McLean Puppy Chronicles: First Week of School

Corky, our Southeastern guide dog puppy in training, had a slow first week of school. He will be five months old this Monday, but even so, we wanted to take it slow with him at school and not rush things. He is a sensitive soul.

On the way into work we pass by a fountain. As we got near, the splashing of the fountain got louder and louder. Corky stopped. He looked around.

"It's ok." I said and tried a "Let's go." But Corky was still analyzing the situation. I waited with him. Finally he looked up at me. "Ok?"

"Let's go." We started off towards the library.

Corky meets Head Student Library Proctor Gabby, who shows him his big bone toy.

I decided that the first couple of weeks Corky would spend in the library only, getting used to the office, the library and students in general. Then we would slowly work up to some open halls, a classroom and after than maybe some crowded halls and a convocation.

He's a real friendly fellow. Greetings aren't a problem for him. But sounds are distracting, so I want him to be comfortable in his new environment before moving to the next level of sound. The library is very quiet, but certain hallways can be noisy. And certain times of day are noisier than others.