Triton | August 2023

Hi, Everyone! Oh no, don’t tell me summer’s almost over! I’ve been having so much fun. For me, August has been especially busy and full of new experiences – parades, expos, riding stables, overnight guests, thunder… and mosquitos swarming my coat every time I stand still. 

Extra special people are visiting from California as we speak! They haven’t seen me since I was 5 months old and are quite impressed with my growth and learning. We just got back from a long walk downtown, where I did a beautiful 35-minute “Kibble-Free Go In” under a cafe chair at a fancy bakery. In the morning, we hiked through the bog and along the forest trails near our house. I’m showing off my best PADS skills, on & off-road. 

Our first house August guest, though, was 4 1/2-month-old PADS Dahlia. She’s brilliant! At first, I was a little taken aback by her puppy energy (see photo), but I soon got the hang of sharing my space, people & toys. I hope Dahlia comes again because she’s fun, and I can always use more practice sharing. 

Also, I attended two PADS events this month. First, I marched in my first-ever Pride Parade alongside an impressive crew of PADS dogs. We were all decked out in full Pride regalia, including snazzy dog booties. My 2 brothers, Reef & Thresher, were there, plus my sister Tope. Talk about energy! The streets absolutely vibrated with colour, costumes, music… and PADS-adoring crowds (I started feeling a tiny bit famous.) A week later, I went to the Animal Expo in Delta, where they had the greatest Cooling Station with blueberries frozen in blocks of ice – perfect for licking. I love stuff like that! 

O! And I DID visit the stables with Susan just like I said I might! It was magnificent! I met horses, ponies, goats, chickens, ducks, a cat, a puppy named Feisty, riding instructors, kids having a birthday party… Maynard’s Stables is the busiest, friendliest place (they hold the Southlands Therapeutic Riding Program there.) Carmy, the mini pony, tried to kiss me through the fence (see photo.) Best of all, Susan introduced me to her special friend, therapy horse Sprite (you can see her pretty spots in the photo.) There were a lot of new sights & sounds at the stables, but I feel pretty comfortable around all the action & animals. And I love spending time with Susan! 

Thanks so much for checking in on me! I’m headed off on an adventure with my house guests now – I’ll tell you all about it next time. Until then, don’t stand still, or the mosquitos will get you!

Submitted by: Mikal