That's right, yesterday Don went to school for the very first time. He was a STAR and was so well behaved.
On Tuesday, I talked to my Spanish class and told them I would be bringing Don. Everyone was really looking forward to having a dog in the classroom, even my teacher. They were a bit disappointed to hear they couldn't pet him, but seemed to understand.
All morning long, I was SO excited. I got to school early to do an announcement over the loudspeaker. Kinda weird hearing my voice all over the school, but I think I got the message across that Don was a guide dog in training and not to pet, feed, or call out to him. My mom brought Don at lunch. I put on his GL, vest, and bait bag and we were off! There were only a couple minutes until the bell, so I walked him through the halls and outside a bit to get used to the atmosphere. A lot of kids were surprised to see a dog at school, and about 5 kids asked me if my dog was blind :) A couple people tried petting Don, but I had established pretty strict rules and once I reminded them, they stopped. All the students were really respectful of Don and his training. There are a lot of kids at my school who have GDB career changes and breeder dogs and are familiar with the organization. Plus, one of the teacher's husband is a Guide Dogs Mobility Instructor.
I got to class early and had Don "kennel" under the table. He watched people come into the classroom. Soon, Don fell asleep- and stayed that way for the rest of the class! Every now and then, he'd open his eyes and look around for a bit, then go back to sleeping. Everyone wondered how he could stay asleep in all the noise and commotion. About 15 minutes till the end of class, one of my classmates looked over at me, his eyes got really big, and he suddenly said, "THERE'S A DOG IN HERE!!!" Everyone started laughing.
After class, I had a WEB meeting (a program at our school where we help the incoming 6th graders). Don was great and got to meet a couple of my other teachers afterwards. My science teacher really liked Don and wants him to come to her class. Hurray!
All ready for school! Don sitting next to the front door, next to my backpack.
My brother had to get to a baseball game after school, so I didn't have time to take many pictures, but I got a few. Here is Don sitting by the lockers in the World Languages area of school.
Don with some classmates in the background.
"Hola, me llamo Don!"
Don is excited about learning a new language :)
Well done Don, sounds like your first day was stellar. Paris is also learning Spanish this year, she thinks it is rather boring. . . Also, I just got that book Fang too. :D Seeing it in your pic made me smile.
ReplyDeleteHappy 1st day of school Don, just remember no snoring in class! I have Waffle in a meeting when we all hear this loud snore coming from under the table. good thing they all thought she was cute.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Don had a great first day! The "blind dog" comments always make me laugh...don't know how much help a blind dog would be to a blind person! I bet Don will continue to be great at school : )
ReplyDeleteMegan- Maximum Ride is the best!!! Carrie- thankfully, Don didn't snore much at school, but he sure has before. Loudly, too! Sarah, I definitely agree, it's pretty funny how many people think GDB is for blind dogs! You'd think they'd think things through a bit, but I guess not :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh! I'm so glad Don was good at school. I shudder to think of Cabana with one of my daughters at their school--no one would learn anything (except about how guide dogs should NOT behave).
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