Nelson Rainey, the loyal companion of Head of School Jay Rainey, showed off some of his special tricks for this week’s Lower School assembly. He’s learning every day, just like our students! Since he’s becoming quite a star, we caught up with Nelson to get a few answers to our most pressing questions.
How did you get your name and what does it mean?
How did you get your name and what does it mean?“Nelson” is the only name that my family could agree on. When I am being good, they say I am named after Nelson Mandela. When I am being bad, they say I am named after Nelson on The Simpsons.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Several! I was born at Sievers Kennels in Calhoun County, Illinois. The Sievers took good care of all of us before we were adopted. Some of my brothers and sisters who weren’t adopted by families are probably being used as search-and-rescue dogs or other kinds of service dogs. The Sievers really believe in helping in those ways.
What is your favFURite trick?
I am very good at chasing my tail. I’ve been doing that ever since I was a little puppy. Oh, and I drink from my water bowl lying down. I’m not sure that’s a trick, but I’m good at it!
Do you have a secret handpawshake?
I wish! I actually haven’t learned how to shake yet, but I will certainly learn how when someone gives me a few hot dog slices to do so. I will learn just about anything from someone with a hot dog in their hand.
What do you think about your new “backyard,” the MICDS campus?
I wish it were a little bigger. Just kidding! It’s SO big, and I have lots of fun running all around the school.
Where do you love to run or walk on campus?
The field right by my house, which is the closest thing to a “backyard” for me, is really fun. I find lots of squirrels to chase, and I especially like to see what’s happening down by the creek. I also like my walks past Olson Hall, because I get to visit my dad there and get some water and maybe get some pieces of hot dog if I am being good.
Describe your PAWfect day at MICDS.
Describe your PAWfect day at MICDS.Eating a big, early breakfast, chewing on a toy in my parents’ bed while my mom wakes up and has her coffee, getting a belly scratch from my dad, taking a long walk on campus with my mom, napping in the patch of sunlight on the kitchen floor, taking a long afternoon walk on campus with my friend Sofia, playing with my best friend, Keji, snuggling with my family before dinner, fetching lacrosse balls with my dad after dinner, and getting a good night’s sleep in my crate.
What is your favorite food or treat?
Hot dogs, hot dogs, hot dogs, and hot dogs are my top four favorites.
What do you like to do with the Rainey family?
Lie on their feet when they are sitting at the table, snuggle in the bed when they will let me (if I’ve just had a bath), lie down by the fire while they are reading, and, of course, walk and run all over campus.
What are your three top hobbies or PAWssions?
Knitting, calligraphy, and thumb-wrestling. I’m just kidding! I can’t do any of those things! I don’t have thumbs!
Do you know how to swim?
Yes. My friend Peter taught me in his pool, but I’m still a little afraid of jumping right in.
We heard you are in puppy school. What is your favorite subject?
Aerospace engineering. I’m just kidding! My favorite subject is loose-leash walking, which I have learned how to do very well, so I no longer jerk people’s arms out of joint when they try to walk me. All kidding aside, though, I’m pretty sure that loose-leash walking is a prerequisite to aerospace engineering, so I plan to study that next.
Do you have a favorite book? What is it and why is it your favorite?
My mom is reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, and I think it’s just grand.
What are your pet peeves?
My biggest pet peeve is probably dog puns—you know, like “favFURite trick” or “PAWfect day” or “PAWssions.” Thank you for not doing that in this survey, by the way.
If dogs are a man’s Ram’s best friend, what do you think about your new best friends, the MICDS Rams Family?
I think MICDS is the nicest place a dog could ever imagine, with the nicest people to meet and be friends with. I am honored to be Ram’s best friend!
Is there anything else you’d like the Rams family to know about you?
This has been a very thorough interview! The only other thing I would like you to know is that I am a very friendly fellow. My manners still aren’t perfect, and sometimes I have “boundary issues” (whatever that means), but I am working on being a better listener and being more obedient as I grow up. I am so excited to be part of the MICDS family. Go Rams!