In which Hope has a trim

When did we realise that Hope needed a trim?

Was it when we noticed she was a bit shaggy around the edges?

Was it when we spotted that she was getting a bit wet around the ears after a walk in wet grass?

Nope. It was when we realised that we couldn't tell where she ended and the rug began!

So, time for Hope to have a trim!

As with everything our dogs do, this was a learning experience for her. She will need to be a good girl in all situations - at the supermarket, in a restaurant, walking down the high street - and this includes visits to the vets or groomers. Our hearing dogs are in tip-top condition, and we keep them that way through regular health checks and making sure their fur is lovely and clean, no matts or tangles.

So, Hope has to learn that, as with all things, a trim is nothing to worry about at all. In fact, if she gets a treat for doing it, then it must be a fun thing to do! Cue photos of Hope just standing there as our patient trainers do the deed, nice and gently for her, and it's absolutely no bother whatsoever. 

She seemed more interested in the camera than the grooming!

Plenty of fur came off...

... and with a final shake...

... a new dog was revealed!

If you were a Star Wars fan, you could even say, 'A New Hope' (sorry).

She wasn't really a new dog, just the same, but a bit tidier. As a reward for being such a well-behaved little dog, she was allowed to have a bit of fun in our exercise yard. This is essentially a playground for our puppies, where they have plenty of things to keep them entertained, such as walking boards for puppy adventures...

... platforms for posing on...

... tyres for, well, ignoring in Hope's case...

... and balls to chase around.

Having said which, it seems Hope was much more interested in having a good old sniff around because it must be full of such fascinating smells for a dog!

And finally, here's what you get - a lovely little Hope looking very smart indeed in her 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat!

We're sure you'll agree, burgundy seems to suit her. One day she'll graduate and wear a full 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People' coat, and then she'll help a deaf person to reconnect with the world around her. We're so looking forward to that day, and we hope you are too.

Until then, we can just enjoy her being a fabulous character. We all adore her. She's doing really well thanks to your generosity.

So, until next time... thank you for sponsoring Hope!