A visit to Nottingham

Lawrence and I met Laraine on our trip down to Nottingham last May when we saw Ishka for the last time in her advanced stage of training. What an emotional and special day that was. I will tell you all about that later. Laraine is a lovely person and so in tune with the dogs. She has a special way that gets results.

Julie

 

Julie and Laurence with Ishka

 

Laraine, Julie and Ishka

 

Free Run

Ishka loves her 'free runs'. Here are some photos taken at a local park.

 

This is great! Plenty of grass and space.

 

 

Lots of fresh air too

 

Jean and me

 

What is this? It smells nice

My first taste of snow!

The first two photographs were taken on 30th November 2010 when we had the first snowfall. Much more was to fall that year.

 

Oh dear, I think that I have left some paw marks on this outside carpet. So that they do not notice I will give them my cutest look and pose thinking that is what they will want.

 

 

Time for Reflection

I am not sure about this new carpet. It sticks to my nose and is cool under my paws.The garden is different to yesterday.

 

The following photographs were taken on 2nd December 2010.

 

 

If I put my chin on this fluffy stuff it feels quite nice. It sounds funny as well.

 

 

I really like being outside and exploring.

 

 

Yep, I have now had my first taste of snow and there's no going back now. I am in 'Snow Heaven', it's so additive.

 

 

I have now bonded with 'Chopsticks'  and she is mine.  She is pink so no doubts there. We are inseparable!

 

Ishka really likes soft toys and she never had a soft rabbit before so that is great. When she left us in December, we sent her to Atherton with a pink teddy bear called “Chopsticks”. This ridiculous name was chosen by my eldest son Iain. All three boys were given a soft toy each to give to Ishka for Christmas, and they each were told to name them. Ishka chewed and sucked the other two cuddlies to death and she herself chose “Chopsticks” as her favourite.  



Julie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jean and and her guide dog, Ishka

 

Ishka has given Jean the independance to go out on her own

 

Talking to a neighbour

 

Ishka waiting patiently

 

I am ready to go!

A walk in the park

 

Ishka and I love walking in the park.

Ishka celebrating her Second Birthday 2012

 

I got lots of new toys for my birthday 

 

This rabbit is my favourite, I take it to bed with me because it is soft and cuddley

 

I like them all

 

Which one shall I play with now?

 

I decided to get them all out, Jean will put them away before she goes to bed

Ishka's first Birthday

The following photos have been provided by Julie, Ishka's puppy walker. It is Ishka's second birthday to-day and these photos were taken on Ishka's first birthday.

 

 

This is one of my birthday presents. A rubbery squeaky hippo that grunts.Don’t know if it will be my favourite toy.

 

This smells strange. It tastes funny too. Take note! My paws are wet, well sort of! 

 

 This is much better. Something proper to chew on. I wasn’t that keen on the plastic door wedge I found unattended one evening when they put me to bed. Still it was funny to keep the puppy parents guessing for a few days as to what I had chewed up. They thought it was a piece of coal from the fire ha! no this was easier, it was left in my room.

 

14th September 2011. It’s my 1st birthday. The sun is out and the sand feels great beneath my paws. There’s nobody around so Ramsey dog beach is all mine.  “Is it me you want? I’m coming.”

 

 

 



Seven weeks old

 

4th November 2010  This was taken on the day of arrival at seven weeks old and weighed 3.3kg. My first bed is a vegetable box with pillow to lie on  and a borrowed fluffy vet bed blanket

 

 

My guide dog supervisor  brought along  a crocheted blanket for me to lie on when visiting cafes. These blankets  are made by a lady volunteer and does them for all the new pups.

 

 

Here is my first rag toy, tiger. It didn't take long before all the knots were undone and the twisted limbs became soggy and tatty. But I loved it just as much and was always a favourite.

 

My puppy parents bought me this new rug to sit, lie and play on in the TV lounge. How cute am I?

 

Too young to walk outside prior to vaccinations. Safe and snug in the holdall. I do  go visiting shops, my mum carried me on buses as well.

 

 

Not allowed on the grass yet, but boy it looks exciting!

 

30th November 2010. A touch of frost. I think I'm going to like this white stuff. I am now weighing in at a whole 7.2 kg, growing fast!

 

Photographs from Julie, Ishka's puppy walker

Ishka

Two lovely photos of Ishka when she was just seven weeks old sent to me by Ishka's puppy walker.

Ishka qualified as a guide dog on 26th June 2012

She was born on 14th September 2010

Breed: Golden Retriever x Labrador

Puppy Walker: Julie

Guide Dog Owner: Jean