Dotty will be graduating soon as a hearing assistance dog!

She has met her new person and is learning to do the specific tasks that will become her daily work.

She’s been back with her trainer for a while, but recently came for a visit. Underneath her (slightly) more mature demeanor, that goofy puppy still lurks. She quickly emptied the toy box, strewing toys here and there, and putting on a little concert with the most, um, musical of them.

In the yard, Dotty headed straight for the digging  pit and quickly checked to see if the sand fairy had hidden any treasures that Orly had missed (she hadn’t). She then enjoyed a frozen treat with her sister, just like old times.

On our neighborhood walk, she walked purposefully, but without pulling, straight to the treat hydrant and sat, waiting for her well-deserved reward. And when we went for a run at the golf course, she remembered — with great delight — all the best places to find deer poop.

After all that activity, it’s no surprise that, when we settled down on the TV-watching sofa, she snuggled in with a happy sigh for some petting and pampering.

Orly enjoyed playing with Dotty, but … wasn’t terribly sad to say good-bye again either. I think that Orly enjoys having her own house, yard, and human.

I am proud of Dotty and hope that she works hard, plays harder, and has a wonderful life and career.