April started with a BANG! (Well, for the astronauts, anyway.) – It was cool to watch on TV as I sat back and had my nails trimmed, all four feet. Happy to report no body handling or sensitivity issues here.
I spent time on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island this month. I had a variety of experiences. I was well behaved in places ranging from BC Ferries, grocery stores, to countertop warehouses, and restaurants. I’m told I have developed good house manners, which were practiced both in condo life and in a single-family house. There I was able to find my “kennel” when cued from 3 rooms away, and pranced over to it with gusto – my raiser says I look so cute!
The spring flowers and longer grasses are awesome to romp and bound around in. I got to spend a whole lot of time in a nice, big yard that backs onto a forest. I get to run and jump for fun as I go back and forth, and back and forth. I’m told I have great physical strength and proprioception. Definitely not afraid of heights.
“Fieldtrip Fridays” this month included: U-Haul and a ride in a BIG van, Hullo Ferry terminal, the beach, rhododendron show, used furniture store -ooh, the smells were great!
I met Arrowsmith Search and Rescue at the airport, where I did great as I was DMT’d as their helicopter landed to pick them up – they were training too! I was also the welcome cuddle for my raiser’s family member, during pickup from the Helijet pad after a medical appointment.
With the warmer weather and my super long legs, I’ve been able to focus on getting better trained in loose-leash walking now. It’s often a perfect J-shape, as shown on Hydrant! Now that I have finally gotten the concept of walking in a straight line! Thanks to mini training sessions on collar & leash pressure, and some repeated redirections when I would cross over. And I’m big enough now that she basically doesn’t have to bend over when thanking me for taking her outside, hehe.
I celebrated PADS Blair’s 3rd birthday with a birthday hang in Rathtrevor Park. I showed her around the vacant campsite loops, and we had some super fun off-leash time. I wanted to thank her (my bestie) for all her help getting me to a good place emotionally around dogs.
Submitted by: Victoria & Tony (long term sitters/raisers)
