Life with Sam

As we explained in your last full update, Cookie is doing really well, and is now learning soundwork with trainer Simon. During this time, she's living with Sam, a local volunteer. We call this 'Bed and Breakfast' and it works really well for dog, trainer and volunteer alike.

We thought you might like to know what Cookie's getting up to during his B&B phase!

Same tells us: "Cookie recently took part in the Great British Dog Walk in Henley and had a go on the dog agility course. She did really well, although she got a bit over-excited in the tunnel."

Here's the photo. Does this look like an over-excited dog to you? Tell us below!

The Great British Dog Walks are something we all really enjoy, staff, volunteers and general members of the public alike. We have a series of them, up and down the country, where people can come along with their dogs, go for a lovely walk in beautiful surroundings, and then finish it all off with a nice cup of tea and some cake. They've finished for this year but keep an eye out for the schedule next year.

What else? "She has been to Rushmere Park and really enjoyed running through the forest." Again, this is a sign that Sam and Cookie are getting on really well. We're very lucky to have local parks and nature reserves where our dogs can combine fun with 'work' - by which we mean, they're good places for Cookie to practice returning when called ('recall'), as well as learning to play nicely with other dogs and people.

Talking of other dogs, Cookie still meets up with her mum! "We have met up a few times with Aster (Cookie's mum)," explains Sam. "They really enjoy spending time together, especially chasing a ball around."

Here they are, mum and daughter...

... chasing said ball!

What else? "Cookie loves to play. She will play all day given the chance. She likes to play fetch with a ball. She has a habit of finding and stealing socks whenever she can and will run off with them dangling out of her mouth."

Ah, we have plenty stories of dogs that like to run away with socks! We're so pleased that Cookie is continuing this fine tradition.

To sum her up, Sam tells us: "Cookie loves all people, young and old, and will greet you with a big lick. She loves it when you stroke her and will sit up with you holding her paw. When she is excited it isn't just her tail that wags, her whole bottom wiggles from side to side, which is very funny to watch.

"She is a gorgeous bundle of energy always waiting for her next adventure."

She certainly is gorgeous...

We hope you enjoyed reading this latest instalment in Cookie's life. She's certainly enjoying living it! So, from all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, to you, her sponsor... thank you for sponsoring Cookie!