Dear Lululemon, and TD Canada Trust Bank – both on Lakeshore Rd., Oakville.

Hi! My name is Ray and I was picked up by the Oakville & Milton Humane Society as a stray with a lot of problems, not the least of which was a fear of people. One of the first jobs that my adopted Mum and Dad decided to do was to try and help me to understand that not everybody was going to be a threat to me. While most places do not encourage dogs to visit, your businesses were so friendly (and always had biscuits for me) that after my first visit, I wanted to go back. Now when I am downtown, I usually get to visit one of you (sometimes even both of you!) and love it because everybody is so nice to me.

Lululemon – My Dad has used some of you to help teach me that being touched in a gentle way by someone I don’t really know, can be quite nice. Many thanks for volunteering to help me to adjust and thanks soooooo much for keeping that biscuit bowl topped up

TD Canada Trust Bank – Thank you to all the counter staff, and particularly the Enquiries area (that lady always seems so happy to see me!), for making me feel so welcome in your bank, and of course for giving me biscuits! I always look forward to visiting and while I can still get a little nervous if you are really busy, I am much better now than I used to be and have even let one or two of you touch me on occasion!

Thanks so much everybody for helping me to get comfortable around people. Have a lovely Christmas and all the very best for 2015. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Woof! Ray.

“High five” or “fist bump” anybody?