Big Adventures & Even Bigger Paws! Puppy adventures from your favourite service dog-in-training!
Hi there, wonderful friends and supporters—Shelby II here! September was one big “fur-filled” finale to my summer adventures. I may be growing into a big girl, but every day still brings new sights, smells, and plenty of wiggle-worthy “firsts” for this superhero-in-training!
After playing in the ocean with Cousin PADS Libby II, and touring White Rock, BC, we travelled up the coast to Vancouver, where I found even more exciting firsts! I rode a city bus for the very first time and totally nailed it! The engine roared, the people shuffled, and the floor rumbled—but I followed my Hooman’s cues, tucked myself in at her feet, and promptly went to sleep – with one eye open, lol. We stayed at Lonsdale Quay, explored the shipyard, saw massive yachts, yummy-smelling restaurants, and a really cool market where I found pink tutus – unfortunately, they didn’t fit me quite right!! At night, we watched the harbour lights twinkle so brightly I thought the stars had tumbled down and exploded into a million colours!
On our last day, we walked the Capilano Suspension Bridge—hundreds of feet above the forest floor! It swayed and bounced with every step, but I found my footing and walked like a pro while some hoomans wobbled and clutched the ropes. I giggled to myself because they looked pretty silly! On our way home, we stopped at Shannon Falls for one last photo op. Wow, it was beautiful there, but I was getting pooped out. Just as the camera clicked, I yawned so big my whole face disappeared behind my shiny new adult teeth!
Back at Lake Okanagan, we squeezed in a few more swims, splashes, and boat rides before helping my hoomans get the boat out of the water for the season. I supervised everything from onboard to make sure everything was done right! I also checked in on my ducky friends (they’ve grown almost as much as I have!) and joined my PADS siblings in Lake Country for one last training class together.
Back in Calgary, it’s time for our regular puppy classes at the PADS training centre. Staying calm is the hardest part of my training – it’s just, sometimes the tail has a mind of its own! At home, I rediscovered all the toys I’d left behind over the summer. My Hooman said it’s like what Christmas will be. So that sounds kinda cool! I also had my first McDonald’s Pup Cup. It was cold, creamy, and absolutely worth the chilly tongue.
I got to spend two weeks with my puppy-sitters for the first time: Cousin PADS Burke and his hoomans were so nice! They gave me so much love and attention, and I had a fantastic time practicing my manners on our field trips that included Canada Olympic Park (COP), where Burke and I got to sit in the Jamaican bobsled and watch my first curling bonspiel. They were awesome! Thank you, Cousin!
I’m growing up so fast that my Hooman bought me a fancy new collar and leash, and PADS gave me a big new yellow PADS cape! I even climbed into the big truck all by myself. At the end of busy days, I still love to curl up on my Hooman’s lap for snuggles—though soon she might need to curl up on mine!
A big “paws up” to my wonderful sponsors—Kevin Leung (First-Year Sponsor), the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation (Naming Sponsor), and everyone I get to greet—for helping me grow, learn, and chase my superhero dreams.
Big paws, bigger heart, and endless wags,
Shelby II
Submitted by: Moira Reitsma
