Freedom!

March 20, 2007. Today is a wonderful day! The rain has stopped, the clouds are parting and the sun is coming out. It is very windy as well, which I really enjoy. This morning Tom and Renee took me over to the park so I could demonstrate my improvements to Renee. When we got there, talk about a major distraction, there were two guys flying a Para-kite. To me it looked like one huge predatory bird. I went over to investigate and came back when I was called.

I had a great time chasing the tennis ball and then had one minor breakdown when another dog came into my zone. I was running full blast after my tennis ball and he stepped in front of me. I guess he thought I was coming after him and he barked and lunged at me. We came together and I pinned him down and the altercation was over.

After breakfast and coffee, Tom and Renee took me back to Burnaby Lake trails and we did a two hour walk. When we got to the turnaround point, an hour out, Tom surprised Renee and me when he took me off-leash. He allowed me to walk the trails this way, all the way back to the truck. There were a few times where I went back on leash for a few moments when other dogs came into view. But, for the most part I was off-leash.
I would walk ahead on the trail, but the longest away I went was about 40 feet, then I would stop, turn around and wait for Tom and Renee to catch up. We met up twice with a Girl Guide Troop out for a hike and they all stopped and petted me. It’s great when all those little girls pay attention and coo over me.

Renee was totally amazed by how well I responded. Every time Tom or Renee called me back, I came right away and stood by their sides. Renee told me over and over what a good boy I am. She was very impressed. Tom showed a quiet confidence in me, which I appreciated a great deal.

After the walk, we came back to the house where Renee and I had a little nap. Tom did some chores and projects on the computer.