Puppy Paws and Christmas Reflections

As the festive season unfolds, the past few weeks with Ulani have been full of learning, laughter, muddy paws, and moments of reflection. From joyful chaos at puppy class to peaceful walks and growing confidence, it’s been a time of both celebration and adjustment. Alongside the excitement of raising a young puppy, this season has also carried a deeper poignancy as we navigate our first Christmas without Vesper — reminding us of the profound role dogs play in our lives, and the comfort, joy, and connection they so effortlessly bring.

Festive Puppy Training Fun

The Christmas puppy training class was utter chaos — in the very best way. Twelve excitable puppies, festive music playing, and a range of games including pass the parcel, musical chairs, and a timed obstacle course made for a lively session. I had to guide Ulani over and around various items while carrying an egg and spoon (the egg was attached to a cord, thankfully, or it really would have been complete chaos!) and balancing a pile of presents — which I somehow managed not to drop. I was amazed by how confidently Ulani completed the course; she tackled it with real aptitude and enthusiasm.

Meeting Father Christmas

We also met Father Christmas at our local garden centre. Ulani was completely unfazed by his big bushy beard, the loud bell he rang to welcome visitors, and even the large singing reindeer that moved, bowed their heads, and sang Christmas carols in impressive harmony. While there, we visited the pet centre for Ulani’s weigh-in — something we do every week. The staff are getting to know her very well now, and she is always greeted with cuddles and a biscuit.

Adventures, Free Runs, and Growing Confidence

Ulani has been enjoying plenty of free runs lately. We’ve returned to our local riding school, where she loves zooming across the fields and exploring the woods. We also ventured to Dorridge Park, a very dog-friendly spot that’s always busy with walkers. We felt a little nervous beforehand, knowing how many dogs and distractions she would encounter, but we couldn’t have been prouder of her.

Ulani took everything in her stride — her manners when meeting other dogs were fantastic. We met a 13-stone Bernese Mountain Dog, and it was wonderful to watch Ulani approach him with such confidence, curiosity, and affection. She truly has a lovely nature and wants to be friends with every dog she meets.

She also delighted in exploring the muddy puddles, wooded dips and hollows, and a gentle stream where she splashed about like a little water baby. Her recall was excellent, and after briefly losing sight of us for a minute, she stayed close and checked in with us constantly, which gave us great comfort. Some of our favourite moments over the past few weeks have been watching her sheer joy as she runs freely through the park, snuffling in thick mud, splashing in puddles, and skidding across wet grass. Ulani absolutely loves playing with sticks and seems happiest when she can share her fun with us.

Walking Progress and Growing Strength

Ulani’s walking is steadily improving too. I’m noticing less jumping up at passers-by, and although she still wants to sniff and explore everything, we’re enjoying longer stretches of good walking. That said, she is now weighing in at 19.2kg — something I definitely feel when walking her.

She’s on the 99th percentile of her weight chart, so we expect her to be a big dog, and her huge front paws are often commented on. Correcting her when she jumps or lunges is becoming more physically demanding, and I sometimes end a walk with an aching arm or wrist. At times it feels overwhelming, but she is still young and learning every day. We spoke with our Puppy Development Adviser (PDA) about this and have decided to introduce Ulani to a harness as a precaution. We may or may not end up using it long-term, but we feel it’s sensible for her to become familiar with one. She won’t wear it unless our PDA feels, after an observation session, that it would be a helpful step in supporting her learning.

Teething Troubles & Maturing at Home

Ulani’s teething continues, and it definitely unsettles her when she loses teeth. One afternoon she lost three teeth in quick succession, poor thing, and we noticed she became distracted and out of sorts. We comfort her with different toys, frozen carrots, and ice cubes, and within a day or so she settles again.

At home more generally, we’re seeing signs of maturity. Ulani is calmer and increasingly enjoys resting on her many beds. She still dislikes being left alone and prefers to be with us, but we’re gently working on building her independence. In the evenings, we can now sit in the lounge while she remains in her bed for an hour or so without complaint — real progress. She also seems to enjoy cuddles more and is slower to mouth or chew, preferring instead to snuggle up and soak up affection.

Garden Escapades

She has also revealed her mischievous side in the garden. Early on, we realised that free rein would quickly result in a lawn full of holes and very few surviving plants, so we set up temporary fencing around the patio area. This worked well… until Ulani realised she could use her increasing weight and strength to push through the panels or move the chair securing them. I’ve gradually increased this to four stacked chairs, but she’s now strong enough to break through those too! We’re not quite sure how we’re going to contain our little monkey going forward — she’s not ready for full garden freedom just yet!

Guide Dogs Update

We were recently asked to complete a five-month questionnaire for Guide Dogs. At this stage, many behaviours provide valuable insight into a puppy’s character and help shape their future training programme. We’ve been so impressed by how balanced and confident Ulani is; very little seems to faze her, and she approaches everything with curiosity and positivity. We’re hopeful she has all the hallmarks of a future Guide Dog — though perhaps we’re a little biased!

Remembering Vesper This Christmas

This Christmas is our first without our darling Vesper, and we miss her deeply. Raising a Labrador Retriever cross has been very different from our experience with a Miniature Schnauzer, and it’s reminded us just how much work goes into raising a puppy.

Ulani brings a new energy and experience with her, and in many ways, she has helped us navigate our grief. We talk about Vesper every day, and we tell Ulani all about her. We hope that Vesper would be proud of us for raising Ulani in her honour — celebrating the incredible nature of dogs and their ability to heal, bond, love, and be true companions.

This Christmas has reminded us of the extraordinary gift that dogs bring into our lives. They meet us exactly where we are — in joy, in grief, in chaos, and in calm — and offer companionship without condition or expectation. Vesper taught us what it means to be truly known by a dog, to share life in its smallest, most intimate moments, and to love deeply and completely. Her presence shaped our days and her absence is still felt in all the quiet spaces.

Ulani is not here to replace what we lost — no dog ever could — but she has arrived with her own light, energy, and purpose. Through her curiosity, affection, and boundless enthusiasm, she has gently reminded us how healing it can be to open our hearts again. Dogs have a remarkable way of anchoring us in the present, of encouraging us to move forward while still holding space for what — and who — came before.

As we watch Ulani grow, learn, and find her way in the world, we are constantly aware of how privileged we are to walk alongside her. Dogs teach us patience, resilience, and joy in the simplest of things — a muddy puddle, a shared glance, a moment of closeness. They ask only that we show up for them, and in return they give us comfort, laughter, purpose, and love in its purest form.

This festive season, we are deeply grateful for the wonder of dogs — for their ability to heal hearts, bring light to dark days, and remind us that love never truly leaves us; it simply finds new ways to walk beside us. 🐾✨

We wish everyone a truly wonderful festive period — one filled with peace, warmth, and moments of connection. Whether shared with family, friends, or four-legged companions, may this season bring comfort, joy, and time to appreciate the simple, precious things that matter most. 🎄🐾

Nicola x