Scout takes a break from the pool
I’ve been asked a lot lately, “How’s the training going?”
And I respond, “It’s going well.”
But I’m not talking about the training you may be asking about. Yes, we still plan on Scout being Harris’ Therapy Dog and Yes there are plans to train her, with a certificate and everything, in that capacity. What Scout has needed to learn first though, is how to be a Proper Dog. She has needed to learn “come” and “sit” and “stay”. She has needed to learn “shhh” and “leave it” and “down”. All those lovely commands doggies should know if they want to get on well in the bipedal human world. After all, cuteness will only take her so far.
So, her summer was spent doing just that. She can be a little rough (no pun intended) around the edges when it is not Her Boy commanding her and still prefers treats as opposed to pats on the head as her reward, but as long as rabbits and squirrels are vacated from the area she will be focused and try hard. It is clear that whatever else is in her DNA, she is a Terrier, and is rather independent minded. She likes a good reason for things and gets bored with repetition. But aren’t we all that way?
Scout is definitely living up to her namesake. No pink collars or poodle skirts for this girl. She is an avid rabbit-hunter, puddle stomper, cat chaser and pool swimmer. She dotes on Harris, whining when he leaves for school in the morning and beside herself with joy when he returns.
Two weeks ago our church had a family service where we were all asked to finish the sentence, “I knew God loved me . . . ”
Harris wrote: “I knew God loved me when He gave me Scout”.
We will continue with training and certification and making Scout a “Good Dog”, but frankly, watching my laughing, beaming social son, I know we’ve already accomplished our goals.
