The Love Shack Pack's Summer Library Programs

Kudzu has now joined mom for two presentations at two different libraries (some sixty miles apart) for their summer library programs.  The first one was at our local library where Kudzu and Scarlet helped teach kids about responsible dog ownership and bite prevention. 

Kudzu did a good job.  He laid at mom's feet for most of the presentation and then loved on the kids a bit towards the end.  Scarlet is a seasoned pro at these kinds of things.  She loves the attention and works well in this setting.

A few days later Kudzu was invited to come back to his home-town's library to participate in the same presentation.  (Considering that six weeks ago Kudzu's former owner had no regard for Kudzu's life and had chosen to have him put to sleep rather than deal with the burden of a 'disabled' dog, we think it is pretty cool that Kudzu is now teaching kids (and adults) how to be responsible dog owners.)  This time Kudzu even appeared in a local newspaper.

 There were several children at this library that were afraid of dogs.  We hope we helped them overcome that fear and learn that dogs just want to love and be loved.

Mom says that I'm not quite ready to participate in programs like this just yet.  I lack the calm personality that Kudzu displays.  Upon accompanying mom to the library for kids to read to me last week, I well demonstrated her point.  For one, I don't understand the "no talking" rule.  Ok, hoo-mans, that is just dumb.  How else do I get your attention without destroying something?   So I barked a few or ten times.  Is there really any harm in that?  Mom says the best display of my true puppy-like tendencies came as we were leaving the library.  I didn't quite understand that the glass doors had to be pushed open.  So I attempted to walk through them.  Twice.  Neither time was successful.  Each time brought a roar of laughter from those looking on.  (I thought they were suppose to be quiet in the library too!)

So now I'm a big goof.  As long as it makes my family smile, I guess that's reward enough.

AROOOOF!
Boondocks and The Love Shack Pack

Kudzu's First Therapy Dog Visit

Just a month past his leg amputation, Kudzu made his first appearance as a "therapy dog in training" yesterday.  Some dogs are just born to be therapy dogs, and Kudzu is certainly among them. 

At the library, he laid still next to Isaac as Isaac read a "Clifford the Big Red Dog" book to him.  (Isaac was featured with his golden, Cosmo, in yesterday's post.)

Then Kudzu chilled out with big sister, Dacey, at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League while Mom took pictures of some of the newest arrivals.

Kudzu LOVES being LOVED!

BARL pup, Meeko.  Such a cutie!!

Once Mom finished up there (after taking 75 pictures!), we went to the nursing home.  Mom has taken lots of dogs to the nursing home over the past seven years.  She says that most of them behave nice enough, but few of them instinctually know why they are there.  Kudzu is one of those few.  The first resident that Kudzu visited was a lady sitting in a recliner.  He promptly put his front paw in her lap and attempted to lick her face.  Everyone he met shared the same reaction: surprised by joy!  Everyone quickly inquired as to the nature of his injury and the meaning of his name.  Our favorite moment of the afternoon came when we visited with a lady who owned a Golden Retriever before moving into the nursing home.  Since she is bed bound, Mom helped Kudzu up on to her bed and then helped the lady to put her arm over Kudzu.  She held him tightly for several minutes.  It blessed all of us to see her reaction to him.

It was a great day.  Kudzu even got some extra treats for behaving so nicely.  Once we were home though, all he wanted to do was SLEEP.  You could honetly say Kudzu was "dog tired".

  He worked hard on his first day in training.  We were all very proud of him.

          Kudzu relaxing on the "dog couch" after a long day.

                                          

AROOOOF!

Boondocks and Kudzu

(Not sure why the font is not displaying in appropriate size.  Sorry for any inconvience!)