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!

..

Monica has sent us a copy of Griff's Official Guide Dog photo taken once he completed his Puppy Walking Programme.
Doesn't he look lovely.

We received this lovely email the other day.

 We are gradually finding out more and more about Griff's family and the wonderful people that have contributed along the way.

Hi Everybody at Priestley Smith School, 

I’ve heard that Griff is now working at your school as a Buddy Dog,  I’m sure you are all having a great time looking after him and learning how to take care of a pet dog if you have one at home or may get one as you get older,  I have watched the blog about him and I’m very proud of what he does, you will know all about why he was rejected as a Guide Dog but able to help in some other way. 

This e mail is to let you know that I Puppy walked Griff’s Mum, her name is Donna and she’s aged four years, unfortunately Donna was Retired early because she had a problem with waxy ears and Guide Dogs didn’t want the problem to be passed on to her next litter of puppies – I hope Griff’s ears are nice and clean and you remember to check them when you examine him to make sure he’s in good health.   Donna was puppy walked here in Scotland but went to England to have puppies as they are all born there,  when she was Retired I asked if I could have her back as a pet and Guide Dogs brought her back to Scotland. it was lovely to get her back with me to keep.  I also Puppy walked her Mum Goldie so I have Puppy walked Griff’s Mum and his Granny!  my new one is called Waffle, she is a Labrador /Retriever Cross, now five months old and is learning a lot from Donna and they both enjoy playing together,  I also have and older Reject Dog aged ten years called Amber.

I know you will all enjoy taking care of Griff, you are very lucky to have him at your school and I’m sure he’s a very lucky dog to be part of your school.

Best Wishes to Everyone. 

Margaret Hyslop

Meet Griff's new friends. 
Monday 10th March 2014. It was a lovely spring like day and Griff went to the field with Marley and Luther. It was their first meeting, but they hit it off really well.  Marley and Luther are owned by friends of Mrs Broadley's son, Stephen.

Griff has had a wonderful time playing with Marley and Luther

Dogs enjoy socialising and playing with other dogs. 
Griff drank a full bowl of water when he came home! He was very warm. Do you know how dogs cool themselves down?