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March to April 2009: "In which I show a film star doggy how to behave nicely and fall asleep on a lovely train ride"

As well as her usual vsits to local shops and into Cambridge by bus, in March Darcy came with us to the cinema to see 'Marley and Me', (the story of a rather naughty American labrador retriever).

Darcy fundraising outside the cinema

We had a seat where Darcy could see the screen but she just laid down and went to sleep. When Marley barked or whined she looked up to see what it was all about but decided it was nothing to worry about and then went back to sleep again. Needless to say we were very pleased with her behaviour.  

Darcy has enjoyed her first train ride from Cambridge to Ely. She jumped onto the train like a seasoned traveller, positioned herself so that she could see what was going on around her, and as the floor was carpeted she was very happy to lie down and make herself at home. When we first went over the points, passed another train going in the opposite direction or crossed a bridge when the train noise altered she looked up at us. When she saw that we were not worried about it, she relaxed again and enjoyed the trip. 

We walked round Ely showing her the boats, ducks and swans etc, had lunch, where as usual, she slept quietly under our table while we ate. She was a seasoned traveller by the time we returned home and slept the whole way. In fact, I think she was sorry we had not further to go as she was reluctant to wake up and disembark.  

Darcy enjoys the spring sunshine

We also took her to Bury St Edmunds on the bus - her longest bus ride yet. She was as usual very good and enjoyed watching passengers getting on and off the bus (her middle name should be 'Curiosity'). In Bury we walked around the market where it was quite difficult to stp her trying to scavenge as there were so many (to a dog) nice smelling things on the floor. 

She again behaved immaculately while we had lunch after which we went to the Abbey gardens where she was rewarded with a nice free run. 

In all, she behaves extremely well for her age.

John and Diana Reynolds (and Darcy), 6th April 2009

Keep-up-to-date with Darcy's diaries

We're going to continue following Darcy's training, bringing you regular updates on this website and in Sue Dougan's Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, so remember to keep your paws on this page for the next installment.

Darcy features: Introducing our new Guide Puppy; and Darcy makes her radio debut:

Darcy's diary part one:

Darcy's diary part two:

Darcy gallery: When Darcy met Dougan. Some gorgeous photographs of little Darcy making her radio debut on Sue Dougan's show, taking her first training steps at Cambridge railway station, and meeting our radio reporters in the newsroom: