Zoo Pals

Kip with the kids

Sunday was one of the most fun days that I have had in a while. Some members of Polar Paws had brought their puppies to the Columbus zoo! It was quite an adventure for some of them. Our group consisted of four dogs and five raisers. Our puppies were Kip (poodle), Benden (black lab), RossCo (lab retriever), and Ena (black lab retriever). The raisers were myself, Megan (with RossCo), Bailey (with Kip), Rachel (with Benden), and Megan (with Ena). We all had a great time with some really great memories that I would love to share with you.

When we first got to the zoo, we had to wait around outside the entrance for about a half hour because we got there before it opened. While we were all waiting around, a lot of kids had come up to pet all of the puppies. It was a good socialization opportunity for them because there were just so many kids. We had about fifteen come up to us and ask. They all did a stellar job and they were almost sad to leave that spot but, we had a zoo to explore.

RosscCo and Amelia Gray

After we got through the entrance, we headed up toward the North America section. On the way, we stopped and saw a bear and the wolves. The wolves usually come straight up to the puppies but, they were uninterested that day. When we got to the Polar Bears, we got to see Amelia Gray and her mom. Amelia Gray was very curious of RossCo when he was by the glass. She had swum right over to him and hung on the edge. She even tried to bite at him! RossCo was unfazed and seemed to not have a care in the world.

Kip watching the monkeys

We headed over to Africa next. We went and saw the lions and the monkeys. I think Ena's favorite part were the monkeys. She kept trying to play with them but, kept hitting her nose on the glass. The monkeys came right over to the puppies and were staring them down. The cheetahs' reactions are always my favorite part because they were raised with yellow labs. Since we always seem to have a yellow dog with us (RossCo this time), they usually come right over the glass to see us. When we started heading out of Africa, we went through a space where they had a bald eagle and we all took a quick break. The puppies all loved sitting there and watching the eagle fly from one side of the exhibit to the other.

RossCo with the cheetah

We then headed towards Asia and got to see the elephants, tigers, and a few more lions. We had also stopped to see the Wolverine exhibit and all puppies had to put their paws on the ledge to see into the habitat. It was a good photo opportunity for me since I was voted the designated photographer.

We lastly headed towards the aquariums. Ena did not seem to mind all of the fish floating in front of her face and she didn't seem to care too much about all the people either.

Benden, RossCo, and Ena all needed a better view

Overall it was a very successful day for Polar Paws. We all had so much fun and all the puppies were passed out on the drive back to campus. I can't wait to be able to go again!

Everyone lined up for a photo with the polar bear statue!