Abby's FANTASTIC Day Out!

[Ril-Mas]

We took Abby out today to get some more socialization in and she did amazing! We started off with our local pet store. She was brave enough to go meet a few people and she allowed them to pet her. Then she met a black pug and they started to play a little bit. Next up was a large golden retreiver who she exchanged friendly sniffs with. On our way to the cash register we ran into another puppy (boxer/bulldog mix) and they started to play. The black pug from earlier also joined in. The cashiers were laughing at the three of them batting each other around.

The pet store is only about 5 minutes away from the nursing home that my aunt is staying so we figured we'd swing by. It's a great nursing home and they allow pets inside to visit as long as they're friendly. My aunt hadn't met Abby yet with all of her health issues so we figured it would be nice to surprise her.

My aunt has to be in a wheel chair unless she's with a nurse so I stayed outside with Abby while my mom went in and get her. While outside there were a few kids running around and playing in the park/sitting area. They spotted Abby and asked if they could pet her so I said yes, but asked that they walk and not run and let her go to them. They did as I asked and while she was shy at first Abby did go up and sniff the kids and allowed them pet her. Then my aunt came out in her wheel chair. Abby was very nervous about the chair at first, but she quickly got over that and greeted my aunt with a few licks on the hand.

From there we all walked back inside to bring my aunt back to her room. Abby then got to ride the elevator which slightly freaked her out for a couple of seconds, but she quickly got over that as well. Abby then got to meet a few nurses as well as my aunt's roomate. She was shy at first, but after just a few seconds she would go up to people to sniff them and let them pet her. She also got to see more wheelchairs, walkers, and people along with all kinds of noises and smells.

We praised her all throughout the day and when we left the nursing home she had such a bounce in her step. You could tell she gained some more confidence and that she was proud of herself. We were pretty proud of her too! She's really coming around.

[af_wx_wife]

Sounds like Abby had a great day out. What a nice surprise for your aunt as well. I love taking my girls out & seeing how they do with other dogs (bigger & smaller than them). Do your other dogs act like they are jealous when you take only 1 of them out like that? I know if I take one & leave the other they cry out.

[Laneysmom]

Aww, how nice is that!!! God bless her little boxer heart!

[Ril-Mas]

Originally Posted by af_wx_wife

Sounds like Abby had a great day out. What a nice surprise for your aunt as well. I love taking my girls out & seeing how they do with other dogs (bigger & smaller than them). Do your other dogs act like they are jealous when you take only 1 of them out like that? I know if I take one & leave the other they cry out.

Not really. Mason prefers to be at home. He may be jealous at first, but once he sees us getting into the car he settles down. I give Logan a stuffed Kong downstairs so he doesn't see us leaving. He's too distracted by the Kong. I do take him sometimes by himself though. We've tried and tried to bring Mason places, but it's just not him. At his age (almost 10) we don't want to force him either.

[af_wx_wife]

Pheona goes nuts when we leave with Murphy. Maggie up to the end, if she saw a leash, she'd go crazy.

[tguinter]

great job Abby

[sasasola]

Oh she's doing great! Way to go Abby!

[Keenyah n Horatio]

Awwww. that is fantastic Abby is finding her comfort in your family and coming out of her shell! I wish there was a nursing home around here that I could take Horatio to. I've been thinking about doing CGC with him and taking him to the military hospitals.

[Ril-Mas]

It's funny you should mention that because I was talking to my mother about that after our visit with Abby. Of our three it's Abby (as of right now) who would be the best with that. Mason gets anxious outside of his comfort zone so he wouldn't do well with it. Logan's a real sweetheart, but boy is he bouncy! He loves getting in your face to smother you with kisses. I don't think that would work very well. Although with training I'm sure it could be corrected. Abby's pretty mellow and is turning into quite the lovebug too. If she continues on this path she'd probably be great for something like that.

[Gypsiemouse]

Sounds like Abby had quite the day and loved it.