In which Chrissie has a ball!

Sometimes, we take stock. We look back at a puppy's photos and suddenly, we'll notice something that we never spotted before, that has been a constant throughout the puppy's life. Sometimes it's the way a puppy sleeps, or it's a particular expression (tongues out is a favourite). With Chrissie, we realised recently that she loves her tennis ball - and if that's not handy, anything to carry in her mouth!

Presenting item one for the jury's consideration...

When Chrissie was very young, it seemed she liked to carry her pink 'thing' around everywhere with her. It also looks like she desperately wanted to use the catflap! Being a sturdy Lab however, if she tried she'd probably have taken half the flap with her.

A bit older now, but she still likes to know she's got something to grip between her teeth, This one looks like a pillow, although it's entirely possible that it was a laundry bag, because lots of our volunteers report that their sponsor puppies adore sweaty old socks!

You're right, you're right - we haven't actually shown you her with a tennis ball yet. So, here's a rapid volley (pun intended...)

From small(ish) Chrissie...

... to medium-sized Chrissie...

... right the way through to magnificent, big Chrissie!

See what we mean? From being puppy right through to a glossy, black beauty, she's adored her tennis balls of all sizes and hues, whether yellow, yellow and green, or... orange?

Actually that looks like it might be a doggy ice lolly. Definitely something for a hot day if you're a hot dog! And, if you're Chrissie, another reason to have something in your mouth.

We also noticed that Chrissie makes friends readily with all sorts of animals. You might have seen a couple of these before, but we never quite realised that this was a theme. So, she likes being courteous with cows...

... saying 'Howdy' to horses (which is just as well as they're very large...)

... reshpectful around sheep (sorry, it's the best we could come up with...)

... and last, but not least, being delightful around dogs!

The brown Lab above giving Chrissie a little peck on the cheek is her friend Cora, who is training to be a Dog for Good, and the dog below is another friend Bruno - both waiting for a treat!

So there you have it. Chrissie has had a life so far of always having something handy to pop in her mouth when she fancies a bit of a chew, while also taking the time to make the acquaintance of farm animals and other friendly dogs. It's not a bad life, now is it?

One day, Chrissie's going to help a deaf person by alerting them to important sounds, while looking after them as all good friends should. She's such a friendly soul, with so much to give, we're very confident that day will come before too long. So until then, and until your next Puppy Pen pupdate, thank you for sponsoring Chrissie!