Dior’s first week of June was her last of 4 weeks with sitters in the Okanagan.
I think she had a good time, but I didn’t get a chance to ask her because her first 2 days at home had a strong parallel to the behaviour of an ADHD teenage girl with an “I’m so mad at you” going on. We made it through without incident other than the attitude.
Pupper Romp & Roll dates at Derby Reach end with a cool off in the river. This girl loves to be in and out of the water, retrieving sticks, swimming, and generally goofing off.
Dior thought that returning to her in-person puppy class after being gone for a month was a party. All her friends were there, and training was an option. We did finally get down to work, but not without some laughter at her antics.
Her month ended with packing up, taking a ferry ride and a car ride to Tofino. She did beautifully on the trip over, though, gave us some giggles with her many bodily positions of boredom while attempting to settle during the 2-hour trip.
Due to sharing accommodations with friends, some creative problem solving meant a restricted access situation for Dior. One of the adults had dog allergies, and a 6-year-old child with autism would scream like a banshee while climbing her parents’ body and sitting on her parents’ head if Dior even turned her head and looked in the child’s direction. Dior didn’t even blink an eye at the child’s behaviour. As there were bears and wolves in the area, we played floor games several times a day and went for two 30-45 minute leashed walks every day. On one of those walks, she made a new friend who was super quiet and didn’t scream at her. Dior was good-humoured the entire 5 days. She was a trooper.
In general, she continues to be a lovely girl in the home with a high need to sniff outside the home. She will ask for cuddles, bring a toy or a tug rope, hoping you will play.
Submitted by: Heather DeVries
