I'm ordering some room service.

So this past weekend in Marysville, Washington was this dog event called Poochapalooza. It was really like a county fair for dogs. They had vendors selling everything from doggie clothes to treats. Other booths housed vet clinics, photographers, groomers, boarding and training facilities as well as some service organizations like bulldog rescue, the Seattle Humane Society, Delta Society and Reading for Rover. They had a frisbee competition which was fun to watch as well as agility and obedience activities.

Ashton had a ball. He went though the Rally Obedience course and did really well. So now John and I are looking into competing with him. In addition to that I had the chance to talk with the Delta Society people about what the requirements are for Ashton to become a Therapy Dog. I know having my pets around when I am feeling really sick makes me feel better. I would love to be able to visit nursing homes and hospitals to bring that same happy feeling to others.

We also spoke with Reading with Rover which is something else I really want to get into. The program is set up for children who have difficulty reading to have a dog sit with them so the dog can be a listener. Kids read books out loud to the dogs who don't judge them for mistakes. It is an amazing program. It encourages kids to read who otherwise don't want anything to do with reading. What is really great is John's mom is the librarian for a middle school which would be the perfect place to visit.

It was a great trip and we plan on going back again next year. It was also Ashton's first stay in a hotel. He's such a good little traveler. ^_^