Happy New Year, Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful start to 2026.
I’m now 10 months old, and personally, I think I’m getting even more cute while continuing to learn important things like patience, manners, and how to bring smiles to people wherever I go.
Every month, I’ve been going on health and medical trips. This month, I took my Hooman to Calgary Retinal Consultants. There were a lot of people there! When I first arrived, they all looked a little bored while they waited… then people started noticing me and got big smiles! They asked my Hooman all about me and PADS, and were so sweet about patiently waiting for my “Go say Hi” cue before giving me pets. I love moments like that because I get to practice my future superhero skills properly and make people happy — it was a good day for them and for me!
Another big adventure was my first visit to Launder-A-Pet for a spa day. I met the owner, Sheila, who was incredibly kind and helpful. She showed my Hooman the ropes and how to make bath time my best experience ever. We also learned something important: after a bath, it’s very important to make sure my hair is completely dry. If our skin stays damp, pups can develop skin irritations. Who knew spa days also come with health tips? I left feeling so clean, fluffy, and ten pounds lighter!
While out for some shopping therapy, my Hooman and I stopped in at Willow Park Wine & Spirits and met Greg. The coolest part was that Greg told us he and his dad used to raise PADS puppies when he was younger. How amazing is that? It’s such a small world — PADS has been around for about 30 years, and it’s always fun meeting people who have been part of the PADS community along the way.
At Petland, we met Ashlyn, who helped us pick out a new toy just for me and some supplies for my fish buddies at home. Yes, I have fish roommates! I like to watch them swim around — they’re very peaceful, although they are not very good at playing fetch!
Then on to Winners, a big store with lots of interesting smells. We practiced walking fast, slow, and stopping at many displays. I kept a close eye on my Hooman and patiently waited for her like a real service dog (but still in training). With so many treats along the check-out line, I really showed off my good manners. But then my Hooman caught me yawning… I promise it wasn’t boredom — I was simply demonstrating my advanced “rest and recharge” training technique!
I also had the chance to spend time with new PADS puppy-sitters, Louise and Gary. They were super nice, and I even got to meet and play with their grandkids and grandpuppies. That was a lot of fun!
One of my favourite things to do is have playtime with Happy — she’s my best friend! When we go for walks together, I love to carry her leash because teamwork makes playtime so much more fun! We’ve also developed a very smart walking strategy: we run ahead a little bit, then back past our hoomans, again and again and again. That way, we “quadruple our steps” while always staying close. See? Very responsible puppy behaviour – that’s what I’m thinking!
My Hooman and I go on lots of wilderness walks too. Sometimes we see deer. We stand very still and watch them together, being calm and respectful — even though my puppy brain is thinking, “WOW! Look at those big, bouncy forest dogs!”
I thought I would share one of my favourite toys with you — my tire. It makes my Hooman laugh because when I carry it, my nose sometimes pokes right through the middle. She says it looks like I’m wearing a very fashionable rubber nose ring. I think it’s a great look… don’t you?!!
Thank you so much to all the PADS donors and sponsors who help keep me healthy, my tummy full, and my training moving forward. And thank YOU for following along with my adventures as I continue learning and growing into the superhero service dog I dream of becoming! I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you next month — maybe even more sightings of those big, bouncy forest dogs!
Love,
Shelby II
Submitted by: Moira Reitsma
