Dog Wheelchair

It really amazes me how much of a social butterfly Gavin is! I know we all discuss this from time to time... I know my boys would be happy to meet him!
 
I think as his world has gotten smaller (no hearing and less walking) that social interaction has become more prominent and important. If you think about it, is a normal dog walks 2 miles a day (45 minutes) he sees lots of people and dogs over those 2 miles. If I walk Gavin now for 15 minutes we only cover 1/4 mile and see and encounter so much less. On his longer stroller walks, we cover more distance but he is a bit removed inside the stroller.

He is much more people friendly than he used to be, tbh. he will lean into people's hands as they pet him, very endearing.
 
I was lucky in that regard... I live right by a grade school. Every time I would walk Mr. Chance the little kids would ask to pat him. He JUST ATE UP that affection. He just adored children. So, I understand completely the importance of stimuli once they get older and lose their hearing. They seem to appreciate the attention the older they get.
 
I actually live next to a school too. Most kids gets dropped off right at the door so not as many walking the 2 blocks from where I live. And half of the local kids are scared of dogs as are many of their parents :( I kid you not, seeing Gavin has made some kids here cry. And people will cross the road to get away from him. Since Gavin was noise insensitive even before loosing his hearing, he has always been really good with kids.
 
So today we walked down the long block and back. I have him in his hiking boots-griptex (tougher than the booties I have had him in the past year). he walks better in them, but it is REALLY awkward when he tries to toe touch with them on. but he was a trooper even though he was laboring a bit when we were nearing home.

and yes, I had neighbors (2 girls, maybe 14?) walk away from Gavin (like from 4-5 feet away to 10-15 feet away) when I was walking him on the sidewalk back to my place after a potty break. It was very obvious... and Gavin was totally leashed up and not paying attention to them.
 
I love the pictures of Gavin! The one of him looking out on the ocean is great, but I swear it looks like he is saying 'cheese' in the one full body shot. Beautiful location!
 
Gavin’s fan club is here at SN!
All I can say is any one scared of a sheltie is not worth knowing!

Just my humble opinion of course!
 
I appreciate Gavin's fan club here :0
this weekend very low key..we had a long stroller walk yesterday but then I got a sore throat.
I had like 3 hours sleep fri night, so I wasnt terribly surprised..last night was 12 hours sleep, but still sore throat. so preparing for a cold :( no beach this weekend, but Gavin is cuddling with me on the couch!
 
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