Valentino has had a great month, a lovely combination of field trips, new training skills, adventure walks and leash walks.
The month started with a visit to the school patrol officers’ picnic. The police helicopter took flight, and Valentino was at the edge of the field and paid great attention to the increasing noise and wind that blew his ears up and down. He remained in a down position throughout and was interested but not concerned at all.
Valentino visited a few schools (mainly High schools) to provide students with a much-needed distraction from the stress of exams. Two schools in particular, and I think the biggest impact, occurred at the Alternative High School, a school with primarily ESL students, all of whom were afraid of dogs. After 30 minutes, every student in their own time and without pressure, gained the courage to touch and stroke Tino. I was so proud of every student and of course, Tino who stayed in a down for the duration.
Valentino discovered he can swim, a rather splashy clumsy stroke, which I have no doubt will improve with practice.
To round off June, a visit to the CPS Youth Link Interpretive Centre and the unveiling of their newest exhibit all about VAST and the PADS dogs who have since retired, the ones currently still serving and the huge difference they make in so many different scenarios. A fun few hours meeting the general public and chatting about PADS and how it connects with this new exhibit, which took 2 years to make.
Oh, I almost forgot we did visit a seniors home to celebrate seniors week, and we spent time with a friend’s Mum, much to her amusement, she is known as the Hat Lady and loved showing me her collection along with some Tino time.
Full consent was given to post her picture wearing her favourite chicken hat.
Submitted by: Isy
