We've only just begun...

Vesper has started life with her volunteer puppy socialisers!

These are lovely people who volunteer their time to look after our sponsor puppies. They help them develop in every way, physically, mentally, in terms of confidence and character, and give them basic training for the first year of their lives. We couldn't exist without them.

For the first eight weeks of her life however, Vesper focused on growing, by eating lots...

... and lots.

We know those photos are of Vesper and her litter, but we're honestly not sure which one she is! The markings on the backs of their heads are to identify them. We think Vesper is the one with a little pink mark, top left.

After her first eight weeks, she moved in with her socialisers.

Here's Debbie, looking excited and happy about taking home this lovely little Labrador.

And here's John, also looking proud, while Vesper looks at something interesting past the camera!

Once home, Vesper slotted right in. "She was great on her first night," Debbie tells us. "She followed Flash around and when it was time for bed, settled down and actually slept through until about 7am."

Flash is Vesper's half brother from an older litter who also lives with Debbie and John. As you'll see throughout Vesper's updates, they absolutely adore each other, and this started from the moment they met.

"They love to play rough and tumble with each other, and chase each other around!" John says.

Here's Vesper saying hello to Flash with a gentle nuzzle...

... and before too long they were enjoying a fun game of tug-of-war!

It didn't take Vesper long to feel comfortable and secure enough to find a place to snooze.

She's since established a nice routine with Debbie and John. "When we say 'bedtime', off she goes," says Debbie. "However, if you're not in the living room, she will jump up onto the sofa, curls up, shuts her eyes and hopes you don't notice her!"

If they had a black sofa then perhaps she could get away with it maybe?

And she soon started teething! She loved her chew, as you can see.

Back to Debbie: "Vesper as a very varied personality. I would describe her has certainly very cheeky, quite independent and inquisitive but with a sensitive side."

And how would you sum up Vesper in one phrase? John laughs: "We call Vesper our cheeky monkey, she's a quick learner who loves a cuddle."

So there you have it - she's a cheeky monkey! She's still a gentle little lady but it seems Vesper's personality is already developing.

We hope you enjoyed this Pupdate. Thank you for sponsoring Vesper!