Hi, Buddy here. I just wanted to let everyone know that Tuesday January 12, 1999 was a very special day for me. I finally met my "Literacy Buddies", Mrs. Naar's Grade 2 class at Holy Rosary School.

Dad had prepared me for this day. Over the Christmas break I went in and got familiar with the classroom. There is a rug that the kids sit on and I knew that it would be an important place.

Mrs. Naar's class is working on my Bentley and Blueberry Project. This book, by Randy Houk, is a true story about two real Beardies who live in Connecticut. Bentley was picked by Ms. Houk from the litter. He needed some special training so that he could learn how to behave. Later, Ms. Houk found Blueberry at the shelter. She brought Bentley to visit and then the two of them took home Blueberry. The book tells more about training dogs, particulary Beardies. This two-Beardie family learned many things together. Mrs. Naar's class is doing many literacy activities related to the story.

So, I arrived at school at 1:00 p.m. My human sister took me to Dad's office. He's the Principal, but you might have known that already. Dad thought I needed to be in school a bit before we went to the classroom. Many people got to meet me. These included children who brought their attendance books to the office, the school secretary, the postman and some teachers who work at Holy Rosary. I was pretty patient but got anxious to meet the children. Finally Dad said, "Buddy, it's time!"

We began our walk down the hall. The floors were very slippery because the custodian waxed them. I walked close to the walls because it was easier. We passed Room 112 and then we got to Room 111, Grade 2. The door was open. I stopped and peeked in. Someone said, "Mrs. Naar I think there's a dog at your door." Another said, "It's Buddy! Buddy's here!" The children were excited. They were all sitting at their tables.

Now Dad was a little worried because I'd never been around a herd, I mean, group of children. We Beardies can get pretty excited. Not to worry, I walked on my lead to the carpet. Dad told me to sit and stay and then gave me a new bone and mega treats. The children kept sitting at their tables and Dad told them a little bit about me and about Beardies. They had already read the story so they knew some things. We had to tell them much more.

Dad explained that I hadn't spent a lot of time around children so they needed to be calm and not do any poking.

The children asked some good questions:

• How old is Buddy?
• Why does he have long hair?
• Can he see through all that hair?
• Is it hard to brush?
• What does he like to eat?
• Does Buddy have a favourite toy?
• Where does Buddy sleep?
• Does Buddy know any tricks?

Next we walked in and out of the tables. The children asked if they could pat me. Dad said they could put out their hand if they wished. I was being an excellent Beardie. So, what did I do? I licked their hands. The children loved it. I didn't mind at all if they patted me. Dad was a little nervous though. We finally did our little tour around the classroom and then came back to the carpet.

Now it was time to show off. Dad said I was a real CLOWN. I did sit, stay, down, play dead, roll over, ok (that's get up after playing dead), and, one of my best tricks, SAD. Goodie, more treats. The children watched me intently from the carpet. We were all on the carpet and we were all being wonderful Beardies. Yes, I said we were all being wonderful Beardies. The children had made Beardie Masks after they read the story and they put them on. I had my picture taken with all my special friends. I'm posing, of course.

I brought my friends a special gift. I gave them a Beardies-L calendar, the one with me in the centrefold. My friend RyanR sent me an extra, just for this class. Thanks, Ryan. Mrs. Naar gave Dad a Beardies photo album and she gave me a bag of peanut butter treats. Yumm, drool...

Then it was time to leave. I gave the children Beardie hugs and kisses if they wanted them. Dad said it was ok because I was being a very good Beardie. The children invited me back for a picnic in the spring. Great, I can herd them! ;)

I visited one more class on the way out. It was Mrs. Fraser's Grade 3 class. These children were great too. I managed to go under one of their tables. The kids thought that was really funny.

On the way out Dad gave me a few more treats and a big hug. He said, "Buddy, today you were a very special Beardie. You made the children very happy. I am very proud of you."

Well, that's my story. I want to go back to school again. I figure we Beardies can do a lot to help kids write and read. That's why I have my website. Dad will be posting more of the kids' work so check back again. I hope you enjoyed my story.

Your Literacy Beardie,

Buddy

Here I am with my literacy buddies. Don't you just love their Beardie masks?

"Sad"