A Big Tick in the Box

Beryl is now a working Guide Dog!
I am extra specially proud as she has not just qualified once but has become the first GD in the UK to qualify in leading two people!
Her new owners have been in touch and I am now just so happy that she has landed on her 4 wee paws with a lovely couple who obviously not only appreciate what she does but herself as a dog. As a puppy walker this makes such a difference and certainly encourages us to get another puppy and do it all again.
Beryl be good but don't ever stop being Beryl. xxx

Update on Princess B

I have just had the call we do like to hear. Beryl has been placed and will begin training shortly in Edinburgh.
She left me in May and has progressed really well until this point and with all being well will qualify by Christmas.
With all the delays going in to training just now Beryl will still make it before she is 2. Well maybe only just as she is my Xmas Eve puppy.
I still miss my wee girl but I am just so proud of her coping with everything and hope the next few weeks will just fly by and she will have her forever home.

Big School

Beryl left last Wednesday for big school at Forfar. I had my phonecall this week to let me know how she is doing. I am pleased to say she has the same trainer as my last pup Buff so that makes it all a bit easier. She has been doing fine and has been kennelled with another wee girl called Fizz. Her trainer so far is pleased with her(all of a couple of days but I am sure they can tell a lot very quickly). Wonder if she has met her brother Matt yet?
Beryl is my number 4 and it certainly isn't getting easier to say goodbye.

My Princess

Beryl is fully recovered from her operation and although hair not fully grown the scar is great.

At 15 months Beryl still didn't like to get dirty and was happy being a Princess meandering around with a play with dogs willing but returned to the car with a lovely clean coat. So what has happened now we are 16 months. This is the result of 4 rolls and multiple puddles and even a muddy ditch!  And Yes she smelt as bad as she looked. I have washed, scrubbed,sprayed her collar and still there is Pong de Fox!  She did enjoy it though.

We have had a busy week with some fundraising at M&S, day trip to Grandma, shop work, trip to the library(great for leaving in down position but watching from behind the book shelves), coffee and lunches, trip on a train and last night a trip to the cinema. Friends suggested we could go and see A Dog's Journey but funnily enough we went to Wild Rose. Beryl wasn't so happy so slept through it! Yes!

Still waiting for her date to go to Forfar as she will be 17 months soon but they are so late going in just now. The plus side is seeing all my work over the last year paying off. She is so easy around the house and street walking is no longer a struggle pulling. She is not perfect but she is a super wee girl.

A week in Beryl's life

Monday. After breakfast and the post breakfast nap its time to help me with my exercises. It certainly stops them being boring.  Then its off to the shops. Beryl walks beautifully(mostly) but does prefer the local pet shop to getting the bread and milk. Home again always trying to change the route.
Another nap while I have my cup of tea. This afternoon we have been asked to visit the residents in my father in laws home and chat about GD. Beryl again behaved so well but I do wonder if the heat kept her less bouncy.  Tea at 6 before settling down for the evening attached to the radiator.

Tuesday  GD school today so its Supervisor Dave worship day. Beryl now one of the oldest so no real hiccups at class and she certainly enjoys the frequent treats. After we get home Beryl has a lovely long nap so we haven't gone out again. A bit of play in the house with her toys before the usual evening. I might add if we have a vet or dog program Beryl does stay awake and watches with gusto.

Wednesday  Meet up with another PW who has no puppy at the moment. Beryl enjoys a free run through the woods but the coffee after in the cafe rather less. For some reason B just can't give in to sleep when out. Easy afternoon out in the garden etc.

Sorry thought this was published March but had forgotten so its half a week!!!

The Big Op

Too long since I last was here. Sorry.
Beryl has continued in her training and knows much of what she is expected to do and mostly does it just not always.
Her walking is more steady and mostly stops at kerbs unless she knows where she is going and is in a bit of a rush!  Stopping at door just needs a look without the word to sit and generally stairs are well done although she still tends to rush the going up/down bit between her stops!
Beryl just had two weeks off training for her spaying. She was not a happy girl for a few days but I could see small improvements each day. We did have some weird behaviour of darting under chairs and avoiding the middle of the room but it again passed. She has now had the all clear so back walking and bouncing.  Don't think she misses her jammies at night!
Still working at lunches and coffee trips as she still finds it hard to lie still. You know she is tired but just won't give in. Come home and she is curled up before my jacket is off!!
I am now thinking each day is precious although no date yet for Forfar I know it is coming.

14 Months and counting

Enjoying the unseasonable good weather with a picnic. Not to leave Beryl out I had packed a frozen bone which she is enjoying.
Before the picnic we had a lovely walk at Bennachie without going too far up! Beryl showed great recall skills even recalling on the whistle after the start of a run!
I am really enjoying having a 14 month old dog as for the first time I am seeing what I spend the year working towards. Her street walking, although not perfect, is good. She still occasionally decides where she wants to go. She often thinks we should only go visiting friends and tries to head their direction. I hope her owner will be sociable!!  Beryl also still can't help dipping occasionally for a small stick or berry on the pavement. Not often but enough to keep me thinking!
So far Beryl has shown no signs of a phantom pregnancy so fingers crossed 2nd April will be her op date. Better enjoy March!!!