Meet Micky Blue-eyes

As we explained in your printed update and in the accompanying letter, Rascal has experienced a health issue recently that means we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone his training. We did not take this decision lightly, and as we hope you’ll appreciate, the welfare of our puppies is always our top priority. The good news is that Micky, Rascal's brother, is now a replacement sponsor pup. He’s so like Rascal – energetic and full of life – and his volunteer puppy socialiser says “If Rascal wasn’t called Rascal, then Micky would be.” We hope you enjoy reading about Micky and following his journey...

First of all, thank you so much for your sponsorship. You are helping Micky throughout his training, from being a cute, cuddly pup right the way through to becoming a fully qualified hearing dog. That's the point at which Micky will change a deaf person's life. It's hard to believe, given how small and fluffy he is right now, but as you can see on our graduates page, it really does come true.

For now, meet Micky Blue-eyes!

He doesn't really have blue eyes, but as Peter, his volunteer puppy socialiser says, "The angle of his eyes and the flash have picked up the reflection of my jeans in his lens to give him perfect blue eyes – such a charmer."

Here's another shot of our blue-eyed boy...

Hazel, Peter's wife, explains what's happening below: "This is Micky on a windy day at the top of Whiteleaf Cross."

Whiteleaf Cross is a local landmark that is very popular with dog-walkers, affording spectacular views across Buckinghamshire and beyond. By taking Micky for walks, Peter and Hazel are helping him learn how to be a well-behaved little dog, especially around other people and puppies, while also having fun. He certainly looks like he's having fun! What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!

Peter describes what's happening below: "His eyes are just about visible but he enjoyed posing on the steps leading to the altar."

So, no blue eyes there, but a great example of how Micky is already learning to 'settle' in public places. All our pups need to learn how to be patient so that they can accompany their eventual deaf recipient wherever they want to go, for example shops, cafés, even libraries - all places that assistance dogs can access.

Peter is a photography enthusiast so here's a 'studio shot' of Micky looking cool, calm and collected:

And finally, this is Micky in Peter and Hazel's garden aged 10 weeks. What a cutie!

We hope you've enjoyed meeting Micky. He's so full of potential, and we're thrilled that he's been able to take over from Rascal. We also hope that you're happy supporting Micky, and look forward to the amazing journey we're all about to take. From all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - thank you for sponsoring him.