February’s highlight was definitely the Invictus Games. We kept it quiet, leading up to the games with the usual outings to Save-On, the Mall, and morning and evening walks.
Dior discovered snow!!!! Crazy with delight, running in circles while sticking her nose deep into the snow to grab a mouthful of a frozen chunk from underneath to toss in the air and catch, gave her so much pleasure.
Attending the games was a big stretch for a pup whose bucket is filled in a heartbeat, but she did herself proud. After the initial, “Hey everybody’s here, let’s play”, Dior managed to settle, and be available for the many interested adults and children that came by. By her 3rd and last shift, she was managing the crowds and the noise very well, with breaks to clear her head and her ears. Dior’s last shift literally started off with a bang, as the stage just around the corner was hosting a drum corp!!! We did leave for a ‘hearing break’ at one point, which was much needed by both pup and raiser.
Once we had recovered from the Games, Dior met up with an ‘Auntie Jo’ just to get to know her a wee bit as she would be going to her for a sit. February ended with a lovely 5 day sit experience while her raiser had a wee break.
Dior’s adolescence has become both a place of progress and some of regression. LLW, leash on a flat collar has once again become Lurch & Reset Walking. We’re really trying not to go back to using the Halty. Requests to work, are sometimes met with a big, long body stretch, an equally big yawn, and a “Ya, I don’t think so, just right now.”
On the other hand, her ability to settle in places outside of the house is improving beautifully. Go in’s are never balked at, though she does need to figure out how to tuck her tail in. She sleeps (and stays) in her kennel at night with the door open. Jumping up on people she is just so glad to see is becoming more self-controlled. Go say hi is coming along nicely. And, as always, her cuddling is superb.
Submitted by: Heather DeVries
Photos below…
Submitted by: Jo, PADS Puppy in Training Sitter
