 "It's the end of the whole year's laziness - we are going to work a little bit", said my owner while packing her backpack on a certain August evening. I couldn't wait till the next day especially when I saw her taking braces, chain, muzzle, and a bowl. It made me very curious and meant nothing else but a long journey.
Because of that I couldn't sleep well, walking nervously round my sleeping place, pushing my mistress about not to forget to wake up. And of course, she overslept that is why I barely managed with all my morning routines, if you know what I mean.
Being late we got on a train at the very last moment. This journey was the first step of so called socialization, what means becoming familiar with means of transport, people etc. The train was so cool, no one in our compartment (I was too scary for others or what?!). However, from time to time men in uniforms were opening the door, checking some papers. I totally didn't like it, so I frightened them a little bit. Otherwise they would think I'm a sort of stuffed toy or something.
In the afternoon we finally managed to reach Zilina in Slovakia. We got off the train and my mistress dragged me into a busy road. Suddenly she waved a hand and a car stopped. I was put on a back of an old boneshaker, and my mistress took a front seat. And honestly, that really pissed me off! Why? Because a strange guy was sitting next to my owner and I was separated from them by a metal grid.
Oh yes! I made a show yelping and scratching the grid. I even managed to pull out the driver's t-shirt and tear into pieces to show my anger. One should see my mistress face turning red. Thanks God I had a summer fur not winter otherwise there would be a lot of my locks flying all around. I think that man would never ever take any wolfdog into his car...
The last distance of 2,5 kilometers we made on foot (me on paws). When we finally get to the camp I saw a lot of Wolfdogs (counting is not my strong point, but I heard that around 50).
The whole area was quite nice – a big forest full of tracks and new scents, and a beautiful mountain range.
We were located in one of the wooden houses, and how awful! I was put outside, and tied to the chain! I really don't like when my owner Jola is leaving me. When I can't see her I cry a lot and call her all the time. But when she's back I'm so happy, kissing her and dancing all around what helps Jola to forget about my bad behavior.
The next day was a bit more serious – first, at the morning training from the obedience, and after diner from the protection. The lessons were lead by two teachers, with a huge experience and the knowledge about Wolfdogs – Ivo and Jirka. Although, they were able to saw my laziness they could also show ways to mobilize me. They told my mistress to praise me a lot and to reward me (those training sausages are simply delicious!), but more important is to keep an eye contact (with a sausage or with my mistress?).
 The protection was not so interesting that was why I sometimes skip the classes. I didn't quite get the purpose of it? Well, I was tied to the tree; some guys were running and shouting round me... weird! Although, the good thing was that I could bark a lot, and no one silenced me. I really regret that I had a "koshik" on my muzzle because I couldn't bite them at my favorite part of the body.
However, one day was free from training and most of the people, with their Wolfdogs went on a trip into the summit of the mountain Chleb (1647m). I felt great while walking with so many dogs. My owner couldn't keep the pace with the rest of the group, and I had to put a lot of energy to pull her into the group again. The weather got well (after a few rainy days), so we were able to see some beautiful views. On the summit everybody ate something at the restaurant called "Pod Chlebom".
The way back was really difficult. Jola was tired; I saw that as she barely shuffle her feet. I also have to admit that after collapsing at my bed I woke up the next day.
Saturday was the last day before our coming back to Warsaw. On the training square appeared some people, who were measuring and looking at other Wolfdogs from every angle. This event was called "bonitation" which is a valuation of individual Wolfdogs with compare to standard FCI. Because of that a lot of camp participants, and people from the outside gathered to present their dogs.
At the end, I have to admit that I noticed a cute "guy" from Slovakia. He fancied me a little bit, and I even wink at him and wag my tail, but I'm not sure whether this summer relationship will last till the next camp? I think that without any difficulties I will manage to persuade my mistress to see all my new friends in a year time.
With a doggie greeting bark, bark - IOWA
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