Spocksdad Takes Eva to School District Awards Ceremony
(Sorry about long read, I'm in my "
Lannie Mode" this Sat morning!)
Eva, myself and DW attended School District Superintendent Awards on Thurs. This was for our volunteer work in Pet Partners Read With Me program over last 1-1/2 years at our local E.S.!
We all arrived 15 min early with Eva at Community Learning Center. Found out awards ceremony being held on 2nd floor and choice was open back stairs or elevator. Eva had been up on neither! She's good on stairs at home and other public places, but open back stairs - Nada! We got up first flight to landing and Eva hunkered down (literally). Went back down and took elevator up to 2nd floor.
Entered large conference room and found about 100 people milling around talking loudly. Seating for 250 was set up. We met up with Reading Director and principal of our school, also there to support us. Another Pet Partners handler, was also attending for an award, but couldn't bring her dog. We sat up front, but as more people filled the room, Eva became more nervous because of the loud noise of (200)+ adults talking at once! My wife stayed at our seats while I walked Eva out to the restroom/ lounge area across lobby which was very quiet. She met some young kids there and was friendly to them, despite coming from an anxious environment. I also took her back to first floor and out back of building for another potty break. Came back inside and hung out in quiet lounge area until ceremony started.
When MC started talking and conference room quieted down, I walked Eva back in and took our seats. She was calmer this time in room, but did get nervous when applause broke out after each award was handed out. I kept feeding her kibble treats to keep her settled. Also, in the conference room was (3) other Therapy Dogs from Paws For Service, also getting award that night. When our name was called, Eva went up to school superintendent to receive award and take photos. Eva did well, but was still not completely relaxed.
After taking our seats, the (3) other Therapy Dogs and handlers were called to platform for awards. A large white Great Pyrenees dog, female, while up at speaker's platform, started giving Eva a serious stare down, which she returned, but remained lying prone on carpet. I quickly gave her some more treats to divert her attention. The large white dog almost pulled her handler out of the camera view when the photos were taken! (see pics below)
After the ceremony finished, and the room cleared out some. Several children and adults came over to meet Eva. She was very sweet and loving to all that petted her during this event, even though stressed from the new experience. Even though she's accustomed to classes of children at the school each week during reading visits, a room large room full of 200 adults talking was a frightful thing!
Funny side note- On way out, we stopped by large tables at back of conference room filled with cookies, doughnut holes, drinks and other refreshments. I picked up a glazed hole to give Eva, as a treat for job well done. Normally, she would woof it down, but on this occasion, she put it in mouth, then slowly let it roll out back out onto carpet! Maybe a sign of her review of ceremony?
We departed via elevator and Eva was certainly thankful to be heading home. She slept well after that fatiguing and traumatic experience! :2smile:
First Blooper Picture Posted on FB w/Writeup
(At End of 1+hr. of long ceremony- Eva ready to GO!)
2nd Picture- Money Shot- Eva Stressed, Looking at Other Pack
2nd Therapy Group - Great Pyr. Straining Toward Eva, Off Cam to Right, Pulling Handler!
Reason I took Eva vs. Spock was that I was informed ahead of ceremony (unlike before school career day) that other dogs would be attending also.
I knew Eva was very strange dog tolerant and ignores them. Spock notices all strange dogs and wants to go smell and play with them, usually. Didn't want any incidents happening to mar ceremony or embarrass school or Pet Partners. (e.g. 10PM News headlines- "Therapy Dogs Cause Ruckus at Awards Ceremony") :2surprise:
Eva Back Home Recovering from Her "Trauma" - Withdrawing to her Puppy Fetal Position!
When I looked back on my decision to take Eva, I get sad, as it was really Spock's award to receive. He was the first Dobe to start reading at the school back in 2018. However, I had to consider the greater good and putting forth a good public perception of the therapy dog program. When Spock's eligible for this award again (in 2 yrs.) he might not be around... :|