The W litter have been a WONDERFUL part of my life and have entertained me, friends and family since the dawning of 2022. There is however a limit to what Roo and I can do to ensure these guys are developed to the standard that they need to reach in order to transform a deaf persons life. They need new stimulation and new experiences to build upon.
Their mum and my best buddy Roo has taken to her maternal instincts and duties without issue. The main issue has been ME. I've frequently found myself wondering why I'm essentially telling her off for doing what is ABSOLUTELY natural (such as cleaning up after the pups) just because I have been too slow to react. This strange behaviour from her brood holder has thankfully given her the freedom to be less perfect and in retaliation I guess she has allowed me to be more helpful in the clean up stakes even if I'm not as quick.
The last few days have been fun. Thankfully a couple of them have brought sun and relatively wind free days so the devastation wreaked on my house has moved to the garden. The new socialisers will need to keep an eye on what the pup has focused on. It was too late for me when I realised that having moved a wicker basket away - their attention had moved to a chair that was next to it. A foam pad is easy to replace but the bindings on the legs will be less easy to return to their normal state. This is however one of the challenges of having a 4kg ball of cute fluff with sharp and effective teeth.
The pups put up very little resistance to the eviction so the warning call to the local constabulary were not needed. With toys and bedding which had the scent of their mum and their siblings packed we began the calm journey down to The Grange, the head office for the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity. Once there they were allowed a short period of play with mum in an enclosed puppy field whilst their socialisers had the chance to pick up supplies and ultimately take them back to their new accommodation. I was asked if I was sad to let them go. The honest answer is 'No' - not because I won't miss the joy they have given me but because I know their new socialisers will be superb at taking the pups to the next level of their training to transform a deaf persons life. This knowledge that they'll have a fabulous fun time learning their new skills makes it easier to accept that I won't have to be so careful where I'm walking, I won't have as much washing to do, I'll have safer toes and fingers and most exciting for me, I'll have the opportunity to return to my normal routine with Roo.
GOOD LUCK you wonderful guys - I look forward to hearing about your progress from the wonderful volunteers that have taken on your care!
If you would like to make a donation to help the charity train clever dogs to reduce the isolation felt by Deaf people then please click here
To find out more about the charity please click here
The guys I've had the pleasure of having as house guests:
Wonderful to have had such great pics and notes from day one esp when I learnt I was lucky enough to be receiving willow to help continue her journey of the 3 hearing pups I’ve been lucky enough to help train she is so far the best of the 3
special thanks to Roo and John
verity may