St. Patrick's Day

March 17, 2007. Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. Forgive me father, for I have sinned, it has been 8 days since my last confession. Sorry, I couldn’t resist that. Anyway, it has been an eventful nine days. It hasn’t been much that needed to be blogged, but it has been little improvements in obedience throughout this time, culminating today.

I have been getting much better at ignoring distractions and listening to Tom. One day during the week, Tom and I were playing catch, when my old friend Milo and his two little playmates arrived. I continued chasing the ball and staying near Tom. Then I broke away and ran up to them. The lady picked up the littlest dog and I went and said hello to Milo and his other little friend. When Tom called me, I turned and went back to him.

A couple of days later, we were again playing ball when Paul arrived with Jesus and Tia. Again, I ignored them and stayed with Tom. Finally when Jesus soccer ball came close to my tennis ball, I ran over on a little side trip to say hello. Remember the last time we met, Jesus and I got in a little scrap. On this day however, I just said hello to him and Tia and then ran back to Tom. Both of those days, I got close to an hour of playtime, because I obeyed.

In fact I have been so good at responding, there was even one day I got out on the park twice in one day. For an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. All of these were minor compared to today though.

It was raining cats and dogs today when we got up, and I knew something was a little different. First we went for breakfast and coffee. After that we drove up to a church where Tom and Renee attended the memorial service of a very good friend of Renee’s family who crossed over the rainbow bridge. That’s what we sheep dogs call it when someone passes away. Rest in Peace Ziggy Welch.

After the service, Tom and Renee came back and I could sense that Renee was upset. It may have been tears on her cheeks, or it may have been raindrops, I’m not sure. Anyway, we went to the bus station and Renee left us to visit with her family.

Tom and I came home and he got all of his rain gear on, so I knew we were going out. We got to the park and it was deserted. Then one big dog arrived and I completely ignored him and kept playing. Then two more big dogs arrived. With these guys I went up and said hello and everything was very calm and friendly. Tom let me visit for a short time and when he called I came back.
The bigger breakthrough came when two little puff-ball dogs arrived. I ignored them, until one came over to say hello to me. We touched noses, sniffed butts and romped in circles, but not once did I get aggressive or try and jump on the little fellow. Tom was very happy.

When they left, we continued to play catch for awhile longer. Then the biggest breakthrough happened. Tom said it was time to go home, so I sat down for him to put my leash on like he always does. This time he surprised me when he said “get your ball and come”. I picked up my tennis ball and began walking slowly beside him as we headed home. This is scary and a very big test. I kept walking slowly beside him and he kept telling me I was a good boy. When we came to the street and he told me to “stay”, I did exactly that. I waited until he released me, then I walked across the street and home.

Tom was very happy with me and I was very proud of myself as well. Tom even made a call to Renee on the bus to let her know the good news. Who would have thought that the wild young, undisciplined pup I was would begin to mature into and obedient young dog like I am. I guess it comes with the added maturity of being a year old now.