Valentino is progressing beautifully, with the warmer weather finally, we got to enjoy spending time by the river. Socializing skills and recall cues were practiced.
Willow Park was amazing, and on arrival, I thought I’d be sitting at a hole, but we were asked to be driven around and chat to the many teams about the connection between Steve and Callie, who were there the day prior and my role as a puppy raiser. Basically, connecting how our pups start with their breeder, puppy raiser, advanced training and then into one of four service dog positions, such as Callie, an AFD dog with VAST. So we had the opportunity to practice many, many polite greetings, and Valentino was very lively on arrival at Willow Park, but soon settled into his role and behaved like a pro.
Valentino and Callie are regular visitors at many schools and hospitals, with the Children’s Hospital being a regular. A family and their daughter, who was in ICU, met Tino around 4 months with Callie. A request came in for Callie as their daughter was declining, but also to visit with Tino once again. At 8 months, and with many more skills under his belt, and with a definite sense of his environment and expected behaviour, Valentino spent some time on the girls’ bed, staying still and calm and allowing the fragile girl to touch him. He then brought some smiles to the family during their difficult time. Finally, after they left the room, he met with some Doctors and Nurses who thoroughly enjoyed his energy and puppy love. One of many days that Valentino made a positive impact and hopefully lifted the spirits of those who met him and Callie.
Finally, Tino went on his first vacation to a sitter. I was very lucky indeed that Viv, who now has my first puppy PADS Asti, was able to take Tino. I felt like a nervous parent going to their first parent-teacher when I went to collect him, but the feedback was great, and by all accounts, they all had a fabulous few days, phew.
That wraps up July, and we will continue to enjoy warmer weather and lots of outdoor activities.
Submitted by: Isy
