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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Something about this capybara’s eyes makes me think she looks very friendly. She is saying, “Come pet me, I will not bite!”

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.

This capybara might be me in one of my playful moods when I like to dance around and maybe give a bark or two.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

There is nothing better to restore your peace of mind than time underwater. Everyone should end their day this way.