The dog who gives school 'another layer of happiness'

M

M.F.

Snowie would love this occupation. I feel so sorry for him living in such a quiet house. He just loooves visitors.

He’s also so brilliant at helping people overcome their fear of dogs. Just a couple of days ago, I took a colleague visiting from the US for a walk on a mountain trail. On our way from work to home to pick up Snowie, she says: “Um, I’m not the most pet-friendly person.” Oops. “Are you scared of dogs?” “I’ve been bitten twice. As long as your dog doesn’t lick or jump up, I’ll be fine.” “He won’t do either, don’t worry.” We get home, I open the gate, and Snowie is so excited (he’s always over the top excited when I get home, it’s lovely!) and more so cos there’s a visitor. And totally out of character, he runs to her and jumps up, two paws on her hips!! Ooopsie!!! But do you know what, he won over her heart. By the end of the walk, she wanted every photo (she photographed every inch of the view!!) with her and Snowie. She was amazed that he walked with us off lead (she said in the States where she lives, all dogs are on lead so she just assumed an off-lead dog would run off. Confession: I always begin a long walk eating an apple that I share with him—definitely draws us closer!) and that he was so happy to pose for all the photos (he’s well trained in that regard!). It’s not the first time he’s won over the heart of a person scared of dogs. I think it’s a Lab thing. She said he looked like a teddy bear when he sat waiting for attention (he knows if he wants attention, sitting will get it—glad we reinforced it, good for people afraid of a large dog), and I guess most Labs have that friendly expression. There should be more dogs in schools. Also, it provides a good opportunity to teach kids how to behave around dogs. This was such a heart-warming video. Thanks for sharing.
 
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