Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I GRADUATE THIS WEEK!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
TOBY here...

Hello there ever-furry-buddy!
It's been a while since I blogged. Thank you everyone for being so patient with me!
Maxmom has been otherwise occupied, but I've missed you all and thought I'd ask her to help me update you about the things in my life...

Here at home...
Life is very good! ...and I am very happy!
I get to watch TV and I spend most of my time with Aunt Tam' and Maxmom.

I am getting really big now: I weigh 19kgs already.  Maxmom says I will NEVER be too big to cuddle...I must say - I am very glad about that!
I have developed some endearing traits already - like waking Maxmom up in the morning and carrying my blanket around while whimpering sweetly as I try to tell the peeps my stories. I love romping, playing and fetching.  And of course... I LOVE MY FOOD!
On Saturdays I get to go to puppy classes...
We have a class of about 20 pups and there are about four golden retrievers, so I don't feel so alone.

I have already learned to "sit" nicely to play nicely ("Free") with all the other pups.  I have also learned to "come", to "stay", to "paw" (with both my left and my right paw), to "down" , to "leave", to "stand" and I am learning to "play dead" too. At home, I have learned to 'fetch' things out of the pool...I really love swimming!
They have introduced us to many wonderful things at puppy school...like not to be scared of people in funny clothes, large rubber gloves or umbrellas...
This Saturday they did another funny thing:
They went around to all our handlers who each got to 'choose' a piece of paper. 

On Maxmom's piece of paper, it said:

"Your dog has been in a dog fight, he has puncture wounds on his left hind leg...please bandage them up!" 
...BOL!
All the pups had different 'pretend' injuries on their pieces of paper and their handlers had to bandage them up too...

Then all us pups got to parade our injuries and our bandages around the school. 
Just to add to the vibe, we played our part too - we all "limped"  to show our pretend injuries!
No matter where the pups were bandaged (even their ears), they limped, BOL!
Maxmom though it was very funny!
The instructors say that it is a good exercise for us to get accustomed to having bandages on...
I wonder....?

Then I was picked out from my class-mates to demonstrate something too horrible for words....

The instructors gave lessons to our handlers on how to muzzle us with a bandage.
Maxmom thought that was very interesting!  
(She finds the weirdest things interesting!)
 Me? I dunno!

Then we got to do my favourite things....the obstacle courses...where I get a lot of treats!



 Anyway, this coming Saturday is my last 'puppy class' lesson and guess what...
I GRADUATE!

They say we will celebrate the occasion by going down to the river and romping in the water.  We are going to LOVE that!  I can't wait. 

Doggie school starts again in the new year where I will be joining up with an obedience class. 
In the meantime Maxmom says she is going to continue training me at home so that I don't forget things. 

My other news is that I am probably going to attend my first 'Open' show in early December.
That should be fun...I will get an opportunity to sniff a lot of other doggies. Can't wait for that either!

But for the moment, I am enjoying our garden at home. There are interesting plants to enjoy...



 And there is always my...
"AUNT TAM'"
 She has been the best doggie coach a pup could want!
I really love my 'Aunt Tam'

"Thank you, Aunt Tam' for teaching me to be a calm and loving pup!
"I love you lots!"


Now I have some other things to do...

Sending lotsalicks to you all!

 

29 comments:

Dexter said...

Well, little dude, just keep in mind that puppy school is a piece of cake. Just wait until you are a teenager and have to go to real school. Then the fun begins for sure.

I think that the instructions on how to help a sick puppy are very important. Yuh. I am even going to suggest it to my trainer dude.

Slobbers,
Mango

MySpecialDoggies said...

You are really growing up Toby! And yes, your Mom needs to know important stuff like bandaging and muzzling (just in case).

Good luck at graduation. Neeli wants to know if you'll wear a cap for your graduation like she did?

Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)

Becky Andrews said...

Congratulations on your soon to be graduation! You are so cute and how fun to learn about your school. You are adorable and glad you aren't really hurt!

Angus said...

Big fella - I'm guessing your going to come out top of the class.

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Toby,
I bets you were da best in your class too. You sure learned a lot in your puppy class, WAY more than I had to learn in mine, good fur you! :)

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Zona said...

Toby, clearly you're doing GREAT in class!! And so adorable... even with a fake ouchie.

Wags,
Zona

Kari said...

Goodness, how you have grown! The little puppy is growing into such a handsome boy. And you're going to graduate! Job well done.
We are really impressed with your puppy class. Staying in control when injured is one of the most important things you can learn.

We hope your mum has lots of photos of you carrying your blanket. Just the thought is too adorable for words.

WFT Nobby said...

Wow Toby, you learned far far more than I ever did in Puppy School. I have no doubt you will graduate with first class honours. Though I'm not sure about the idea of celebrating with a swim in the river! (Do they have an alternative option for the terriers?)

Of course, you will be wanting to attend my science class next Monday. It's Quantum Physics this time. You'll need a good night's sleep beforehand!

Toodle pip!
Bertie.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Toby, yoo have grown so much! And yoo are nearly ready to graduate too. We are so proud of yoo. Smoochies from us both ~ and from our mom.

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Toby, you are really growing!! You are almost a graduate!! Congratulations little guy!! Love the pictures and I still think the ones of you and Aunt Tam look like mom and son!! They are beautiful!! Lots of love, Holly and mom

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We love reading all about your life and all the things you are learning about, Toby.

You are indeed so lucky to have your "Aunt Tam" who looks out for you and teaches you.

Have fun celebrating your graduation!

Woofs and Purrs,
Tommy and The Chans

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Toby baby, congrats! You sure have grown a lot!
That was such a great pretend play class. Sounds like fun and funny too!

Sam & June & Mom

Anonymous said...

Awww, Toby! You sure are growing up fast. Congratulations on graduating from puppy school. I can't wait to see what new things you get to learn next!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

PeeS. Please tell MaxMom that we luved all the things that she's thankful for. They made us smile!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Toby you have been busy--Busy growing!! It's amazing how much you've grown since I last stopped by, and now you're graduating?? Time goes much too quickly!!! :-)

The Life of Riley said...

Hi Toby,

What a great idea for your puppy class to get you used to bandages and something around you mouth - though I hope you never need them. My mum wishes she thought to get me used to one of those Elizabethan collar (cone/ halo/bucket) things that goes around my head BEFORE I had my first surgery on my male bits - because when I got home I didn't know which end to be most worried about and got very upset by the cone thing and cried lots and wouldn't eat, drink or even move with it on. Now, every so often, I wear it around the house (to play games, chase balls, pick up food off the lawn, have a nap) so it is not an issue if I need it for real things (like hotspots).

I keep meaning to say that I love your Christmas photo at the top.

Have a good week my friend,
Woofs,
Riley

Piappies World said...

Oh wow, Toby! Congratulations on your graduation. We bet you're gonna get extra stars for being an A-pup!

We missed you but we do understand Maxmom having lots to do there. We hope that you are having a good week in SA.

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

Homer said...

Hey Toby,

You are so adorable and we want to hug you! We enjoyed reading your post and it makes us happy that you are having such a great time!

Love,
Homer

Mrs. JP said...

Wow, Toby is getting so big! That puppy school sounds very thorough--teaching them to not be afraid of so many different things. I think I'd like the obstacle course best too!
It's good to hear from you all.

Ms. ~K said...

Toby, where is that little pup? Look how you've grown!
Tell Mom she must post more often, you are growing up too fast and we are missing it!!!
xoxo
~K

Doris Sturm said...

I can't believe how big you have grown, Toby, since I saw you last. You are doing so well. I hope you know how lucky you are to have a loving mom like yours. You deserve only the best.

I watched that Christmas video of Max and I cried like a baby, because no matter how old a dog gets, it's so sad to have to say good-bye!

All the best to all your doggie family and have a wonderful week!

Doris and Gizzy

kks said...

Maxdog trained Tam, now she is training Toby!
Toby, you are the perfect puppy and getting sooo big!
Max would be vey proud!!
xoxo

houndstooth said...

Toby, I had to laugh about (Toby)Maxmom thinking all the limping puppies were funny! Does she not know that we are born with the knowledge of how to turn an injury into an immediate treat getting event? Keep her on her toes!

Bunny

Sheila and Bob said...

Toby, you are growing up so fast, congratulations on your upcoming graduation, we are sure it will be the first of many accomplishments you have in your life.

Hamish & Sophie

Two French Bulldogs said...

Maybe its like training to be a doctor Toby. Muzzles, bandages checking for injuries, nutty
Benny & Lily

Lorenza said...

Toby!
Yes! You are growing sooooo fast!
Congratulations on your class!
Sure you are doing it pretty well!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Suka said...

hey Toby,

You go to a pretty cool puppy school! Sounds like you pups not only learn a lot of great things, but get to have fun too! But like you, I wonder why you need to be prepared for bandages?!

Your Aunt Tam is the best! You two look so awesome together!

Good luck on graduating! Can't wait to see your graduation photos!

Suka

Molly the Airedale said...

Congratulations, Toby! You are the smartest young pup we know!
You are such a handsome boy!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh Toby
You graduate this Saturday? Oh your mama is going to be so proud.
You are soooooo smart, and cute of course,,,
and do you know what?
The world is falling in love with you

love
tweedles

Scout and Freyja said...

Did anyone ever tell you how cute you are? They have? All the time? Oh, you spoiled, loved, little pup☺