Big news: Abbi recently started going to daycare! Watching her trot off for her “school” days has been one of the most entertaining and rewarding parts of our routine. From meeting new friends to burning off all that boundless energy, Abbi’s daycare adventures have become a highlight of both of our weeks.

On her first day, she was a bit hesitant. She stuck close to me, glancing around as if to say, “Are you sure about this, Dad?” But within minutes, her curiosity took over, and soon she was off exploring, nose to the ground, tail wagging. By the time I came to pick her up, she was running around with a whole pack of new friends, and I could barely recognize her as the shy pup I’d dropped off that morning. Each day now, she greets daycare with pure excitement, practically bouncing out of the car. Her favorite part? Definitely the group play sessions. She’s a social butterfly, playing tug-of-war, chasing after tennis balls, and doing her best to out-sprint the other pups (and she’s fast). I’ve even heard from the staff that she’s become something of a “welcoming committee,” happily greeting any new arrivals with a playful bark and a wagging tail. When it’s time to head home, she’s a happy, worn-out pup, and I get the pleasure of hearing her little daycare “stories” through her tired sighs and contented stretches on the ride back.

It’s been so much fun watching Abbi’s confidence and social skills blossom at daycare. Her daycare days have quickly become a favorite part of our routine, and I can’t wait to see what new tricks and friends she’ll come home with next!