Harry’s had another holiday. We took him to the Lake District for a few days to stay in a hotel specifically run for people with visual impairment, their family and friends, and which provides extensive facilities for Guide Dogs. It’s a fabulous Victorian building set in beautifully landscape gardens, and has spectacular views of Lake Windermere.
Although it was a holiday, it was also a big learning experience for Harry as he was in the company of lots of working Guide Dogs. Harry was really put to the test on a number of occasions, especially in the dining room. It took all of his self control to lie still under the table at meal times when all he really wanted to do was go play with the other dogs, but after the first day when the working dogs had all ignored him, he realised that this wasn’t going to happen and started to copy their exemplary behaviour.
Harry made lots of new friends, but his particular favourite was a three year old yellow Labrador named Amélie. Amélie seemed to like Harry just as much and furiously wagged her tail whenever he was around. They had great fun playing together in the free run area of the garden and in the evenings, while we all relaxed in the bar, she would tease him relentlessly before they both settled down side by side.
Harry really enjoyed his time at hotel and felt quite at home there. He like nothing better than relaxing in the shade, lying on the porch beside the front door, like the Lord of the Manor surveying his estate.
