Hope

Hope has had an eventful month and experienced many new adventures and activities. Just last week, she attended a celebration morning tea at the SEDA facility in the city, which was held to thank all of SEDA’s devoted volunteers (including her own wonderful Puppy Carer).

This was a very big day for Hope, as she caught the train almost two hours into

Hope posing on the street in her beautiful blue coat!

Hope posing on the street in her beautiful blue coat!

Melbourne. Hope lives by the seaside in Victoria and was astounded at all of the hustle and bustle at the train stations in the city. Exposing Hope to these kinds of situations is important, so that she is accustomed to crowds when she is a working dog.

She had a wonderful (but exhausting) day and was thrilled to see some of her brothers and sisters at the morning tea and catch up for a play.

She loved her recent bushwalking trip to a heritage park, exploring and discovering all of the new plants and flowers that the homestead had to offer. This was a very exciting excursion for such a small puppy!

Hope is very funny and her Puppy Carer says she is just like a little child. She has a whole selection of toys to play with, but, much like young children, is entertained by the simplest of ‘toys’ –an empty water bottle. She always chooses to play with this over any other ball or toy.

Hope is continuing to learn new skills. She is currently learning how to ‘stay’ and is doing very well practicing this command.

Hope enjoying some down time in the backyard

Hope enjoying some down time in the backyard

Hope’s Puppy Carer has also been teaching her how to ignore Manny the cat, as the affectionate pup just gets far too excited when the older feline walks by, and cannot resist pouncing on him (Manny is always less than impressed by this unwanted attention!).

In other exciting developments in young Hope’s world, she has outgrown her small SEDA coat and now wears a medium sized coat. Pups grow very quickly during these early stages of their life, and Hope is no exception!

Hope remains a happy girl who is showing great promise during these early stages on her journey to become a Seeing Eye Dog.

 

Maverick

Maverick is becoming a cultured little Melbournian, and absolutely adored his recent trip to an art gallery, where he was very well behaved and curious to meet fellow art enthusiasts.

Greeting fellow art enthusiasts at the Art Gallery

Greeting fellow art enthusiasts at the Art Gallery

At the trendy gallery he initially slipped and slid his way along the polished floors, but soon had it under control. Maverick is gaining an understanding of the different surfaces and sensations under his paws.

Another recent highlight for Maverick was his recent trip to the beauty salon where, as usual, customers and beauticians fawned over the lovable young chap. He waited ever so patiently while his puppy carer sat back for her manicure. Everyone in the salon commented on what a well- behaved young puppy he is.

Maverick waiting patiently at the Salon

Maverick waiting patiently at the Salon

Aside from these exciting new places, Maverick also ventured to the local pub and accompanied his carer to the café, which they frequent often. Maverick’s reputation has preceded him amongst the wait staff- they are always very excited to see him and how much he has grown.

Eating on command (when his Puppy Carer blows the whistle) is just too easy for the marvellous Maverick, who has fantastic restraint. His Carer laughs every time at the patch of drool that forms on the floor as Maverick is waiting to hear that whistle!

 

 

Skyla

This month, Skyla has been on her usual excursions -play dates with her bestie Alfie, visiting the library and trips to the supermarket. She is increasingly confident in these public places.

Skyla loved her visit to Petbarn!

Skyla loved her visit to Petbarn!

Skyla also went on one very special outing to a store close to her heart- her local Petbarn store!

Skyla’s Puppy Carer enjoyed chatting with the staff about the young pup and all of the dog-loving customers were curious about Skyla, after seeing her walk around the store wearing her blue SEDA coat.  She turned out to be quite the mini celebrity!

This month Skyla also took a trip to the SEDA facility in Melbourne for her check-up. The SEDA Vet is very happy with her development and she is at a healthy weight for her age.

Skyla continues to build on her socialisation skills, and she went on second trip to SEDA for a celebratory morning tea (held to thank all of the wonderful SEDA Puppy Carers for National Volunteers Week). She caught the train into the city which is great for her socialisation- experiencing the crowds of the city help her get used to different

Skyla at her check up with the SEDA vet

Skyla at her check up with the SEDA vet

environments.

At the morning tea, Skyla loved meeting up with the other SEDA Puppies. Hope was there too and the pair had a wonderful time playing with each other, while their Puppy Carers enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea.