Happy Gwen, clever Gwen, proud Gwen

Let's get right into this Pupdate - does this look like a happy dog to you?

So, do dogs smile? A quick search on Google tells us that this is just them humouring us! They know what makes us happy, and they learn that making that face has the right reaction. So, how is that different from... a smile? We'll just continue to believe that dogs smile because, well, that makes us smile!

Gwen is having a lovely life with Volunteer Puppy Trainer Colin and his wife Sandy. While adhering to government guidelines regarding social distancing and lockdowns, they've made sure 'Gwennie' has plenty of mental and physical stimulation. This includes taking photos of her in very dramatic scenes!

Oh, and there she is again, 'not smiling'.

Colin explains what's happening in the next few photos...

"Gwen experienced a little bit of normality today while exercising social distancing. This was a multipurpose visit to the local school: settling in the headteacher’s office (work environment); meeting one of her sponsors (the headteacher, below); and being privy to school governance issues. Her only disappointment was not to be allowed to meet the children again though... maybe next time?"

Maybe next time indeed Colin. Gwen loves children, and children love Gwen. The sooner she can be with them again, the better.

Back to Colin: "This is Gwen coping admirably with her 'down when wearing her burgundy uniform in a shop', including at the bakery section and plant area. She's great at this despite visiting only once a week, having to adhere to social distancing, and everyone wearing masks!"

Facial coverings are very difficult for deaf people who lipread. This is where hearing dogs can be especially valuable: signalling to other people that the person with them is deaf. As soon as they realise this, people become very understanding and accommodating, and go out of their way to help the deaf person. 

And for the final word, let's go back to Colin: "Gwen says this is her 'proud' look. She was so good in Waitrose today that the store manager gave her a complimentary pack of treats and said she had made his day!"

Did we say final word? Not quite.

Gwen is doing really well. As you can see, she's well on the way through her training journey. She's so affectionate, and well-behaved, and clever. She will make a very special hearing dog one day, helping a deaf person to leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life. 

This is because of your kindness in sponsoring her, and when she changes that deaf person's life, it will also be through your kindness. So, as always, thank you so very much for sponsoring 'Gwennie'!