Hi, Everyone!
In November, the pumpkins and leaf piles disappeared. They were fun while they lasted. Now, fog rolls across the park, frost crunches underfoot, fuzzy slippers sit by the door and twinkly lights are popping up everywhere. So, my PADS world is coming alive in different fun ways!
On the serious side, Iโve been practicing patience in boring situations, such as when my Raiser stops to chat or look at paint samples. (Jeez, is white really that complicated?) Also, Iโve been working on taking serene mini-breaks during training. (I actually prefer to keep the momentum building.) So, itโs been all about โduration,โ โdo nothingโ and โall doneโ around here. Throw in the โgo-ins,โ โrollsโ and โchin-downsโ and you have the full (still life) picture. But thatโs okay because Iโm also working on rousing skills like โtouchโ (using different targets) โwrapโ (circling tons of crazy stuff) and โwaitโ (mid-stride in open space no less.) So, a very balanced agenda, Iโd say.
O! And I met Community Coach George this month and had the greatest off-leash adventure! My Raisers and I joined him and his PADS string – York, Cheshire and Norquay – at Pacific Spirit Park. It was magnificent! Although I hike the trails on a long line quite frequently, Iโm not often completely off-leash alongside other dogs. But with George and his string, I had a chance to venture off the beaten path and prove that my recall, check-in and interaction skills are solid. Itโs great fun when you have such steady companions!
November is birthday month in this house, so, I wore lots of hats! And, as usual, Iโve been out & about participating and proofing skills. The other day, we stopped by the dollar store, where I tried on reindeer headbands. Also, we made a trip out to Tsawwassen Mills Mall, where I posed by a twinkly evergreen and politely watched ballerinas dance The Nutcracker by the food court. By all indications, special days are headed our wayโฆ
In the meantime, thereโs so much to do! Tonight, I go to the PADS Campus for the Vaccine Clinic. And my Favourite Person Susan is taking me to meet Don Quixote, the rescued Donkey.ย
AND, my first ever Puppy Swap starts Monday! PADS Indy is coming to my house and Iโm going to hers – for 15 days! Iโll tell you all about it next time. Until then, wear your reindeer headband!
Submitted by: Mikal
