He has been working
hard for the past five plus years. Perhaps I should say “we have.
He has learned to heel, come, sit, front and many other behaviors
dogs often learn to do. In addition to the more traditional commands
and behaviors, he has learned a few tricks and a few dog rally stunts
too.
He loves to ride in the
car and I think deep down inside he would probably like to learn to
drive, but his legs are to short to reach the peddles and his paws
slip off the steering wheel. It might help if I put wooden blocks on
the gas and brake peddles and he had thumbs, but I think he is
content to sit and look out the window, watching the world pass by,
keeping a watchful lookout for the next Dunkin Donuts shop or just
falling asleep on the back seat. (Did you know that many Dunkin Donuts
shops will often give your dog a munchkin at no charge? Please, no chocolate ones.)
He enjoys taking walks
and going to the park. Often there are other dogs there and it's
playtime. The exercise is great, for both him and me.
Unfortunately on a
recent walk Lucky learned one of life's harsh lessons though. Not
all dogs are friendly and while he may have wanted to greet, sniff
and play, the other dog had other thoughts and ideas. Kinda sounds
like life as a human being too, doesn't it!
Lucky likes to visit
Grandma and at first we were somewhat reluctant and cautious about
taking him there. My mother lives in an assisted living facility with
lots of older folks, many with canes, wheelchairs and most a bit unstable on
their feet. But he seems to know that as soon as we park the car and
walk toward the door, it requires a different, more calm and subdued
behavior. A quick walk around the parking lot to get rid of some of
the energy and he is ready. Most of the residents love and admire him
and he soaks in all the attention and he has heard many stories about
their favorite pets.
Lucky is very friendly
and eager to meet people and there are times it is a challenge to
make sure he doesn't show his enthusiasm for meeting strangers by
jumping and other “friendly” dog behaviors. Often we will sit on
the bench in front of the local grocery store as people come and go.
Many people walk right by and just as they ignore him, Lucky does the
same to them, he ignores them. He may look, but then goes back to
sniffing the pavement and sidewalk.
On the other hand, he
seems to sense who should get his attention, and as if he is able to
determine who are dog lovers, he waits to see if they come over to
say “hello.” Once he decides they are OK, he begins to wag his
tail. I am curious how he knows who may or may not show
him some attention. Perhaps it is the high pitched sound of..."what a handsome dog."
Several months ago we
were shopping at the local Walmart. It was a bit warm and while Donna
shopped, I walked Lucky around the parking lot, getting him out of
the hot car. We stood close to the front doors, out of the direct
sun, watching people rush in and rush out of the store, and similar to the experience in
town, some folks would stop and say “hello,” often followed by a
pat on the head while others would walk right by us (that is a pat on Lucky's head, not mine).
While we waited outside
a Walmart employee, the security person, came outside and invited us
inside. Really? I didn't know. The only restriction...we had to stay
away from the meat aisle.
With a tight leash, I
made myself as comfortable as I could on the benches near the checkout lanes. It
was amazing to watch Lucky and the customers. Yes, it was busy with
people coming and going, shopping carts all over the place and the
checkout lanes packed with people. I think that helped keep him
occupied and maybe a bit confused. This was something new for him. And for good behavior
there were treats and verbal rewards. And probably it didn't hurt
that near the exit was a Dunkin Donuts shop too.
Since then we have
continued to visit the Walmart store and he has developed a few fans,
both customers and employees. Hew was even offered a Walmart credit card by one of the cashiers
The other day we walked
(heeled) the aisle with the Christmas trees and holiday decorations
before returning to the front of the store. He really liked the
colored lights on the trees. So did the 2 year old in the shopping
cart.
Lucky's behavior is
still not always perfect. He will sometimes bark when someone he
does not recognize walks by the house. He continues to protect us
from being kidnapped by the mailman. And he needs to be reminded not to take napkins off laps at mealtime.
But it is fun to watch
the smiles he puts on the faces of people as he wags his tail or sits
patiently with paw raised to shake hands. And who can resist those
big brown eyes?
What's that, Lucky? You
want what? You want your own......Facebook page?
