This Mischievous Pup Flunked Daycare... and Became a Star

With the end of the school year comes the students’ report cards—and at Vila do Chico Dog Daycare, it’s no different.

Yanca, the daycare manager in Ourinhos, São Paulo (Brazil), hands out report cards to the dogs’ owners. However, she had to fail one of the dogs.

Noah—also known as Nonô—is an adorably chaotic Shih Tzu. According to Yanca, this “four-legged hurricane” spent most of 2023 causing chaos.

And since everyone deserves a second chance, the mischievous Shih Tzu was “absolved”.

Maybe being the principal’s son helped—but the truth is, all they really want is for the dogs to have fun.

In an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian pet news website), Yanca said that this was the first “school year” in Vila do Chico and that they had never had any failed students.

“Our students are amazing! Sure, we have a little gang of troublemakers who get into everything... but what we really want is for them to have fun and burn off energy,” she said.

According to her, the goal is exactly that: well-being and lots of fun. And in the fun category, the Shih Tzu earned an A.

“Nonô, despite being a little tornado, is a sweet boy. He makes friends with everyone—I call him the main entertainer.”

She also said that the failing video was just a joke, to show that precisely the “principal’s son” is the biggest troublemaker.

“We love his and his best friends’ chaotic energy that turns everything upside down.”

Although no dog is failed for mischief, they do go through a physical and behavioral evaluation to ensure they’re fit to attend daycare.

“We only accept dogs that are docile and sociable with other dogs. A dog that shows any sign of reactivity is considered unfit.”

The Daycare’s Routine

In the day-to-day routine of the daycare, the dogs spend their mornings focused on burning off energy, whether it’s running around the yard or diving into the pool.

Afterwards, each dog receives their lunch, which is sent by their owner. Right after that, it is time for a nap. The afternoons are dedicated to burning off mental energy, with some challenges for the dogs.

“At the end of the day, those who got wet are dried and the rest take a dry shower, so everyone goes home clean and smelling good,” she says.

Noah and Charles

Yanca says that Nonô arrived in her life already plugged into an outlet. But daycare gave him that “extra push” to get even messier.

“I joke that he’s a little apocalyptic tornado… he’s always loved water, which is why I call him ‘fishy’,” she says.

She adds: “[Noah] has endless energy, but I love his unique way of being.”

Nonô is not an only child. The dog, who is almost two years old, has an older brother named Charles, a German Spitz.

“I usually say that Charlie is the king of the house… spoiled and has always been a lord. “Although he had his playful moments as a puppy, he never had the same energy as his younger brother...”

Despite the two being polar opposites, the brothers are inseparable and complete each other.

“They are everything in my life, my daily fuel… honestly, I can’t imagine a life without them with me.”