Zara's holiday in the Lake District

Zara recently went on holiday to the Lake District as a last trip before she goes off to her deaf recipient!

As ever, she had fun times with her B&B volunteers Abi and Thomas, who took lots of lovely photos and told us all about it...

First, Abi: "We visited Coniston jetty where Zara was very excited to see ALL the water and went rushing down to the lake."

"She dipped her toes in, but decided it was far too cold for a swim."

"Eventually she built up the courage to go in up to her tummy."

Thomas continues: "We also went exploring up Loughrigg Fells, there were lots of new smells and strange fluffy dogs that made a ‘Baaa’ sound! Although Zara has met sheep before, this was the first time she had seen so many sheep!"

Here are two really nice photos showing how much Thomas and Zara loved each other's company:

The next day they went for a walk to Elterwater where Zara got to do some more swimming in the river.

Thomas continues: "While we were there, we celebrated our wedding anniversary and went to Holbeck Ghyll for lunch. Zara came with us and was the first dog who had ever been allowed in their dining room. She was of course impeccably behaved and settled nicely  in the lounge whilst we had drinks and next to the table while we had our lunch. She even met some more sheep! They were great to cuddle up to in front of the fire."

Abi concludes: "We all had a wonderful time and it was a lovely way to round off our time with her."

Yes, it's true: our B&B volunteers only look after our amazing dogs for a short while, until they've completed their soundwork training and are matched with a deaf recipient. It's been a remarkable journey, with Zara helped along the way by four very special volunteers - Abi, Thomas, Gary and Louise (her puppy socialisers from way back when), all happy together below:

Of course, it's a journey that you, as her sponsor, have made possible. We'll tell you all about Zara's very latest exciting news in your next full update. Until then, thank you again for sponsoring her.