Summer is here. You would never know it from the rain last Friday. We were all drenched. The dogs were filthy!!! I had to laugh and will never forget last Friday :) I realized we need a lot more round rocks!!!! It turned into a foot deep pool!!! The dogs were covered and so were the Aunties!!! I had to rinse almost every Woofer off before home time. I truly was laughing although it was a tiring day :) You could not help but laugh. Just look at the pictures below!!! Some of our Woofers refused to come inside. They wanted to play in the mud pool and they are not allowed to do that :) Our house looked like a bomb went off!! It took 5 hours of straight cleaning to see the floors and walls which Auntie Candace did on Saturday… I just kept my rainwear on all day.




I wanted to write about another group of personalities. Our “shy and reserved” group. Members of this group are probably the most fun to watch grow over time. Some of our Woofers and Wagglers in this group include:

Maya
Chopper Sue
Penny
Sasha
Nevaeh
Zoey
Zoe
Sophie
Tissue
**and many more :)

This group approaches daycare unsure about other furry friends and the new environment. Their body language ranges from a bit stiff and unsure (a bit on the defense) to head down and trying not to be noticed and sending a message saying “I am here but please just give me space”. Many times this group will stay by Aunties side or beside walls and corners. They are not cowering or shaking. Not at all. They are reserved and taking time to acclimatize. This group takes about 2- 5 visits to come out and start engaging in the sniff new friends slowly.

We love this group because we call them “the light bulb group”. Out of nowhere most all of them all of a sudden come out of their shells and initiate play. Many of them become big players. To watch this moment and see them “wake up” is inspiring as they learn to interact and play and love their time at daycare. This is a very rewarding group as we guide them and nurture “their development” at daycare.

I also wanted to say that if this group after about 5 visits do not allow the “light bulb of play” to turn on we always communicate their journey with the parents. If we do not see them slowly growing and flourishing we are the first to say that daycare is not the spot for them. We have sadly said goodbye to a couple of our Wagglers who did not grow but we celebrate the many who have :) Auntie Candace is particularly proud to be part of that nourishment :)

They are the most rewarding group as they come to daycare unsure of what it is like “to be a dog” and to play with others and they grow to recognize that they are safe to play with others. We have had many that had difficulties walking with the parents as they were reactive to other dogs and after time in daycare they realize that dogs are just dogs and not to be defensive, reactive or dominant around them.

These are the dogs that are truly rewarding!!! We thank all the parents in trusting us to socialize their little ones and encourage, nurture and oversee and be a part of their development :)

Truly it is rewarding to be with and around all our Woofers and Wagglers and to watch them bond, lick, nibble, tail butt, bark, sing, chase and love each other. There is always tons left for all the Aunties as we are spoiled with hugs, kisses and unconditional affection!!!

Thanks everyone! :)