I have never been to school, but I can tell you about my first day at Doggy Day Care. As soon as I walked in, I felt very strange. There were new sounds around me including the voices of humans I did not know and a bunch of other dogs barking for no reason. When the other dogs came over to greet me, I was anxious and not sure what to do. All I wanted was to crawl up in a ball and go home. I kept imagining my bed, favorite chew toys and my parents holding me and telling me how much they loved me. After a short period of time Humans came into the room and got some of us to start playing together. This made me feel more comfortable. I found my tail wagging again, which in dog language is how I show I am happy. By the end of the day, when I was picked up to go home, I had made a whole group of new friends. I could not wait to see them the next week when I went back to Doggy Day Care.

Despite being scared and wanting to go home when I first walked in, in the end I am glad I stayed. Sometimes we have to do things that are uncomfortable knowing a positive result is possible. I know what it is like to be nervous when something new begins. My hope is that you can overcome your anxiety and have a great school year.