Hi, Everyone!
O December, what a month itβs been! A perfect mix of all the people, places & things that make PADS life great – but all lit up and with a bit of extra jingle. Plus presents! My toy box is overflowing!
So, if I had to name a theme of the month it would have to be: The House Guest. Because this holiday season (my first), I found myself playing both roles – the Host and the Hosted. I really had to tap into my PADS puppy skills to pull off the house-hopping season in style.
First, PADS Brava came for a sleepover. The last time she came, she was in kindergarten, so, seeing her again was a real treat for my Raisers. Bravaβs a teenager now and has her obedience down pat. Plus, sheβs a master playmate, and we shared walks, games and even a bit of side-by-side training. Our favourite activity of all was bone swapping and, then, settling down for a chew on the same bed.
Next, Special PADS Person Benita came to my house instead of me going to hers. I did a little recital for her to show off a few conditioning exercises I do on blocks, and we also practiced some cues, but mostly, I was just so happy she came. O, and she brought me my first-ever Christmas present! A huge fish-shaped benebone! You have to see it to believe it.
Then came the most magical visit ever! My Raisers & I were invited to my sponsor Lady Carolineβs house to meet two bonafide celebrities – Nana and PADS Raekin! Well, Nana is surely our patron saint! She shares special relationships with many PADS dogs and is beloved by all. She embraces us at every age and didnβt blink twice at my puppyness (thank you, Nana!) And Raekin (aka Tritonβs Little Sister), well, she holds mythical status in our family. Now, I know why. She showed me the time of my life and showered me with gifts! I followed her everywhere (which was probably annoying, but she was too polite to say.) And she let me practice my bitey-face on her (which I havenβt done since breeder-caretaker days.) Plus, she taught me Keep Away. Raekinβs a true aficionado and I definitely got my steps in trotting back & forth to stay in the game. But when the people sat down for their beautiful holiday lunch, we knew it was time to settle (I even took a nap.) Then, crunch, I lost a tooth and got blood all over the stuffies (which Iβm sure isnβt best practice for a Guest.) In spite of this, I hope Raekin will let me call her Big Sister forever.
Thanks so much for checking in on me! In the New Year, I pledge to keep working on my Host/Guest skills, especially the initial greeting part when thereβs a furry PADS peer involved. If youβre making a Resolution, too, remember: set yourself up for success! And if the going gets tough, donβt worry. Just go back a step! Thatβs what us PADS puppies do.
Submitted by: Mikal
