Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Munch’s favourite time of the year has arrived. Holiday time! Six weeks of minimal harness work and maximum nonstop attention.  What else can a pampered pooch ask for?

As you can tell from the picture above, his preferred state of being is usually horizontal during this time of year…or any time of year in fact. This  omnipresent energy saving mode allows him to turn on his alter ego self where you will witness this 100mph couch potato turn into the playful pup he once was. Triggers for this  playful alter ego self , usually occurs through a sniff of food,  noticing balls of any sort, being around another dog or a promise of a swim.

His summer ahead holds a sparse timetable of family days out, weekly toast munching sessions whilst I play Visually Impaired bowls, beach visits, walks to explore new places and a couple of volunteering events where he is certain to bring in the crowds for a little adoration. If I am honest, I would love to do loads more things this Summer during my time off, but Munch seems to be slowing down a lot so this would not be fair on him.

As he approaches his ninth year on earth, I know that adaptations need to be made in our partnership.  Within the next 2 years he will be retiring from his Guide Dog role and entering into a quieter stage in his life. As each season passes, we create a new way of working together to meet each others needs. This season is based upon rest and restoration to allow Munch to decide if his balance in his work/play life is right for him.

The equality in our relationship has always been central to our working partnership, and I could never see it any other way. Living alongside such a wise old loving soul has meant that I am always in tune with where he is in life which helps shape our Guide Dog partnership. Knowing that this may be one of his last summers in harness makes it feel that extra bit special and Munch driven. I have a feeling he may get away with a little more mischief this season than normal just because.

I feel that I have so much to give back to Munch for keeping me safe for over the last six and a half years, fulfilling a doggy friendly bucket list seems essential. Now where could we begin… ?