. As a train was waiting for its departure time we were able to walk the pups on and off to see how they reacted. A marked difference from the tram here, two steps to get on the train and the gap between train and platform down to the rails, quite scary for humans let alone puppies. Moby managed on his own but Taylor being smaller, needed a little help with this. We then walked them to the front of the train so they could hear the engine noise, the whistle blown and doors closing as the train left, and then let them look down on the rails.

Walking back to the tram stop we used open steps, a covered bridge and a staircase. This is were a guide dog puppy needs to learn to put only their front legs on the first step, keep their back legs on the ground and wait while the handler places their right foot on the same step and then gives the command "forward". They must then proceed in a controlled walk up the remaining steps to the top. Both pups did quite well for a first attempt, Taylor's puppy walker and myself will practise this more with them. The pups received plenty of admiring looks and comments on the tram back, Moby was so laid back he had a nap. Jason said he was pleased with his continuing progress and we returned home with one tired puppy.

Another update soon
Woof from Moby & Sue

25 March 2006 - Learning the basics

Since I last told you of the arrival of Moby, he has been very busy with learning, playing, socialization and, paying formal visits on behalf of Guide Dogs - more of that later.

Moby now does the basic commands to order, though being a young puppy his concentration levels are still limited at this stage. He loves to bring back a toy when it is thrown for him which develops the recall command and he will let us place a dog chocolate on his paw and leave it until told he can have it, this helps to teach him the wait command.

As he can be trusted in the home not to chew anything he shouldn't, we now leave the door to his pen open at night, this means he has the downstairs to himself, content with his own company and so not clinging to "Mum", but just like a mum with a human baby, nature teaches her to sleep with one ear "tuned in" - just in case.

Moby conquers the stairs...

One big achievement has been conquered this last week, in being able to walk down a flight of stairs - there was no problem climbing up, but coming down was a "Oh no your not getting me to step over the edge"! As it takes us with two legs time to master this art, imagine how difficult it must be to try to co-ordinate four legs at a time. But now, "Clever boy" we can put away the baby gate, with me only 4ft 11" wet through and him weighing 19kgs "YIPPEE" I can't tell you the relief.

He's had a few rides in a full glass sided lift and I'm fairly sure this presented him with no problems, though the toddler with an ice cream was an obvious delight and no doubt played a part in this. Jason (our supervisor) couldn't believe how much Moby has grown since his previous visit ( he mentioned checking his micro chip to see if I had swapped him) after walking him around our local B&Q depot, in which we were asked which aisle the pups were stocked in, Jason said how pleased he was with his progress to date.

Moby the celebrity!

Moby is becoming a small celebrity as last week he was invited to meet his sponsors at Radio Stoke. He liked meeting his admirers, I'm pleased and relieved to report he behaved himself, as being a puppy walker can be stressful you need to have your eyes everywhere for puppies can give you heart stopping and embarrassing moments, we've found to our cost on more than one occasion. There were a number of people waiting to see Moby as he left the studio having been on air with Stuart George who almost crawled under his desk to sit with him. I'm sure Moby left some broken hearts in Stoke, I wonder if Stuart was inundated with requests for "Puppy Love"?

One of our local newspapers asked for Moby to be present and be photographed receiving a cheque on behalf of Guide Dogs. I know he enjoyed this as it meant extra biscuits while they got the pictures they wanted. And Yes, Moby has even sat in the awesome "Black Chair", no not the mastermind one, it's worse than that - the dentist's!!!!!!!!!!!!

A local dental centre who raise funds for Guide Dogs asked if they could have photographs of a dog collecting a cheque from them. Then someone thought what a good idea it would be to have one of the dog sitting in the chair and maybe use it to highlight and amuse their younger patients to see that even dogs need to have their teeth looked after. The only problem was the dog in question was a trained guide dog, and trained dogs do not sit on chairs - or any other furniture for that matter, so rightly the dog refused to comply. Hence, Call for Moby his assistance was needed for a quick naughty snap in the chair being only nine weeks at the time and only 10kg in weight!!!!!!!!

Getting on buses

We've been for rides on the buses and Moby can now reach the step to board himself. A big temptation only inches away from him on one journey, was an escaped cream biscuit just asking to be snaffled up by an ever hopeful labrador but he managed to control himself with only a couple of "Nos" from me. And he got a chewy reward at his favourite shop.

We are going to ride the Nottingham trams next month tell you about it then.

Bye for now

Sue & Woofs from Moby

31 JANUARY 2006 - A new home for Moby!

Moby is a black male Labrador and he has been placed with me and my family here in Eastwood for the next 12 months. He only arrived last Wednesday so is still getting used to his new home and family.

Soon as the door to his travel box was opened he came running out to investigate, the toy box was quickly upended and contents strewn around the lounge and conservatory - not short on confidence this chap- by the end of his first day Moby was responding to his name and making a "dash for the door" to spend a penny or two. Considering his young age he has been very good at this and we've had hardly any mishaps. He's also quick to learn that running to me on hearing the whistle gets him a tasty reward. Another important thing he's learning this week, albeit reluctantly to him, is the word ”No".

Starting his walks

We have made a start on visits to shops, over the weekend which he took in his stride. There was of course lots of fuss and attention and inevitable haaa's, and that was just the shop assistants. We always have to add on an extra hour to get things done when the puppies are this small, as they create a big attraction to the general public.

This morning I shall hopefully persuade him to walk, at least part way on his little legs, to the main road so that he can watch and listen to the traffic passing. By doing this he gets early experience of the noise while in the safety of my arms before he's asked to walk next to it.

Moby at 6 weeks old - arrrrrrr!

There are busy months ahead for Moby before he returns to Leamington to begin his Guide Dog training. From learning to walk on my left and in the centre of the pavement, while leaving babies and toddlers ice creams etc untouched - such a temptation when on the same level as an ever hopeful Labrador - to sitting at each down kerb. Coping with glass doors, automatic doors, open and closed tread steps, lifts, buses, trains and noisy stations and the 1001 distractions. And of course the important free runs and play sessions as the puppies must have a puppy hood.

A successful start!

We could not have wished for anything more of Moby in this first week, he has settled in really well and you can be assured I shall do my best to help him on his way to becoming a Guide Dog.