SUMMER HOLIDAYS & SO MANY FIRSTS!!!
Puppy adventures from your favorite service dog-in-training
Paws up—August was pawsitively amazing! My hoomans whisked me away on something they called a “summer vacation,” and let me tell you, it was bursting with sunshine, adventures, and a whole bunch of exciting firsts.
First stop: Lake Okanagan, BC!
Guess what? I got the best surprise ever—I was reunited with three of my PADS siblings at our training centre! Goose, Grant, and Shyloh were all there, and we kicked things off with some nose-to-nose greetings and bum wiggles before diving into training. We practiced our loose-leash skills, holding our positions (even with kibble temptations nearby—so hard!), and staying focused in busy places. Later, we got to burn off a few zoomies, then took our hoomans out for coffee. My hooman says it’s always good to learn from everyday life, and we rocked it by staying calm when people came over to say hello. We were so awesome, we got pupcups from Starbucks! Our hoomans sure love their chit-chat… good thing we pups know how to nap! We eventually got sleepy, and we even caught Goose snoring—true story!
Water adventures galore!
This month, I learned how to swim! At first, I wasn’t sure about all that splashing, but my hooman was right there cheering me on. Soon I was paddleboarding (yes, I stood like a pro), kayaking, and even cruising in a speedboat. I wore my life jacket like a champ and stayed calm—even when the waves got bumpy. The best part? Lounging on a giant floating sofa (they called it a tube). Even the ducks swam over to check us out—I think they were a little jealous.
Back on dry land…
We hiked, explored wineries, went to farmers markets, and all the while I practiced my manners—just like a true superhero-in-training. I also tackled new challenges, like climbing steep stairs, walking across a bouncy boat dock, and even braving a metal catwalk. My hooman says these things will help me grow into a confident working dog. And speaking of growing… I’ve been shooting up like a weed and even lost all my baby teeth this month! And even cooler—Uncle Jynx came to visit, so I proudly helped by holding his leash on our walks and having swimming races!
Pacific Paws & Cousin Time!
Then we headed to White Rock, BC, where I met my cousin, PADS Libby. It was my first time seeing the Pacific Ocean—wow, it’s HUGE! PADS Libby led me by the paw, and together we splashed in the waves, played at her house, and she even shared her puppy pool with me. She’s the best cousin ever! Every moment was a lesson—and a joy.
Whether I was on the water, balancing on tricky surfaces, or just meeting other dogs, each adventure helped me grow in patience, confidence, and good manners. For me, “work” is just another word for fun. I love learning, I love earning tail wags and treats, and I love knowing that every step brings me closer to becoming a superhero service dog.
Thank you for cheering me on! It’s because of YOU—my sponsors, donors, and cheerleaders—that my journey is possible. And because of you, I get to learn, play, and shine a little brighter every single day, and get one paw-step closer to my superhero cape!
Tail wags and puppy kisses,
Shelby II
Submitted by: Moira Reitsma
