Such a proud puppy mama I am. After 6 sessions, Miss Belle has *graduated* puppy education classes at Petco (where the pets go, ya know). Sharon, the instructor, has been such a fun and knowledgable person to work with, and Belly took to her immediately... although I *think* i might have had something to do with the liver treats that Sharon keeps in her pocket ;)
Belle received a graduation certificate, a Petco bandana, and a fuzzy squeak toy in honor of her hard work and dedication to learning.
Sh'yeah, RIGHT!!
The certificte, bandana and squeak toy really should have been given to Bobio, as he was the trainer-extrordinaire... working with her every day so she could master her fantastical puppy skills. Seriously, if the training had been left solely to me, the girlie would be proficient in stamping and mini books. She could probably teach beginner scrapbooking, too. ;) But Bobio valliantly stepped in and tought her how to do cool things like sit, lie down, roll over, and *dance*.
Miss Belle was on her *best* behavior, I think she knew it was a special occasion.
Her puppy friends were all in attendance, too. Edie, the Boygan Spaniel (I am SO spelling that wrong!!), Angel, the Papillon (probably spelled that wrong, too), and Missy, the Beagle. Edie is like the star of the class, always listens to her mom and dad, has all the commands down pat. And she's a georgous chocolate color with a wavy coat. She's gonna learn how to hunt with her dad, I'm told. Angel was only 4 lbs. 
when she started class and has grown to be able to hold her own against the much bigger pups. She doesn't walk, or waddle, she *prances* everywhere she goes. SO cute. Missy... well, I guess there's always one in the class that just makes you wonder ;) She's sweet enough, but isn't *quite* on the same page as the other dogs. And she likes to get into the wet cat food at home before coming to class, so generally ends up leaving "presents" in the middle of the floor. But she's happy and pretty, so you can't get too mad at her :)
It has been so much fun to watch the puppies learning and growing and playing together.. Sharon told us that we have been her favorite group to work with. Figures, must have something to do with Belle's shining personality ;) She likes us so much, infact, that she said even though our official class has ended, we can keep coming on Friday nights for a socialization hour.. how fantastical is that??!!
Belly was so wiped out when we got home after all of the excitement of the night... she couldn't even keep her head up in the car. Her papa took her outside to "do her business", then she put herself to bed. Yep, she was so tired that she moseyed on into her crate and snuggled with her Tigger and completely crashed. She didn't even flinch when the flash went off in her face because I had to capture the moment forever.
Oh, and guess what? She spent the whole night in her big-girl crate. First time ever!! She's still in her travel crate in out bedroom at night, but maybe not so much anymore. She was up at 5 am today... an hour earlier than usual. Not so sure I'm in love with that, but we managed some good snuggle time on the couch for a while. Guess even puppy girls have to grow up, too.
Congrats on your edu-ma-cated puppy!!
Posted by: Angela | June 23, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Well done Bella and Bobby on graduating.
Posted by: EJ | June 23, 2007 at 07:01 PM
Huge congrats to Belle. What an accomplishment. I'm looking forward to signing Pixel up for puppy kindergarten. She is learning the sit command pretty good though and finally gettin' the hang of going outside to 'do her business'. fun stuff isn't it?! :) Belle looks adorable as ever. So fun to see a puggle that's just a bit ahead of Pixel so I know what's to come. :) Hope you're enjoying your weekend. :)
Posted by: Shawn | June 23, 2007 at 11:11 PM
What a smart girl. WTG, Belle!
Posted by: Janice | June 27, 2007 at 05:58 AM