Update - December 2009

Con is a delight; affectionate, happy and fun.  He likes football in the garden and has a squeaky toy which he uses to amplify his mood.  He has obviously been much-loved and seems to show no negative consequences of his recent past.  He eats well (Royal Canin, 'mature' plus gravy.  He also gets to clean out cooking utensils such as pots and caseroles.  He leaves them sparkling)

He (and Jack) love the wood-burner and flop down, back to back, soaking-up the warmth.  They greet each other in a freindly way and although Jack is too old to be a bouncy playmate, I sense that Con likes to know there is another dog in the house to cuddle-up to.

He walks well and does not need a chain (you'll be pleased to know).  I take him on a simple leather collar.  Jean is going to take him gundog training with a friends black retrievers (just for fun, not for a shoot).  We let him off in a friends paddock and he shows signs of good sense.  We have been advised to wait a few more days before letting him off at Ashridge as there are lots of deer and we need to be confident that he will recall properly.  He is getting three walks a day, a long-distance one with me each lunchtime, much further than Jack can now cope with.

Things are going well with Conn here - he is an absolutely lovely dog. As you may have picked up, I had to go down to my poorly parents for a week, but I hear he really enjoyed seeing Jan again when she came up.  He seems to have settled really well, enjoys his food and loves playing and going for walks. He is quite the best behaved setter we've ever had!  He doesn't pull and his recall his good - once he's said 'hello' to any passing people with dogs!  He is gentle with Jack who is quite happy to have a back to back snuggle with him in front of the fire in the evenings. I think we have been so lucky to find Conn. He is so affectionate and playful. He's out at least 3 times a day for an off lead walk - so getting plenty of exercise. (Bob has been exhausted - but we can share again now I'm home!!).

I have taken a couple of recent photos in the snow which I have attached. Its a bit deep for poor old Jack, but Connor is enjoying it - especially if he can get hold of my glove to run off with!!