Marsh’s Marvellous month of February:
February might be the shortest month, but I certainly squeezed in plenty. Every day, I practice basic cues and every month I learn a new one or two. This month I learned the stand cue, and the roll cue, and perfected my heel cue. The goal is for me to do what I’m asked, and do it and expect no kibble reward.
Outings have included coffee shops, community centers, restaurants, a school, and an old people’s home, and I know now that I need to lie quietly and do nothing. Sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes I wiggle about a bit before settling.
One exciting adventure was going on a double-decker bus and the sky train. It was an easy commute, and I went into the city for a PADS event. People always stare at me, and my raiser usually talks to strangers about me and my training, and most people smile at me. I ignore them mostly, but sometimes, I just want to say hi and sniff them.
The big news of the month is that my hormones have apparently turned me into an ornery teenager. I don’t feel different at home, but out and about, I get very distracted by the sights and sounds and smells. Seeing other dogs makes me a bit crazy, but the trainers smile politely and tell us to keep going and keep positive. One thing about being a teenager is that I have extra energy. We found some large fields with big open grassy areas near the river, and I have been lucky enough to run around like a crazy thing on occasion. On Valentine’s Eve, we hiked up a huge field, and I ran around and we watched the sun set behind the mountains. All the exercise means I sleep really well, and so I have enjoyed lots of long naps. This year is a leap year, but I won’t be leaping on the last day of the month because I’m kind of heavy and clumsy.
Happy leap year everyone.
Submitted by: Jo and Laura
