Easter Holidays

Griff really missed everyone at school during the Easter Holidays.  He loves everyone coming in to see him each day and likes to be the centre of attention.  However,  don't think he was bored or allowed to mope around; he went on loads of long walks.

Here he is at Hartsill Hayes with a posse of friends.  They meet up regularly for a good run round.  And again below,  after they had taken the stick they found for a swim.

The only thing Griff likes better than a cooling swim is a wallow in the mud. 

The weather is warming up now, so  Griff is even more inclined to swim and he is also moulting. Every where needs vacuuming regularly! 

He also met another Guide Dog in Nuneaton and a Guide Dog in training in Tescos.  Griff is generally quite well behaved,  but a little boisterous.  The Guide Dogs put him to shame!  If he is wearing his coat people often ask what a Buddy dog is and we have to explain. 

It is amazing how many people will talk to the dog,  or happily ask a complete stranger questions about him.

And finally...

Griff never wants to be left out of anything,  so when the boys start wrestling on the settee,  he just has to join in!  He's not on the furniture,  just on the people!

News from Paul & Jonquil

We have exciting news from Paul and Jonquil: their new dog Misty had 10 puppies on Tuesday 15th April, in the same room where Griff was born.  There are five boys and five girls.  We don't know their names yet, but most of their names will begin with Z.

A great day off!

On Thursday 10th April, Griff stayed home for the day with Stephen, rather than be bored lounging in the office all day while a pupil's basic food skills day was going on.  Several of the visiting pupils were not keen on the dog, and the food preparation course was followed by a staff meal out. Great for staff, not so good for dogs.
Instead Griff was treated to long walks and the opportunity to run and run with other dogs. He had a great time.

Sadly, all too soon,  Griff had to return home and on the way relaxed with a delightful cooling dip, in the water at Ensor's Pool.

The smell and the mud that Griff found later, meant that Stephen had to put Griff under the shower. Griff was very disappointed.

Venturing further afield

Griff visited Bournville School in Northfield, Birmingham. Bournville has a resource base for visually impaired pupils and there are also hearing impaired students there.  The pupils enjoyed his visit, particularly when he went for a walk with them and posed for his photo!

Click for more information about Bournville School and Sixth Form
We have visited a couple of times now, but sadly Griff turns into a proper scavenger at Bournville, constantly searching for any food! Secondary schools tend to offer pupils greater freedom to eat in a variety of locations, which results in more readily accessible foodstuffs. He enjoyed a good run round, but also revelled in the delights of playground delicacies, like toast, sandwiches and fruit. Griff got scavenging down to a fine art and has required intervention from Guide Dogs to reduce these antics!

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