Here is an update Echo, now that she’s been home for a little over a month. I actually met a Toronto Humane Society volunteer while we were at the dog park (and yes, Echo goes to the dog park now!).

She is doing amazing! Here’s a list of “firsts” we’ve been able to do over the past few weeks:

• Ride transit! She has been on the bus once and on the streetcar twice for about 5 to15 minutes each time. Easing our way into it but she was doing great, she just stares out the window.
• Host dinner parties! We’ve had small groups of friends (5-10 guests) over a couple of times to meet her and she was a great host! She did not really understand the concept of personal space though.
• Go to the dog park! You read that right! She loves it so much. We still go at the least busy times of the day, when there is usually  3-4 other dogs at most, but most times there are only  one other dog, or we are alone.  We’ve also had one beach day since it was very large. She plays great with other dogs! She’s played with big dogs, small dogs, and even a tiny little 4-month-old puppy. She even let the little puppy boss her around and chase her!
• Walk by the beach! At first, we weren’t able to do this, but as she’s calmed down and been secure at home she’s gotten better at walking. Still not 100% perfect, but she’s made such huge strides. Again, we still try to go at less busy times and along the trail instead of the boardwalk but I didn’t think we’d be able to get where we are when we first started.

Some things that we’re aiming for over the next year is to get her to try swimming to see if she likes it, hopefully go on a road-trip, find a doggy bff for her, meet my family’s dog, and just generally be calmer during walks and maybe even go on runs together. She’s really been amazing. I was trying to manage my expectations since she’s a rescue and has had a hard life, but she has blown me away with how amazing she is. I love her so, so much.

Also, I just signed her up for the Terrible Twos class at Toronto Humane Society! and we’re going to be there on Fridays at 6 pm starting on the 25th.Please come say hi if you’re ever around and are free 😊

The work you all do is life changing and life saving for both pets and humans.