Ivy loves her new home

Let's tuck in!

Yes, little Ivy has plenty of food, toys and love in her new home.

For her first year, she's living with Heather and Guy. They are Volunteer Puppy Trainers, who give their time, for free, to help Ivy grow up. They're going to give her basic training, and lots of cuddles, so that she learns to be a happy, healthy, confident little Lab.

They welcomed her into her new home...

Her first reaction? Plonk herself down on the kitchen floor and survey the scene.

"Hmmm, looks OK to me. Let's go!"

Which, when you're a Labrador, means: "Let's eat!"

After lunch, she's exploring her new territory.

She's already very confident, and this is great: we want all our puppies to learn that new places and experiences are to be welcomed. This is because eventually, Ivy will need to be happy wherever her future deaf partner will want to go, whether on public transport, in busy towns, supermarkets, high streets... the list goes on. Right now, she's learning to be confident in the garden!

And look, she's already relaxed enough to want a tummy tickle!

Back indoors now. You've seen the food, and the tickle-tums. Here's another new thing for Ivy to enjoy - a toy!

This is also part of helping Ivy to grow up with confidence. We encourage our puppies to explore their senses from an early age. It's how they learn about the world around them, and their place in it. Ivy is a quick learner!

Now for the ultimate 'new experience': Charlie, who is Heather and Guy's own Lab.

At first it's a bit like "What's all this then?"

Then they start to feel comfortable around each other.

Then, it's very much a case of 'my bed is your bed' (but I'd like to keep the towel please).

Before you know it...

... Ivy is as relaxed as can be, and might even have snaffled the towel.

As Heather says: "She won Charlie over enough for him to share his bed with her on only her second day."

All together now: "Awwwwwww!"

Charlie and Ivy are already inseparable and a great double act. Guy explains: "At lunchtime, without fail, as she is swallowing the last mouthful, she will dash over to Charlie’s bowl to lick it out, just in case he left even the tiniest crumb. Being a Labrador too, of course Charlie hasn’t left anything either, but the ritual is set and Ivy is very content being Charlie’s personal dish washer."

Let's leave her be, having a happy little puppy snooze.

We're really looking forward to sharing Ivy's adventure as she grows up to become an amazing hearing dog, and changing the life of a deaf person.

Until next time, thank you again for sponsoring Ivy!