Welcome to The Teacher’s Pet, the PAWesome news column about our teachers’ furry, feathered, and finned friends. For this article, I asked Mrs. Woychowski about her pet dogs, Shandy and Shyne.

Q: When did you adopt your pets?

A: We brought Summer Shandy Calista home from Piper’s Bounderhill in the spring of 2016 and Moon Shyne Bright Lucille, Shandy’s niece, home from Bella’s Bounderhill in the fall of 2022.  Shandy’s brother, Connor, is Shyne’s Dad.  (Shyne is pronounced like “Shine”) 

Q: What is your favorite memory with your pets?

A:   Lazy days in the pool.  They love to jump in and retrieve their duckies.  Shyne would stay in all day if we let her.  

Q: Do your pets have a favorite treat? If yes, what is it?

A: They both like any kind of dog treats, sliced deli cheeses and meats, and a bite of whatever the humans are eating.  Shandy loves to lick the spoon if we have anything with sour cream.  Shyne’s favorite treats are pineapple chunks and Romaine lettuce.  Yes, really! 

Q: Can your pets do tricks? If yes, please list what tricks they can do:

A: Both are excellent swimmers and can retrieve underwater. They know basic commands like sit, look at me, lay down, stay/wait (although Shyne isn’t very good at staying or waiting), give paw, and “up-up” (permission to get on the couches).  Shandy also does kiss and hug, while Shyne throat punches people to show affection.  Shandy was an excellent hunter when she was young, and Shyne is now.  They’ve caught birds, squirrels, skunks, and field mice.