Lola

Hi!!! My name is Lola.  I am 50% Standard Poodle, 50% Airedale and 100% huggable!  My birthday is on March 3rd, 2005.  Can you help me figure out how old I am?  It keeps changing every year!!!  I am getting older, but if you saw me play with a ball you would think I was a BIG puppy. (I love tennis balls!!!)  I have an adopted brother, Jake.  His profile is also on this site.  I am his “big sister” and he likes to copy everything I do! J

One of my favorite things in the whole world is when I am lucky enough to have children read to me.  It usually happens once a week, but I wish it were more often.  I love it when I get to go to school.  Jake gets jealous sometimes, because it isn’t his day to visit.

There is a lot of work involved in getting me ready to go to school.  My owner Chantel has to bathe me, which is NOT my favourite thing! I try to be patient and not shake water all over the place.  Then there is the blow drying, but I am used to loud noises now.  I have my nails trimmed and filed, my ears cleaned AND my teeth brushed!  Whew! Then I am sprayed with a natural product to make sure no one will have an allergic reaction to me.  I get to wear my special scarf that I got after I passed my test to be a registered therapy dog.  I have a special red collar, a tag AND a red leash, too.  I LOVE red!  After I am all squeaky clean and properly dressed, I finally get to go to school!
We start our visit by saying hello to the principal.  We have been to several schools in the Gatineau/Ottawa area and I love meeting the principal.  They always says hello to me and I love to talk to them.  We always become great pals!
 
Next, we get to visit our class; it’s wonderful being in the classroom with all of the students.  Chantel reads a book to everyone and now and then I get to say some words, too (but only if Chantel asks me!).
 
Can I tell you something?  Sometimes I want to talk all the time and it is hard for me to wait my turn. Does that ever happen to you?  Even though it may be hard, I sit as still as I can because I want to be on my best behaviour for the students (and I know it is hard for them to sit still and be quiet, too).  The students and I help each other. J  When they sit still and wait their turn, it makes it easier for me and  I know it helps them concentrate if I sit still, too.

Next, a few students take turns reading to me one-on-one with Chantel and they help me to learn words.  I love to learn new words!  When we are done, I say thank you and the student goes back to their class. 

If you see me in your school, don’t be scared because I am so big. I am a gentle giant and I have a special hall pass from the principal.  Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to see you in your school!