A dog owner who worried her pet would be miserable during his first days at day care after a big move was instead greeted with photos of him living his best life.
Shannon Hinds, who recently relocated from Atlanta to Chicago said she felt anxious dropping off her dog, Calvin, as he adjusted to his new home and routine.
But any doubts quickly disappeared when she saw updates from the day care—and later shared them on social media.
Calvin, a 4-year-old cavapoo, appeared in the photos with what Hinds described as “big smiles,” surrounded by other dogs and clearly enjoying his time.
Calvin had attended day care regularly in Atlanta and had always loved it, but after moving to Chicago in January, he needed to go to a new day care.
“He is a social dog and loves getting to run and play with other pups,” Hinds told Newsweek.
Despite knowing her dog’s personality, Hinds admitted she still worried about how he would cope being apart from her in a new environment. That concern eased once she saw the day care photos.
“When I saw the pictures I was so happy,” she said. “It makes me feel good knowing that Calvin is safe and having a good time when he is not with me.”
In a series of photos on Instagram with thousands of likes, Hinds shared her concern: “Worried that my dog is miserable and missing me while he’s at dog day care.” But then, a series of pictures of Calvin, grinning and living his best life at his new day care.
One photo showed Calvin sitting beside a small pool filled with tennis balls, mouth open as if mid‑pant, while another captured him smiling up at the camera during playtime with other dogs.
Hinds later shared the images on Instagram through a page she created dedicated to Calvin. She said the account started as a fun way to connect with other dog owners but has grown into a supportive community.
Calvin’s dedicated Instagram page now has more than 20,000 followers, consisting of fellow pet owners and people who want to watch what he gets up to.”
“Awe he is so darn cute. Looks like he loves day care,” said one commenter on the post about Calvin’s new day care.
Another wrote: “Having so much fun at doggy day care it seems.”
“Over the years we have built a great community and it’s been so amazing seeing how pictures of Calvin bring others joy,” Hinds said.
She said she enjoyed hearing from fellow dog parents.
“I loved talking to other dog parents about how much their dogs enjoy day care,” Hinds said.
Calvin’s day care adventure was in stark contrast to another pet owner who shared a video this week as she noticed her cavapoo being picked up and snuggled, leaving her with what she called “mom guilt.”
Hinds said Calvin will continue attending day care in Chicago, now that she knows he has settled in comfortably.
For her, the experience reinforced the value of giving social dogs opportunities to play and interact—even when separation feels difficult for owners.
“His big smiles in the picture tell me that he is enjoying himself and getting all of his energy out,” she said.
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