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!
Pam how cool. What an honor for both of you. Alot of people have misconceivved notions about German Shepherds. Like you said kids are like sponges, and now is the time to teacg them about such things as you did today. The time and effort that you put into this, coukd wind up being something bigger, you never know who tells who things.
At the very least you did the breed a great service and made alot of peoples day alot brighter.
Way to Go!
perfectly said, ditto!
Way to go Lily!! Pam, what a wonderful dog you’ve raised, it says a lot about you too. I know what you mean about the Ooh and Ahh’s. 😉
A-T dogs commands presence don’t they?
I am very proud of you & Lily. You and Art are great dog parents!
Props to your grandson for raising such a cool grandma. 😉
Kayla says Props to her Baby Girl!!
What a fabulous day. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Lily sounds like a perfect class subject.
Pam, that’s terrific! Not only did Lily serve as a terrific ambassador of the breed, you helped to educate a whole crew of kids about dogs. Talk about accomplishments in one day!
this comment section needs a “like” button!
I have been on the blog with Grizzly for 9 months now, and this was by far my favorite post yet!! Congrats — what a great story.
Even without pictures, this is one of favorite posts. It shows you what one dog (and owner) can do to teach and inspire the next generation of dog people!
Way to go Lily!!
What an awesome day!! Chris and I are so glad you’re loving Lily. Nothing beats an Alta-Tolhaus pup 🙂 When Roman went to work with Chris, he tried to steal someones lunch.
LOLOLOLOL really I laughed out loud and spit on my screen!
Pam thank you so much for sharing your afternoon with Lily and the grade school class at Knapps Academy. It was very touching and I would have cried if not for the comic relief of the question “how many criminals has Lily caught?”
Thank you Pam.