Harvey: Beds, friends and shopping

We've recently been looking back through Harvey's photos and videos, and noticed three distinct themes emerging: he loves his beds, enjoys time with friends, and does like a bit of retail therapy.

First up, here's a 'bed' of sorts - wriggling around in the sun, looking extremely cute!

Harvey seems to have a talent for finding beds anywhere and everywhere. He likes sleeping near volunteer Puppy Trainer Angela's own pet dog Florence...

... or indeed using her as a pillow!

Florence looks like she'd be the best pillow ever - warm and soft.

Harvey has also made himself very much at home in Angela's office. 

"Are you talking about me?"

Sorry Harvey, didn't mean to bother you. Why don't you find another bed?

That's better!

If Harvey can't have a warm pillow, then a nice fire will do...

... and if he can't have either, then a lovely big blanket is just the trick, especially when he can have a bit of a chew of it from time to time.

Now to friends. Alice is the daughter of Harvey's previous Volunteer Puppy Trainer Celia. She adored Harvey, and he adored her right back. Here you can see Alice helping Harvey to learn a bit of his 'sit' cue with a treat, and then he tucks himself into more treats that are cunningly hidden. Our dogs love this kind of 'food game', snuffling around looking for treats - it's stimulating for them, turning mealtimes into fun times!

Alice helped Harvey in so many ways.

She contributed to his training so effectively that he sailed through his Puppy One Star award.

These are the awards we give to our puppies, to celebrate them achieving certain milestones along their training journey. Harvey did really well to pass his so quickly, thanks to Alice and Celia.

Alice also helped Harvey celebrate his birthday...

... and helped him have a snooze or ten!

We really love that photo. It shows how relaxed Harvey is around people, and is a great example of what a lovely life he has with his volunteers.

On to more friends now. Here's Harvey with one of his 'besties' called Finbow, who was another hearing dog in training. They met at a Cake and Bake sale for Hearing Dogs and were an instant hit.

That's another reason we adore our volunteers. As well as helping bring up our puppies so well, they raise funds to help deaf people. They're incredible, and we simply could not function without them.

Here's Angela, who took over from Celia to help Harvey along the next stages of his training, and is most definitely considered a friend!

Again, this photo is a testament to our volunteers' commitment: Angela was actually doing a sponsored 50K walk. Amazing.

Harvey is also great friends with his dad, Harley.

... and, of course, Florence...

... and here's a lovely shot of Harvey with an assortment of puppy pals. We're not sure exactly who's who here, but it doesn't matter because Harvey's happy!

So, that's friends with humans and dogs. Harvey doesn't distinguish however. He can be friends with horses...

... and very hairy cows...

... and even a metal tortoise.

This tortoise is in the stables at Waddesdon Manor, a local stately home. It commemorates the giant tortoises that the eccentric Lord Rothschild kept - and rode! It's especially for ‘selfies’ which children – and grown ups – can enjoy sitting on to have pictures taken, or for dogs to pose in front of.

And finally, in a nod to the previous theme, friends share and share alike! Dogs and beds everywhere.

Finally? Not quite! We haven't done the shopping yet!

Whether it's looking cute next to some sporting goods...

... showing what a patient little chap he is in our shop based at our Southern Training Centre in the Chilterns...

... or watching paint dry, he's such a well-behaved boy wherever he goes.

This again is testament to how well he's been brought up. His eventual deaf partner will need to feel confident that they can go anywhere with him, and that he'll make them proud. So, whether it's busy shops, horses, cows or any other experience that perhaps some dogs might find intimidating, they're no problem whatsoever for Harvey. He's great.

He's got a great eye for a good offer (and a great look in his burgundy 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' coat...)

... is especially well behaved around especially interesting smells...

... and even manages not to be too confused by the selection of interesting book titles!

So there you have Harvey - friends, beds and shopping, all rolled into one fantastic furry friend.

Let's end this Puppy Pen with a fab photo of him looking every inch a happy Harvey.

He's going to change a deaf person's life some day, because of your support. We are so looking forward to the next stage of his journey, and we hope you are too. From all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, thank you so much for sponsoring Harvey!