Hi everyone! I’m officially eight months old, and I have so much to share! I feel bigger, braver, and a whole lot bouncier these days, especially as I get more opportunities to explore new settings. I’m having so much fun that I’ve developed quite the little jig to my step, swinging my hips and kicking up my heels. Then at home, I play my cutesy card by lying on my back, tucking my paw in my mouth, and gazing up at my Hooman as if to say, “You do realize how adorable I am, right?” She melts every time!
Two of my most meaningful moments this month were tied to Remembrance. I attended my first Remembrance Day Ceremony, wearing a poppy on my cape just like my hoomans. We visited a cenotaph where I received many warm smiles and kind winks. A C-17 jet, which carries military troops and equipment, flew overhead — it didn’t faze me. The following week, we visited the Royal Canadian Legion #285 to help with Poppy Clean-up Day. I was proud to give back and help them in my own small way — especially since they do so much for so many people, including PADS!
I continue to show my amazing manners and provide support during my Hooman’s appointments at the hospital and at EFW Radiology. Part of my training during these visits is politely waiting while my Hooman opens doors to let other patients enter or exit the buildings, and not moving until I hear my cue, “out,” letting me know it’s my turn to go through.
Lately, the world has been full of new clues that something interesting is happening — fewer bugs buzzing around, crunchy leaves dancing across the ground, gusts of wind begging to be chased, and the grass feeling different under my paws. I helped my Hooman with yard work by bravely chasing the wind coming out of the leaf blower (that thing is wild!). Turns out, I also think hair dryers are pretty cool too — who knew? River walks are still happening, but brrr… the water is getting colder, and I’m not completely convinced about that yet.
So now, instead of swimming and boat rides, we went to arenas and my first hockey tournaments! There were lots of kids who wanted to pet me, and they were all so nicely behaved and asked for permission first. I absolutely love hearing my Hooman say, “Go say hi!”
And guess what? I saw my first snowfall! It was crazy! I could barely walk on our deck without slip-sliding away — and wow, it was even colder than before!
There has been lots of playtime with Uncle Jynx, which always makes my days extra special. I also met new hooman friends at a walking group in Fish Creek Provincial Park, along with my new canine friend, Happy. We practiced our on-leash walking with so many legs around us. It was a challenge with so many places to sniff, but we managed.
Sometimes my Hooman takes me to local coffee shops, like Social Grounds YYC, so I can practice my “go in” cue — that’s when I quietly tuck myself under the table for a nap while she enjoys a coffee and a visit. Jill, the owner, said I was a “very good girl,” which I think is an excellent and accurate description.
I want to send a very big thank you to all the PADS sponsors and donors who help take such good care of me and fellow PADS pups. Because of you, my tummy stays full, my training continues, and I get to keep learning how to be the very best future assistance dog I can be. I’m so grateful for your kindness and support — and I promise to keep working hard every single day.
And thanks for following along on my adventures. It makes every step of my journey so much more fun to share.
Submitted by: Moira Reitsma
