My name is Pandora, and I’m a PADS (Pacific Assistance Dogs Society) puppy in training. I joined my raiser’s home one month ago, and it’s already been a month of growth, learning, and important first experiences.
The first few days were a bit challenging as I adjusted to my new environment. I struggled to settle in the car and in my kennel at first, but with consistency, patience, and gentle guidance, I was able to learn quickly. Before long, I was settling well and starting to feel confident in my new surroundings.
I’m told I’ve been a bit of an “angel puppy.” Training has gone smoothly—I’m eager to learn and tend to pick up on new cues and expectations quickly. My raiser and I have been working together closely, and our bond is already strong.
We did face a tough challenge early on: I had a prolonged case of diarrhea that required a veterinary visit. Thankfully, with the help of the vet team and careful monitoring, I recovered well. Aside from that, I’ve been healthy and full of energy during my waking hours, though I do nap quite a bit throughout the day as part of normal puppy development.
This month, I began learning how to settle in public while accompanying my raiser to a variety of places. I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Invictus Games, where I met other PADS puppies like Mushu, Burgie, and Taj. It was a great chance to observe, practice calm behaviour in stimulating environments, and start developing my public access skills.
One of my biggest accomplishments this month has been learning to settle independently in my kennel when my raiser is not home. This was a significant step in my development, helping me build confidence and independence.
In addition to home-based training, I accompanied my raiser to public locations such as LifeLabs, restaurants, and even a climbing gym. In each setting, I practiced settling, staying focused, and remaining calm despite distractions. These experiences have helped lay a strong foundation for my future as an assistance dog.
This first month has been full of important milestones, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I’m learning how to be calm, confident, and attentive—skills that will continue to grow as I move forward in my training journey.
Submitted by: Melissa
