We occasionally have labs at school that require animal volunteers. Tara has been to the lab a few times to hang out with me while I study, typically at quiet times when I don't think anyone else will be there (e.g. on Saturday mornings the younger and rowdier crowd is almost never there!). Due to Tara's reactivity and the general crazy that goes on during "live dog days", we use my lab group member's dog, a very nice easy going Sheltie.

Well today, said lab group member's (human) daughter was sick but we needed a dog for our blood pressure lab, so Tara got to come to school! The number of dogs was supposed to be much less than normal (only ~10-12 instead of 26+), and she knew two of the other dogs already, so I figured it was worth a shot. She wasn't perfect, but she was pretty darn good. She did exchange words with the St. Bernard female who she knows, but it was less of a reactive meltdown and more of a "let's see who can bark louder and be more obnoxious" moment. They were egging each other on...she stopped when told and relaxed quickly. She also growled a bit at one other dog and reacted at him when he was staring at her, but it was over quickly and nothing more about it. This particular dog must have bad energy or something because I don't know of any dog that hasn't reacted at it (even the Sheltie who is one of the most easy-going and stable dogs I've met has reacted to him!). Tara also politely met a very nice golden puppy and an Australian cattle dog who she has met before (and been neutral toward). She didn't react to the over-the-top male yellow lab who tried to sniff her butt when she wasn't looking. I got the impression later that she really wanted to meet/play with him.

She was good to have her blood pressure taken by our professors (with me holding her). Her blood pressure and pulse rate were both elevated, which we'll chalk up to stress, but she was very well behaved for that part.

I don't have any pictures from today, but here are a couple from when she has come to hang out while I study.

What a lucky girl!! She sure is beautiful too.

Wish my guys could go to work with me.

The pictures are great!!!

Sounds like school is a good experience for both of you!!!

Those are awesome pictures and what a good looking Tara. That is so neat she can come with you. I assume you are studying Veterinary medicine? I know, I know..I am going to get the stupid questions award for today..didn't want to assume LOL.

Thanks!

Elvi - Not a stupid question at all, but yes I am a first year in Vet Med.

Awesome!! Love K-State Veterinary Department and the students there. We took our pets there when we lived in Manhattan and had nothing but great experiences. Wishing you great success in your endeavor, good grades, productive study times and a great full-time job once you have graduated.

Great pics, and I Love the first one!

I'm glad that she did well. I think they "know", and try, when the pressure is on in a situation like that.

Such a pretty girl