Oh, where to begin? Our journey with our pup, Larry Bird (dog) as they call him at the pharmacy ; ) , has been both complex and rewarding. I can say with certainty that without the support of AWS, Larry Bird’s life would not be what it is today. It all started with the kindness and compassion we experienced in our very first class—a shy dog class. Larry Bird had faced past trauma, and even getting him to attend was a significant challenge. The trainer collaborated with us ahead of time, developing a plan to help us get him to the building and into the class.
From there, we learned how to meet Larry Bird where he was and how to celebrate what seemed like the smallest victories, which, for him, were monumental. Larry Bird went on to complete all the basics as well as the sampler classes. These helped us discover what he enjoyed, what was too overwhelming for him, and what activities would build his confidence while gradually expanding his world piece by piece. He even earned his CGC title and his Tricks title! We’ve also explored scent work classes, which he really enjoys.
Larry Bird has the sweetest and most gentle nature, and all the trainers at AWS were incredibly understanding. They truly did everything possible to ensure that each experience was positive for him. Their unwavering support and expertise have made an immeasurable impact on our lives.
