We acquired Winchester at eight weeks old from a very loving home. He was a very cute puppy and did what puppies do. We did the best we could with the books we read. Winchester went with me everywhere; we tried to work with him on all of the things that Ian Dunbar recommended in his book: After You Get Your Puppy.
Winchester was wonderful in his crate. He was a great truck traveler. He never learned to chew the wrong things because he was always given a “better” choice. He came to work with me; I was fortunate to be with him constantly. Time flew and he was already 12 weeks old. Although his disposition has always been very mellow, he was growing more and more headstrong. We knew there was a potential for mayhem if we didn’t find a trainer. We were sleep deprived and fatigued from watching over his every move every moment. I called a local veterinarian and was referred to Judy Granberg. Over the phone, Judy described her Puppy Day Care and it sounded cute to me. I had no idea what immediate life changing relief it would bring.
When I arrived at the center, Judy greeted me with honesty and encouragement. I was in need of help and I was very willing to cooperate. An immediate change of leash and collar type on Judy’s recommendation was the first indication that we were in good hands. Then she carefully introduced Winchester to several other puppies and a couple of grown-up but small breed Puppy Day Care “alumni.“ Winchester played in a huge, supervised yard for three hours non- stop. I drove home with him that day hoping that it had made a difference. He slept through the rest of the afternoon and after his dinner and a short walk outside to relieve himself, he slept through the night for the first time! I took him for a walk the next day and he seemed content with the walk but didn’t seem fulfilled like he had from all of the socialization and play with all of the other dogs and puppies the day before.
Winchester and I became regulars to Puppy Day Care and I continue to learn from Judy. Winchester is now just over 2 years old and I can honestly say that not a day goes by with my 24/7 labrador by my side that I don’t thank my lucky stars for Winchester participating in the Puppy Day Care program. I don’t think that I am exaggerating when I say that our whole family is happier and healthier because we have a dog that is wonderful to be around. Thank You Judy!
Leslie Bevans
7460 Highway 193