When I wrote that Zinnia’s breeder, Lenore Severni, had advised me not to leave Zinnia alone with strangers until she was five or six months old, Sue Silverstein and her art class at Bishop Maginn High School were upset.

Weeks ago, Sue and the class volunteered to do some socialization work with Zinnia when I come to the high school, which is often.

They were concerned that I might be backing out.

I am struck at how much the refugee and inner-city students love dogs, and I am surprised that few of them have ever seen a dog like Zinnia or Red. It is good for them to see dogs that love people and can be trusted around them.

They loved Red, and are very excited to be meeting Zinnia.

Sue Silverstein, my friend, and a great admirer of Red invited me to come into her class and see the plans for the Zinnia Socialization Center.

Sue has been busy, and so has the class. They bought a special puppy pen for her to be safe in (with room enough for individual cuddling from the students) while I teach my Writing Workshop upstairs. I told Sue one kid at a time can come in and hold Zinnia if they wish.

They do, even the “tough” guys.

There’s a pee-pad, a soft flat bed, and some hard and healthy chew sticks for puppies.

Today, after Sue set up this Zinnia Welcome Center, the class was upset. They were expecting Zinnia today, but she can’t come until November 13th at the earliest (we’re bringing her home on the 12th).

I texted Lenore the photo  of the Zinnia Welcome Center and she wrote back “this is adorable!”

So we’re set. Sue has earned this.

I’ll bring Zinnia to the school every week and let Sue and her class watch over her during my class. I wait on the other socialization spots until she is older.

This work could be very important for a therapy dog. I want Zinnia to meet all kinds of people, and Bishop Maginn is one of the most diverse places I’ve ever been to.

I trust Sue completely, my only worry is that she and Zinnia might disappear for a week or two, or they might run off to California. Sue loves dogs.