Kai meet Gromit, Gromit meet Kai!

Kai life continues to be the high life!

As well as coming along very nicely with his training, he's having plenty of experiences with his fab Volunteer Dog Trainers Sharon and Peter. "We’ve been to craft fairs, birthday parties, barbecues, walks in the wood, train rides – all sorts," Sharon tells us.

Together, they're making sure that he's growing up into a fine figure of a hearing dog, well behaved in all circumstances and prepared for the, shall we say, unexpected.

When we say 'unexpected', how about a large statue of Gromit?

Peter explains: "Kai did some fundraising at the National Film and Television School, where he met Gromit!"

We’re not sure what Kai made of Gromit! The cartoon pooch looks the more surprised of the two, don’t you think?

Kai was happy to pose outside the school in his 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat.

The coat is very important. It tells people that Kai is an assistance dog, so he's allowed into places like libraries and supermarkets. When he graduates, he'll wear a full Hearing Dogs coat, which will also tell people that his partner is deaf. This can make a huge difference to people's attitudes, especially as deafness can be an 'invisible disability'.

Back to Sharon with tales of Kai: "He went to a large craft fair and behaved impeccably."

Now that really is impeccable behaviour. You can almost hear the hustle and bustle, the conversations and the echoes in such a busy place. But it doesn't bother Kai. He's very happy just to have a snooze! This is because he knows that he doesn't need to hassle anyone for attention. It'll come. If he's a good boy, he'll get a treat and a fuss, and maybe a cuddle (ok, always a cuddle).

Now Peter: "Kai attended our neighbour's daughter's 7th birthday party and BBQ, where there was also a toddler and a 3-year-old present."

"He was well behaved and even fell asleep!"

Looks like all Kai needs is a water bowl handy and he's a happy Lab.

Finally, Sharon and Peter also took Kai to Cliveden, a beautiful local attraction with lovely gardens overlooking the Thames.

"We went for a nice refreshing walk, and then Kai did a lovely settle in the Orangery, despite other dogs being present."

Here's our Kai looking happy in the sun...

... and here's a lovely photo of Sharon with Kai under a blossoming tree!

As you can see, Kai can look magnificent in these poses, all shiny fur and lean legs (plus the smart burgundy coat, of course!)

And finally, a photo we couldn't resist including: this is Kai with two friends! In the background are three dogs, from left to right, Ginny the Cocker Spaniel, then behind them Chilli the Cockapoo, and then the light brown Spaniel is Hebe. Hebe is Ginny's daughter, and used to be a sponsor pup! Chilli is also Ginny's son, and they are also both demo dogs.

Dogs everywhere! What a fun photo.

And that's all from Kai, Sharon and Peter for now. It's all good! Thank you for sponsoring him!