With snow in the forecast for the tenth weekend in a row and temperatures ten degrees below normal, we decided to abandon our search for Spring, and instead head indoors for Puppy Playtime at Petco.  Times vary so check with your local Petco for details, but it is a great way for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months to socialize with their peers.  Not to mention it is an excellent way to tire them out so their older siblings and owners can have a peaceful afternoon afterwards!

At our location the puppy play area is fenced off in the center of the store, so everyone can watch the puppies play.  There were about a dozen dogs there on Sunday, some regulars who knew each other, and others newcomers like Asa.  At first Asa stayed close to the gate near Mom and Dad unsure of what was going on as some puppies wrestled nearby.  He is used to wrestling at home with me, but the energy level and wiggly moves of puppies are different than adult dogs.  So Asa wanted to size up the situation before jumping headlong into the mix.  But then he focused in on the Petco Dog Trainer gated in with him, who had a bag of treats, a comforting voice, and made him feel welcomed.  Soon Asa was getting to know his new friends, and eventually was playing with them.

While Dad stayed close to keep an eye on Asa, I had a chance to pick up some catnip for my Kitty cousins.  Apparently Saturday was “Respect Your Cat Day” so I didn’t want to end up in trouble by not acknowledging them.  Cats are high maintenance like that, and are known for holding grudges.  I also noticed Mom purchased some new Nylabones for us and Mother Hubbard Treats.  So this outing was a win for all of us!  Did I mention the best part of Puppy Playtime at Petco?  Asa has been passed out sleeping since we got home!  Finally a little “me time” with Mom and Dad!