Charlie loves fun and games

Let's jump straight in, shall we...?

OK, maybe not actually jump, but paddle. In a puddle. Not quite up to Charlie's middle.

So, that's the fun in the puddle. Now... the hose game!

It definitely looks like Charlie likes the water, don't you think?

Here's the 'pouring nice, cooling, refreshing water from a watering can into a toy cart' game. Charlie's tail says it all really - lovely!

Charlie's Volunteer Puppy Trainer Tamsin explains: "This is my niece Flo, aged 5. There was a little water in the bottom of the toy cart and Charlie was splashing his front feet in it, so Flo got the watering can to fill it back up for him. Which she had to do quite a few times! He likes playing with water!"

So, that's confirmed then - he loves water.

She adds: "We started volunteering not long after Flo was born so Charlie is the fourth puppy she has helped raise."

This is why we adore our volunteers. They often help us out for years, and years, and years, looking after dozens of puppies for us.

And, of course, where there's water, and there's soil, there's mud, mud, glorious mud. Cue the mud game.

Fortunately little girls love mud too!

Time for another fab photo. Tamsin explains again: "This is Flo's sister, Sky, aged just 2."

"Charlie's always very excited to see her and Flo. He'd been running around playing with them, and they'd worn themselves out hence the nap for him, and the drink and a biscuit for Sky.

"They both love spending time with Hearing Dog puppies. They love playing tug or throwing a ball. Best of all they love handing out treats (they are very generous) and are mini dog trainers in the making.

"They'll ask Charlie nicely to sit so he can have a treat... and then another one too! We never have trouble ticking off the 'hanging out with children' part of the Star awards."

This is what we mean about everything being training for our puppies. By learning to play nicely with children, Charlie was able to pass his Puppy One Star award.

Here's a really lovely photo of Tamsin's mum Tunja, who also helps train Charlie, with Sky. 

As you can see, it's all about spending time together (and, in Tunja's case, drawing funny faces in chalk on the paving stones). In this way, Charlie is growing up to be a very well-balanced puppy, safe and secure in a loving home. It's the best possible foundation for training a hearing dog.

And here you see part of the result. Charlie can just settle down anywhere, such as a library or waiting room, or even on public transport. He knows it's the 'right' thing to do, because when he does it, he gets a fuss and a treat. Lucky Charlie!

Thanks to 'Team T' - and Sky, and Flo - Charlie will be such a good boy for his eventual deaf partner, who will be able to go anywhere with him. We're often told how people, especially on public transport, comment on how very well behaved hearing dogs are. It's such a wonderful way for a deaf person to feel proud of their pal, as well as start chats with people.

Charlie has also been out and about to visit interesting places and people, so now he just takes it all in his stride. Even a big fire engine doesn't bother him.

Let's end this with a really beautiful photo of Flo with Charlie - fun and games, games and fun. What a life!

Thank you for sponsoring Charlie!