In the car with my Rick
If you’ve been following this blog for very long, you know I am not the world’s bravest capybara. That was Caplin Rous. He could go anywhere and do anything and never have a moment of fear or doubt. Not me, I get scared as soon as I get in the car. Actually, I’m scared just getting my harness on even though that normally means a trip to the creek, which I love. So where am I going in the above photo? And why?
I hate to admit it, but I look awfully cute when I’m scared. I think it’s the special glint in my eye. Speaking of special, that is where we were going–someplace special! In fact, we were going to a small facility in downtown Buda (if such a thing can be said to exist) where a few very special young adults spend their day doing fun activities and learning new things. On this day–Thursday, August 2, 2012, to be exact–the new thing they were going to learn about was me!
Hello everyone!
The students, their families and their caregivers were there to meet me so it was quite a crowd. Because we were in a closed off room, Melly took my leash off and I walked around and talked to whomever I pleased, which was everyone. Everyone got to pet me while Melly talked about our life together and wild capybaras and other rodents.
I am an inspiration!
Then we had a miniature How to Draw a Capybara contest. In the photo above, I am posing with Josh who is holding the drawing he made of me. Of course, everyone had Melly’s drawing instructions but they didn’t have to follow them.
Smiling Capybara by Josh
This is a closer up photo of Josh’s capybara drawing. I call it “Smiling Capybara” because that’s what it looks like to me. And I love the little ears too.
Jumping Capybara by Anonymous
Sadly, I do not know the name of the person who drew this adorable jumping capybara. I think the capy is jumping and his ears are flapping around and he’s giving a mischievous look to the side. If I had to guess, I’d say this was a drawing of Dobby Winnick right after he’s done one of the many bad things he likes to do.
Friendly Capybara by Deede
Something about this capybara’s eyes makes me think she looks very friendly. She is saying, “Come pet me, I will not bite!”
Optimistic Capybara by Christina
This little capy seems to always be looking at the bright side of things. You can tell because she has her head up, looking at the stars and all of the beautiful things around her.
Playful Capybara by Katy
This capybara might be me in one of my playful moods when I like to dance around and maybe give a bark or two.
Surprised Capybara by Sharon
Sharon did some practicing on her capybara drawings. I think this capy is saying, “Oh my! How did I get here? And who are all these other capybaras?”
Happy Capybara by Kia
This one probably looks the most like Melly’s original drawing. Only Kia’s capy has a great big smile so you know he is very happy.
After everyone had made their drawings, Melly was supposed to pick one to win a prize. But she couldn’t decide because they were all so wonderful. In the end she had to pick one randomly. The winner, Deede, got five Caplin Rous and Capycoppy holiday cards.
Saying goodbyes
I really liked visiting and meeting new people but, you know me, I get a bit stressed out after a while. So I was both sad and happy when it was time to leave. My Capybara Ambassador skills are definitely improving, though. I didn’t shake at all the whole time and I didn’t even sweat as much as usual.
Relaxing in the pool
When we got home, Melly and I went for a looong swim in pool. I needed some comfort time and you can see from the above photo that I got it.
Color me happy
There is nothing better to restore your peace of mind than time underwater. Everyone should end their day this way.
Wow Gari, you looked so great in those pictures! I am proud to have met you here on-line. I enjoy reading about your adventures so much please keep doing your good work!
Everyone did such a good job on their drawings! What a great group of artists. And of course they had a great inspiration in you Gari!
That jumping capy is definitely doing a Doofus Dance! I’d know it anywhere!
Say, Gari, you’re looking a little “comfortable” in that chair. Just how many snacks did they feed you there?
I used to work with adult special needs so can imagine how stimulating Gari’s visit would have been. Brilliant. Thank you Gari and Melly for thinking ‘outside the box’ and paying this visit.
Aw, you did so well, and those young adults look so happy to have you visiting! Glad you didn’t get to stressed, and got to relax in the pool when you got home!!!
Good going, Gari! The pictures are excellent and I can see why Melly had trouble deciding. You look grand, too in your pictures.
Hi Gary! You and Melly do such great work! What an awesome trip for everyone involved. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Bless you both.
Gari,
I am soooo proud of you! You are doing such a good job. Keep up the good work!
– KA
Gari I am so proud of you and how far you have come along. I really loved the pics that were drawn of you. I agree the one was Dobbye for sure. Lol
Tell Melly hi for me and enjoy your pool time.
Well done Gari! You are becoming a really terrific ambassador with meeting new people & dealing with new situations. I liked the various interpretations of capybaras and yourself, it’s true that you are an inspiration. And what a good idea for Melly to suggest some pool time after your day out!
It was nice of you to visit these young adults! I’m so proud that you getting less nervous ! Looks like everyone had a good time. PS: you do look cute when you’re nervous. Sometimes my guinea pigs are on “high alert”. I always make sure they are safe.
sounds like you really are coming a long way Gari in your ambassador training! you guys did a great job and probably brought a big smile to everyone’s face! love all the drawings!
Gari, you will be a full fledged cappy ambassador before you know it. You are doing an awesome job. Thanks for sharing all those wonderful drawings.
What a great visit!! And such wonderful drawings of you! I like the multi-capy one, it has an Andy Warhol feel to it. You are meant to be commemorated in fine art!
Gari you look sooooo cute when your scared and you seem so relaxed in the last photo. Perhaps i should try that. 😀
I just stumbled upon your blog after listening to the band Capybara… and I am very glad I did! You seem like a very sweet capy and it is so kind of you to spend some time making others happy. Great job Gari!!!
Gari, you have a heart of gold and so does Melly!
Way to go Gari! Ur getting better all the time! I like to take a bath @ the end of a busy day too!