New found freedom - and responsibilities

A lot has been on since I last blogged, but I know many of you keep up to date on my Facebook page. I have grown up a lot, have some new found freedom, and more responsibility. Plus I've started puppy training classes. I'm four and a half months old now, longer legged, more mature, less crazy and loving all the new things I am able to do. Oh, and mummy Lucy's got a new camera, and guess who's the best and favourite model

 

 

 

 

New experiences

I've been experiencing lots of new things; meeting ducks, chickens, goats, sheep and a pony; going to a dog show; hearing gunshots; going into shops; dog training and much more. I've ignored the animals, not interested in them (might be different if they moved fast though) and didn't bat an eyelid at the gunshot. At the show I loved watching the dogs doing flyball and the fast moving dog display. I'm maturing also which shows in my responses to different things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My new found freedom

I have started being let off my lead. What a joy it is to run and play without anything attached to you. I have met so many new friends who I have been able to play with properly, and I love it. I was first let off in Hylands Park, then we've been to Hockley Woods a few times. I've never been happier. My recall is perfect; except when there's another dog around, then it takes a lot to get me back again. I am already getting better though, courtesy of cheese as my reward!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New found responsibility

 

I have a lot more responsibility now. For the first time in over five and a half years, Lucy went out without mummy Kate or a carer - all thanks to me. That's the difference I have made to Lucy's life. I know I have to behave when we're out alone and I do as I am told, walk carefully to heel, and make sure mummy is ok; if she feels unwell and needs to stop, then I just sit at her side until she recovers. Sometimes I get to sit on her lap too, although I know not to ask or beg anymore. Lucy is so proud of me and really hopes the assistance dog charities (Dog A.I.D. and Support Dogs) reopen their books so I could be trained as an assistance dog for her. What a difference a dog makes!

 

 

Off out by ourselves

 

Training

 

I've started dog training classes now, I've been to two already. The first one was a bit overwhleming, but the second one was great. It is a bit confusing sometimes as there is a Wolfhound puppy called Molly in my class too! I can sit, stay, heel, come, leave, wait, watch me (make eye contact), up, off, and probably other's I'm forgetting. I'm learning paw at home and down at dog training, but I'm no good at the down. I just cannot get the hang of down being associated with actually laying down, no matter how many times I hear it. But Lucy is proud of me all the same and I'm learning fast. When I'm offlead, I will come back when called and sit in the heel position without being asked.

 

Practising sit and watch me

Practising stay

 

Sit and stay

 

I've been living with Lucy and Kate (and Vicky) for 10 weeks today. What a 10 weeks it's been.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love Molly x

 



 

Introductions

My name is Molly, and I am a Working Cocker Spaniel. My official name is Steyr Scout (a very expensive gun, so my mum was told). I was born on the 18th January 2013 and I am now 10 weeks old. I am currently black and white but will eventually be blue roan; I'm getting more and more black spots in my white coat. My mum says I have the cutest face in the world, and I do think I'm rather beautiful.

When my new family came to meet me and my litter mates, I chose my new mummy Lucy. I was put on her lap and I walked straight up her chest and gave her lots of kisses. They nearly bought one of my brothers, but my hard work paid off. A week later, on the 20th March, they brought me home. I settled in really quickly and I love it here, except the cats who are really boring and won't play with me. I mean, how rude is that?! My new family also found out I'm terrified of the hoover; I think it's going to swallow me up.

I am a companion to a seriously ill and disabled young lady called Lucy. She is in a wheelchair but spends a lot of time in bed, and so do I. I keep her company, make her feel better, give her kisses and snuggle up and we also play together. When Lucy gets in her wheelchair I get to sit on her lap; how cool is that? I have tried to steer it a few times too and I like putting on the hazard lights and indicators. It's great fun!

Lucy is my mummy and she is the one in charge of training me. When I get old enough and have all the basic obedience mastered Lucy hopes to train me as an assistance dog. I already know I have to take my toys to her when we're playing otherwise she can't throw them for me, so I drop them at her feet or let her take it out of my mouth. I always get praised for that, usually I get a treat too. I also sit calmly on her lap while she drives her wheelchair. Mummy thinks I will be easy to train, and I'm so desperate to make her happy that I will do what she asks of me - especially if there is food involved! I love being called a good girl. I can sit really well, I will come when asked, and I can leave things (such as the cats) alone some of the time. Leave is a hard one though. I also sleep through the night in my puppy pen and try hard to go to the toilet on the puppy pads by the back door - I get it right most of the time!

I really do love my family and I can't wait till we can all go out on walks. I know mummy Lucy and mummy Kate (aka Grandma) are looking forward to it. Kate especially, as I go mad in the mornings and I can be mischievous, but I'm good as gold when visitors are round and when Lucy is awake. How can anyone doubt the poor me look that I have been perfecting? Kate thinks being able to walk me first thing in the morning will calm me down a bit. I'm so excited. I only have to wait until Wednesday!

I hope you will enjoy reading about my adventures, mishaps and all the stories from my journey through this life.

Licks, love and woofs
Molly Mischief