BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – 02.08.2011

Orso received a couple of equally special invitations from two very special friends this past week.  The first invitation was by Sheila Lieberman of Loving Obedience Dog Training to come over to her home and spend some quality time together.  The second invitation was from Dee Hoult of Applause Your Paws Dog Training to act as a special guest at her Puppy Socialization & Manners group class.  Orso proudly accepted both invitations, via me, his personal assistant and social coordinator.  This meant, of course, that Orso would get to skip out on his Tuesday night group conformation training with The Herzon Family.  With his first shows quickly approaching, I know he can use all the conformation training he can get but I felt this night’s plans would be a well-deserved experience for him.

Our night started at Sheila’s house, where Orso hung out with us the entire time inside her home, specifically in the kitchen, which undoubtedly is Orso’s favorite room in Sheila’s house.  We spent about 2 hours there talking about dog shows and life in general.  In true Sheila fashion, she was extremely hospitable and made whole wheat biscuits (YUM!) and filet mignon for us to enjoy while chatting!  Orso patiently hung out with us in the kitchen in a down-stay and even got to briefly meet 2 of Sheila gorgeous German Shepherds – Liddy & Bertha.  Sheila sent us on our way with some home-made doggie treats too!  Thanks, Sheila, for having us over!

Our next stop was Dee’s 8pm class.  It felt like just yesterday that we were making the Tuesday night drive to Dee’s group puppy class held in Dr. Pane’s reception area at South Kendall Animal Clinic.  This time, though, Orso wasn’t a student, he was instead a special guest.  Orso is a special puppy because he is only 7 months old but weighs over 100 pounds.  He is a big boy who still behaves like the puppy that he still is, so it gives Dee’s students a chance to socialize with a puppy who is substantially bigger than any of them, but still kind, gentle (for the most part) and playful.  After telling her class about Orso and warning them that he is a giant, Dee walked him into the clinic’s lobby on his leash just in case.  Dee read my last blog entry and figured she’d play it safe and keep the leash on for a little while, LOL!  Below is a video clip that’s a couple of minutes long of Orso coming in to the clinic and meeting all the puppies in the class.  After a little while, Dee felt comfortable taking Orso off his leash and letting him roam about freely.  He had such a great time as I stood in a corner watching Orso play with these tiny puppies for almost an hour!  Below is a second video clip that shows Orso playing off-leash with all the puppies.  It was a great experience for everyone and we are truly gracious that Dee included us in her class!  Thanks, Dee!