Author: DUNCAN, PAWS Dog
Guess who’s back?! That’s right, it’s ME, DUNCAN!
After spending the last several months in the PAWS Prison Partner Program, I’m officially back on campus at Paws With A Cause! And boy, do I have some updates to share!
A BIG Thank You to My Inmate Handlers
First, I have to give a BIG tail-wagging thank you to my inmate handlers. I had such a great time with them! They took wonderful care of me, taught me so many new skills, and gave me lots of love along the way. We worked hard together, and I’m so grateful for everything they did to help me prepare for my future. I sure hope I made them proud!
What’s Next for This Golden Boy?
Now that I’m back, it’s time for the next exciting chapter of my journey!
First up? A few health checks! I’ve been going through something called OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluations to help make sure my hips, elbows, and other important joints are healthy and ready for whatever comes next. Apparently, being a good boy requires more than just a handsome face!
It’s Time for the PAWS Dog Show!
Next comes something called a dog show! And before you get too excited, no, it’s not the kind where I get a fancy haircut and trot around for a blue ribbon. Although, let’s be honest, I’d look pretty good doing that, too.
At PAWS, a dog show is a series of skills assessments and enrichment activities that help the training and breeding teams learn more about me. They’ll look at my personality, confidence, abilities, and what I enjoy most to help determine which career path might be the best fit.
Will I become an assistance dog, partnering with a person with a disability to support greater independence?
Will I become a breeding dog, helping create the next generation of life-changing PAWS puppies?
Or could I be a facility dog, working alongside a professional to bring comfort, connection, and support to people in places like schools or hospitals?
SO. MANY. POSSIBILITIES!
My Journey Started With YOU!
I don’t know exactly where my journey will take me next, but I do know that I’ve had some pretty incredible humans helping me get this far. And you know what? My journey actually started with YOU!
That’s right, my friends. Before I ever learned my first cue, chased my first tennis ball, or dreamed of becoming a working dog, generous PAWS supporters like you were making my journey possible. Your kindness helps provide everything from my care and training to the amazing people who have helped me grow into the dog I am today.
Every tail wag, every new skill, and every step toward my future is possible because you believe in the life-changing power of dogs like me. From my puppy-raising days to my amazing inmate handlers and now the PAWS team helping me discover my future, you’ve been part of my story every step of the way. And for that, I’m sending you the BIGGEST golden retriever thank-you!
Stay Tuned for More DUNCAN Diaries!
For now, I’m going to keep showing off my skills, giving it my best, and maybe sneaking in a few extra belly rubs along the way. The next chapter of the DUNCAN Diaries is still being written, and I can’t wait to find out what my future holds!
Stay tuned, friends. Big things are ahead for this golden boy!
Peace & treats!
DUNCAN
Future professional good boy. Career path pending.
