Valentine Yappy Hour

The doggy socialization this past week was so much fun for humans and dogs. In the spirit of Valentine's day, humans brought food to share, each dog got a special Valentine treat, and Valentine portraits were taken of the dogs. In my last post I shared a behind the scenes look of the making of the pup-cakes.

I was really looking forward to class this week. When you live in the North East and make plans in February you never know if the weather will cooperate. As I was driving home from work it began to snow. I love snow. Kozmo loves snow. However, I am irrationally terrified to drive in the snow and it was really coming down. By the time I got home I there was 2-3 inches on the ground. I was so upset, how could the weather cancel my plans to take Kozmo to Yappy Hour!?!?!?

I didn't stay up late making pup-cakes to stay home. So I loaded up the pup-cakes, my pup, and Kozzy and I made our way to Yappy Hour. The snow was much heavier in our little village and as we got closer to our destination the snow decreased. We arrived a few minutes late and the dogs were already playing.

Kozmo bound into the room with his usual enthusiasm and was soon greeted by his friend Sunny and the other dogs. Our first order of business was the formal Valentine portrait. When it was Kozmo's turn I tried to get him to sit and stay for a photo. He was distracted and ran after tennis balls intended for other dogs, twice. We managed to get a photo of a mostly still Kozmo and he went back to running and chasing tennis balls.

My funny, furry Valentine

When I dropped off the pup-cakes I couldn't believe how many yummy treats the other humans brought to share. Kozmo's new routine during socialization is to run and run and run and then lay down with his tennis ball. Something new and wonderful happened. Kozmo let a total stranger approach him and start petting his belly. My heart melted. My sweet shelter pup has come such a long way. I was a proud human.

It's not a great photo. Heck, it's not even an ok photo. But what I was able to capture with my phone is a very special moment. Before I started coming to dog socialization a few short weeks ago Kozmo would have never, NEVER, allowed this to happen. I really enjoyed talking to this very nice couple and Kozmo really wanted to play with their dog. The two dogs played well for a few minutes, then they got a bit rough, and then as soon as someone threw a tennis ball Kozmo was distracted and onto the next thing.

As Yappy Hour was winding down I tried to make my way to the food area and try some of the many delicious looking treats available. I picked up a pretzel and stuck it in some dip, as I was putting the pretzel to my mouth I looked up to see my dog pooping on the floor! So much for dinner. By the time I was done cleaning up after Kozmo, collected his Valentine portrait, and gathered up his tennis balls, it was time to go home.

Next time there is a Yappy Hour I am going to follow the wise example set by Sunny and Marcy's human. I am going to go early, leave Koz in the car, and enjoy some food and human socialization during the little dog play group and then be able to focus all of my attention on Kozzy during the big dog hour. Kozmo and I are looking forward to the remaining two dog socialization classes. This has been a wonderful experience for dogs and humans.