Hebe is a teenager

As her sponsor, you should have received your latest printed update last month, telling you all about how well Hebe is getting on with Annette, her volunteer puppy socialiser.

We only have so much room in the printed updates, so this is where the Puppy Pen comes in! Here's more from Annette on how Hebe is doing...

"She is a teenager now and is acting like one. She is still very obedient but has a mind of her own. She knows all the obedience commands but but is capable of giving the ‘what are you talking about’ look."

The obedience is down to the training she's been receiving. The photo below was actually taken by her Puppy Training Instructor, and shows Hebe midway through a lesson. The first year of training is in classes, and then Hebe's advanced training will be on a one-to-one basis. Is this Hebe's 'what are you talking about' look, do you think?

"In the park, she will run up to everybody and throw herself on her back for tummy tickle. She is losing her puppy coat but is still very soft and cuddly."

Tummy tickles and Hebe go together like peaches and cream. We have oodles of photos of her demanding tummy tickles from when she was a very young puppy. Here she is again - there's no doubt she wants that tummy to be tickled!

"She has been to many garden centres, cafes and a couple of weeks ago, a Game Fare. She watched the terrier racing but thought it a bit too energetic for her. Life is never dull with Hebe. We love her very much and she gets on well with our own blind dog. She carries a soft toy to our dog and pushes it into her face. They then have a game of tug. It is lovely to see their friendship developing."

We agree - it is a lovely thing to see. Here they are together, Hebe on the left, Annette's own blind dog on the right. It's important that our pups get on with other animals, and it's a very positive sign that Hebe is developing this friendship.

"She can also tell the time. She knows to the minute when we will be going for her walk. Dinners have to be served at exactly the right time otherwise she will do ‘The Stare’ to remind me."

And here she is, exactly on time, with the food ready!

That's all for now. We'll give you another update in a few weeks!