Peppermint's first year ...

We had a really fun first year -- playing with dogs, meeting lots of people, hiking and swimming in VT and CT, learning lots of new things.  A highlight was going to Camp Gone to the Dogs in June, where we tried anything and everything -- from agility to hunting to competition obedience to canine musical freestyle and doggie massage.  In fact, Peppermint was such an enthusiastic young camper, she earned the newly established "Born to Camp" award LOL. 

Mom was very proud when, in July '08, Peppermint earned the very first APDT Rally Puppy title in the country, with 3 blue ribbons, I might add (Ok, in two of the classes, she was the only puppy, but the third one had some stiff competition :>).  She later earned her APDT Rally Level 1 and Level 2 titles and also her CDSP CD-H and had a great time doing it all.

Throughout the year, she met and played with tons of dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds.  Her social skills were a little iffy at first (what a tough little customer she was!), but after a whole bunch of time-outs, she gained terrific play skills and she is now a true social butterfly, handling herself with ease and grace around all kinds of dogs -- and people!  I wish I were as good with my species as she is with hers!

We're looking forward to lots more fun in 2009 ...