Jade's journey continues

In your last update, we told you that Jade's trainer Louise was helping her learn to love life, but a bit more slowly. She gave her lots of affection and even welcomed her into her own home, where together with her own dogs Widget and Chilli, they all had a wonderful life together.

Jade's still loving life, but it seems that she needs more time to learn to take it easy – and we don't know how long this will take. As Louise says: "She's a lovely dog. She's a joy to take for walks, always coming back when called, loves playing with other dogs. She still enjoys the Tellington Touch and 'find it' games. She just needs more time to mature."

Life with Margery

We previously showed you how Jade was living with Louise and her own dogs, and this really helped her learn to play nicely with other dogs. Now, we feel she’ll benefit from more ‘me’ time with a dedicated volunteer. So, Jade is now living with Margery, who can give her all the love and attention she wants.

"I have been looking after hearing dog trainees for many years," Margery tells us. "This has included puppies and 'grown-ups' too!"

She's very happy having Jade around. "Jade is a lovely and special dog. No amount of attention or affection is too much for her."

This is exactly what Louise has been working on: Jade's willingness to take it easy and accept affection rather than running around looking for it. This is also because Margery takes Jade on long walks once a day, sometimes twice. It helps her expend energy, while keeping her fit and happy.

And she's certainly happy! "She enjoys chasing and playing with lots of her doggy friends, and loves all the different scents through the woods."

She's already made a lot of progress with Margery, and is much calmer. As you can see, she's learning to focus on Margery during a 'wait'. This isn't easy for any dog, especially one that loves running around in fields.

Louise agrees that Jade is making positive progress. "Jade is very settled with Margery," she tells us. "She has lots of soft toys which she likes to play with. She still loves her 'find it' games with both the toys and treats. Her recall on walks is excellent and she now has plenty of doggy friends to greet each day."

What’s next?

Louise thinks the signs are good. "She's started to learn how to take it easy, but there's still a way to go."

Specifically, the main thing Jade needs to practice is learning how to settle in slightly busier places such as cafés and restaurants. We want to make sure she's happy in these places, because her eventual deaf partner might want to visit them. To do this, they'll need a nice, calm Jade, who can just 'zone out' while distractions are all around her.

So, Jade just needs more time. Everyone loves her. She has really great qualities that a deaf person will appreciate. We’re confident that, with Louise and Margery’s help, she’ll eventually help a deaf person. When we know the outcome, we will tell you. Until then, it’s better for her to be out of the limelight so she can focus on her training.

Here are some more photos of lovely Jade, taken throughout her training journey...

Thank you so much for sponsoring Jade. We hope you have enjoyed following her journey, and that you, like us, are looking forward to seeing how it ends.