Abby Sunshine

Well, Abby did her job–and did it well in Renae’s class today.  She was fluffed and looking good.  We arrived and it’s always a hit (or maybe a distraction) to see a dog walk into a classroom.  We were just on time and Abby and I entered to immediate greetings from the 4th graders.  Luckily, Abby has such a calm disposition, that she just hangs with me and is my little buddy!  We gathered with the kids in a reading area where I got to sit on a rocking chair and Abby was beside me.  In this case, it was nice that Renae was there to be an official “dog handler.”  She sat by Abby while I read the book.  The group listened so nicely–commented at good times, laughed in all the right places, etc.  It was fun to read with them.  Since the book is not bound, I used a music stand to hold each spread.  This worked fine.  Afterwards, Renae demonstrated some of Abby’s tricks.  Of course, she performed on cue like any good dog!  We talked briefly in the group, then I gave them a page about “What would you teach Abby?”  and they returned to their desks.  I noticed lots of creative thought–teach her to dance, to turn on the radio, to turn on the TV, and then some!  While they were working, we watched the Abby videos done by the McNaughton sisters (my nieces).  This was fun and you can see these short videos on this site somewhere!  Upon departure, we discussed what animal they might choose if they were going to write about a day in its life.  I passed out photo stickers of Abby and we zipped out the door.  We couldn’t leave without stopping in the office to give Dave, the office dog, a photo sticker of Abby Sunshine!  What’s cool about Meadowbrook is that a dog named Dave works in the office and even has his photo in the yearbook!  He is a very special Golden Retriever.  We’ve had his photo on our refrigerator all summer–each year Renae gets his school picture.  He, too, is a friend of hers.