Hi, Everyone!
Wow, October was a month of contrasts. On one hand, I had lots of βdecompressionβ time. On the other, I had some new, exciting experiences that needed βdecompressingβ from. So, a perfect PADS pup-in-training month, Iβd say!
My favourite new experience was a 3-day North Shore Adventure with raiser Fiona and her family. Fiona is magnificent (see photo)! This was my first stay-over in a new place with a new handler, and I found it very stimulating (especially on Day 1.) Itβs possible I did a few rascal behaviours during my adjustment, but Fiona didnβt hold it against me. She knows all about adolescent PADS boys and (extra lucky for me) she knows all about my dad Cleat and his sons – so, she has insight! We went on forest walks and played on the tennis court. I even got to borrow a blue raincoat and play with a yellow frisbee. On my last day, I met up with PADS Betty, when she arrived for her stay-over. See, PADS pups just love spending time with Fiona!
Also, this month, we had some home repairs going on. That was pretty exciting – with trades coming & going, bringing different sights & sounds. I quickly got used to the commotion and tools scattered about. Now, I donβt pay much attention (because I actually sort of expect it.)
So, βdecompressingβ came in handy. I tried to make the most of my forest walks by exploring more and enjoying long βgo sniffsβ (which was pretty easy with all the wet leaves and frost to snuffle.) Also, I continued to work on making smooth transitions from high engagement (which I love) to low engagement (which isnβt my favourite.) And ignoring marshmallows on the floor at Safeway is always fun. Plus, lately, Iβve been expanding my nose touch. Itβs hilarious! My raiser sticks a yellow magnet on the refrigerator and I BOOF it. She has to remember to take it off or I just keep offering BOOFS.
Oh! And I had great fun at Dagerpaatch Pumpkins for Pups! It was so festive with kids, dogs, live musicβ¦ and, of course, pumpkin carving, which filled the air with pumpkin scent and the floor with orange pulp. It was also quite a cozy event – the perfect setting for giving βgreetsβ and getting cuddles. I even posed for my first-ever Selfie with a new young friend! PADS Muffin, Mercedes and Strudel were there. Strudel and I exchanged several lingering nose touches (which I liked VERY much.) Plus, Lydia brought homemade yam chips that she shared with all of us!
Thanks so much for checking in on me! In a few days, I have my GDBart Assessment. Jeez, that sounds official. I have no idea what to expect – but itβs on campus, so, itβs sure to be fun. Iβll tell you all about it next time. Until then, decompress, eat yam chipsβ¦and go meet Fiona!!
Submitted by: Mikal
