Kayla, Batman and The Mailbox
Yesterday I told Julie that I missed a true Nikon moment. Kayla & Batman went with me to get the mail – Kayla on lead, Batman free. Before I got too close to the dirt road, I told Kayla plotz. She & Batman both downed in the field, side-by-side, and stayed that way until I returned from the mailbox and said, “break.” Of course, no camera.
So today I took my point & shoot along—just in case. Yep, they both downed, only before I returned Batman sat and stayed that way until I said, “break.” They are at least 60′ from the mailbox. Kayla is an excellent trainer—she’s doing a pretty good job with a pup that is 9 weeks & 3 days old!
I have a photo of them both down but it isn’t as cute as this one. Oh yes, and the Ear Fairy came last night! 
Lily Goes to School!
Last week my darling 3rd grade grandson asked me to come to his school this week as his “special person”. If that wasn’t enough to melt my heart, his second request was! He asked if I could bring Lily with me. I was so shocked and so surprised, but gave an immediate answer of “yes”.
This morning was the morning of our visit to Knapps Charter Academy 4th Grade class of 23 students. My heart raced as I put Lily’s harness on her and packed up a bunch of treats for the children to give her. Would she sit, stay, down, heal for me in front of a crowd of students? Would all my training pay off? Would she jump on the students or teacher?
We walked into the school side by side and registered in the office. The office staff went nuts and wanted to pet her badly. I told them they could only pet her IF she was in a sit position, so I put her in a sit position and just like magic she sat while petted by everyone! She licked everyone’s hand before we left the office. We were off to a good start.
Down the hall we went to Ethan’s 4th grade classroom and when we walked in the door there were 23 sets of eyes and numerous OOHS! and AHHS! as we walked in the door. No pulling on the harness, no barking! She sat by my side as I taught the children about the history of the German Shepherd and how to take care of their dogs by walking them, bathing them and changing their water 2 times a day, micro-chipping, grooming and how to respect dogs.
The children wanted to know how many criminals Lily had caught…I couldn’t help but chuckle and explain that Lily was not a police dog, but a very special dog that I am training to visit nursing homes. They couldn’t believe she wasn’t wild and growling. I had my work cut out for me to explain how docile any dog can be if you treat it with respect. I showed them the correct way to engage a dog that you have been given permission to pet. It was magical! They all sat at their desks like little sponges soaking up all the knowledge I could give them.
I then invited each child up who wanted to pet Lily and give her a treat. I carefully showed them how to extend their hands with the treat on it and give it to Lily. Lily got 21 treats that morning…only 2 children shied away. What a triumph! I had never been so proud of Lily as I was at that moment. She performed on cue when I asked her to sit, stay, down and shake for the students. I will NEVER forget this moment as long as I live!
This is an Alta Tollhaus Dog! This is my baby and I owe Julie & Carole so much gratitude for this moment in time with my Princess Lily! Just had to share this with everyone!