A bumper issue of Otis

When Otis had his second birthday, he wasn't sure about it...

(Actually, he was thrilled, but those eyebrows can make him look a bit stern sometimes...)

He soon perked up though at the prospect of Happy Birthday Doggy Cake...

... and he was over the moon about his new toy!

And eventually relented, admitting that yes, he was happy about it being his birthday and actually, the 'Birthday Boy' rosette suits him, thank you. But really, the cake was what he most enjoyed about the day!

Otis's Volunteer Puppy Trainer Grace has shared so many fab photos and videos with us, we thought it was time for a bumper issue. As well as treating our lovely Otis to a birthday to remember, Grace has continued training him superbly. Below, you can see how Otis will wake up his eventual deaf partner.

Deaf people often are not woken up by alarms, even if they're right next to them, or under the pillow, even on vibrate. So, Grace has trained Otis to get on the bed to wake her up! A lot of our deaf partners tell us it's just the best way to greet the day, being woken up by a happy puppy who just wants to enjoy life with you.

Below, more training, this time alerting Grace to the doorbell.

This is another very important sound. Deaf people can get very anxious if they think they're going to miss visitors, and sometimes a flashing doorbell just isn't enough. With Otis around though, they'll never be in doubt when the doorbell rings!

Notice in those videos how the 'soundwork' works. Otis hears the sound and knows it's something he needs to tell Grace about. So, he nudges her (or jumps on her!) and she says 'What is it?' with her hands out. This is Otis's cue to lead her to the sound, after which he gets a lot of praise and treats. The only sound he won't lead her to is the smoke or fire alarm, in which case he'll lie down. This can save deaf people's lives.

Grace has also worked hard to bring Otis's training right up to date, by helping him get used to people with face coverings.

This could be quite confusing for Otis, but he can tell it's Grace under there!

Otis has also had a hugely entertaining time with Coco, another hearing dog in training who came to live with Grace.

They adored each other!

Have you ever seen such a fun photo of two puppy pals just loving life together? It's all in the ears and tails!

They shared toys...

... and beds...

...  and even experiences, such as making the acquaintance of goats for the first time.

It's obvious that Otis and Grace - and Coco! - have all really enjoyed their time together.

Otis really could not have asked for a better journey. We're convinced that dogs smile and - maybe with the exception of that first photo above! - Otis always seems to be smiling. It's wonderful to see.

We'll leave you with a lovely photo of Grace and Otis together.

Did we say leave you? Not before we thank you so very much once again for sponsoring Otis!