A Job at the Library
When Cabana became a therapy dog last year, our first choice (or at least my first choice) was to work at the local library where Cabana could be a reading buddy for children. There were no openings there at the time, but just last week, we were asked to take a regular shift on Tuesday afternoons.
For a bit of practice and to keep her from being overly excited on our first official shift of work, in an effort to be all organized and prepared, I took Cabana to the library a few days before. She did a great job and was, surprisingly, very calm. She sat obediently and allowed the children's librarian to pet her. We walked easily through the stacks, and she behaved like she'd been there a million times before! Piece of cake!
Then, yesterday, we went back for the "real thing". And this time, for whatever reason, Cabana was UBER excited! So much for the practice and trying to think ahead...sigh. It's true that there were more children in the area than previously, but there had been children there on the practice visit, too. Who knows why, but the energy level was just different. After trying to jump all over the librarian and a few other adults, Cabana contained herself. Thankfully, she doesn't ever jump on children (only because they're already at her level, I don't think it's due to any great obedience on her part). She settled down very nicely on the "reading blankie" I made for this purpose, and we had about 6-7 kids read to her.
I had a great time. The kids were so adorable, and they seemed to think Cabana was adorable, too. We're looking forward to going back next Tuesday.
