Hunter, meet Cooper

"They grow up so fast don't they?"

If you've heard a mum saying this about children, well, that applies to puppies too!

As you know, Hunter is now a strapping Labrador, looking extremely handsome and every inch the hearing dog in waiting...

Just look at how glossy his coat is! He's so healthy and has been so well brought up by his volunteer puppy socialiser Clare.

Hunter continues to learn about the world - and that includes new additions to the household!

Clare recently took in another Hearing Dogs puppy, and by remarkable coincidence, it was another cute little black Labrador. So, no two ways about it: Hunter and Cooper just had to become the best of pals.

"This was the day we brought Cooper home", Clare tells us. "Hunter was very gentle with him and they soon became good friends. Cooper is a corporate sponsored dog." Corporate sponsors also help pay for some of our dogs' training.

This could do with a caption! What do you think? Tell us below!

"Cooper soon learnt to cuddle up to Hunter", Clare laughs. Hunter isn't 100% certain about this arrangement, judging by the look on his face, but he's happy to go with it. Cooper looks very comfortable - and small! 

So began a beautiful friendship. Over to Clare again: "This shows how well Hunter and Cooper behaved at Bicester Village. It was very busy and they got lots of attention and people remarked about how good they were."

They really are behaving very well indeed. They're doing exactly what we want of our hearing dogs: just being patient, taking their time, knowing that there's no need to create a fuss or get excited or lonely. Look how quickly Cooper has grown already!

More fun out and about, this time the bluebell wood in Hedgerley. It's wonderful how our socialisers take so much time and care to introduce our puppies to so many different places. With Clare, it seems Hunter and Cooper are guaranteed a lovely life.

Cooper still liked using Hunter as a bed despite growing up. By this time, Hunter had accepted his role as a large, soft, warm, portable pillow.

And another location, this time at a place called Black Park (how appropriate for two black Labs! Perhaps they should rename it Black Lab Park!). Clare is so proud of Hunter: "He meets lots of dogs walking there and plays nicely with them but happily comes back when called."

It looks like Hunter is very interested in some ducks. At least, we assume that's Hunter: by this time, Cooper is already looking much more dog-like, don't you think?

Getting used to other dogs being around, and yet continuing to be a lovely, friendly companion, is a very important part of becoming a hearing dog. With Clare's help, he's doing very well. This is also because of your support, so thank you for sponsoring Hunter!