Let's catch up with Toby

What's Toby been up to?

Well, he's been perfecting his settling skills. We've already noticed how nicely he does this, but he's getting brilliant at it nowadays.

Settling is a really important skill. It's the way in which Toby can just 'zone out' when in public places such as restaurants or cafes. Without this, he wouldn't give his future deaf partner the confidence to know that he'll be a well-behaved puppy, wherever they want to go.

So, he just puts his head down, and knows this is a bit of 'me time'!

He's also been learning to do this outdoors as well as indoors. Outdoors seating can be quite a different affair, with cars going by, cyclists, pedestrians, other dogs - all sorts of things that might distract Toby.

But no, it's a case of 'Oh, we're going to sit here are we?'

'Hmmm, well, that seems OK to me.'

'I'll just be down here if you need me!'

As well as work, work, work, Toby's been playing, making a guest appearance at his favourite local football ground.

Now, if only he had that ball that he loves... Where could it be...?

There it is! Pup Guardiola? Rio Furrdinand? Or maybe Jack Growlish?

Toby has also been posing in front of banners with very appropriate slogans for puppies - grow, learn, develop. Definitely what Toby is doing, and will continue to do throughout his working life. 

But at the end of the day, while Toby may be intelligent, attentive, focused - all the things we want in a hearing dog - he's also just a lovely soul.

This is the other side of what makes a great hearing dog. Deaf people sometimes need practical help, such as being told when the doorbell's ringing or there is a fire alarm. They also sometimes need emotional help too, because deafness can be quite isolating. That's where a dog's love comes in - the love that needs no words, that you can see simply by looking into those deep, soulful eyes, and know that everything's going to be OK.

Thank you again for sponsoring Toby. You're pawsome!