Today, the campers arrived ready to take on another day of camp. They started by cleaning their crates and sharing how their second night went with the dogs.

Many of the dogs have improved from their first night and were able to sleep through the night more comfortably in their camper's home.

Then it was time to start training. The campers headed outside to continue their long line training. The dogs have progressed a lot in only one day and were responding to recalls. 

After a successful training session, the dogs went into their crates for a nap. The campers then decorated "Adopt me" bandanas for their dogs.

These bandanas will be worn by the dogs when they go on outings to help them find their forever homes!

The bandanas were then set out to dry and the campers headed out on a field trip to Goodwill. There, the campers picked out outfits for their dogs (fashion show coming soon!). Everyone had fun mixing and matching outfits to dress their dogs in.

Then it was time for lunch. Our lunch questions today were:

• "If you were in any movie, what would it be?"
• "What cookie are you, and why?"
• "And, what exotic animal would you be?"

After lunch, the campers were all interviewed with their dogs. Me and my sister (also a fellow camper) have a Dog Trivia Podcast, and showcased the awesome dogs in camp for our episode this week.

Campers got to describe their dog and why they are a great match for people hoping to adopt a new best friend.

Then it was time to cool down in the pool. Having the campers go into the pool with the dogs is an important step in increasing trust and strengthening the bond between campers and their dogs.

While campers got in the pool, their dogs were lowered into their waiting arms. Once the campers were situated and holding their dogs so that they felt safe, they began to move in a circle around the pool.

Many dogs freak out when first going into the pool. But, with reassuring words from their campers, they slowly started to relax into their campers' arms.

Once the dogs calmed down, the campers began to swim with their dogs, holding their arms in a T-shape while guiding their dogs to the ramp.

After a few rounds of this, the dogs got out of the pool and took a potty break.

Then, the campers got a chance to also take a break, and jumped into the pool without their dogs to swim and play some games.

Before the end of the day, we had a discussion about the living world around us and its significance. Everyone thought of a living creature they could relate to. For example, one camper talked about how, as they grew older, they had to undergo changes as they moved forward in school and became mature. Much like how caterpillars transform into butterflies.

Campers also went around and shared their biggest struggles in the past few days. Similarly, they shared some things they have overcome in the past couple of days. After getting their homework for the night and refilling their treat pouches, the campers headed home with their dogs.

Can't wait to tell you about our next adventures tomorrow!

-Sofia