Hey everyone, Skaha here with my January update, reporting in from Kelowna.
I kicked off the month with a week-long stay at one of our awesome Okanagan PADS sitter homes; it was basically a doggy vacation resort. They have two former PADS dogs, which means built-in mentors and full-time play buddies. We wrestled, zoomied, and compared notes about important things like treat quality and optimal nap locations. One of the dogs even let me sleep with them on their bed. They also hosted a puppy party while I was there, so imagine a yard full of wagging tails and chaos in the best possible way. I was living my best social life and practicing my “calm brain” skills in between all the fun.
This month also included a vet visit for a checkup and vaccinations at Mission Creek Animal Hospital, who are now helping look after us, Okanagan PADS pups. The humans call it “routine care.” I call it “betrayal snacks followed by sneaky pokes.” I handled it like a pro, though. A few treats, a quick exam, some weird cold stethoscope business, and I was outta there with my tail still wagging.
Training adventures continued with trips to a few pet stores to work on distractions. Let me just say, focusing on my handler while there are birds flapping, fish swimming, other dogs shopping with their raisers and mystery smells everywhere deserves an Olympic medal. Still, I kept my cool and practiced my sits, downs, and loose-leash walking like the working girl I am. On one of my outings, I even got to shop for a brand-new bed, test several, and finally chose the comfiest one.
Winter has been pretty mild, so there hasn’t been much snow to chomp or roll in, but that’s meant more walks and hikes instead. I’ve been getting lots of trail time, and my recall is getting super solid. When my raisers say “Skaha, here,” I zoom back like a fuzzy boomerang. Makes them happy, which usually equals treats. Smart math.
Big news at home, too. I’ve graduated to sleeping on my new bed in their bedroom or in my kennel with the kennel door open. Freedom. Responsibility. Prestige. I’m doing really well…except for the occasional 3 a.m. face-washing session where I gently lick my raisers awake just to make sure they’re still alive. You’re welcome, humans. Safety checks are important.
I’m still working hard on all my skills at home and in weekly classes with my PADS buddies, learning how to stay calm, focused, and ready for whatever my future job might be. Lots of learning, lots of growing, and still lots of tail wags.
That’s it for me this month. Stay warm, give your dogs extra belly rubs, and I’ll catch you next time. Skaha out.
Submitted by: Terry & Sandy
