Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. I remember taking this photo as if it were yesterday. Mattie was in the child life playroom with Sally, the story lady! Sally was an incredibly gifted volunteer who visited the hospital almost weekly. Since we lived in the hospital, I always welcomed a Sally day. Sally runs a drama company and literally would come into the hospital to put on productions and skits with the children. She got everyone to participate, parents included. Sometimes she had props, clothing, and musical instruments to reinforce her stories! Mattie LOVED Sally, and Sally appreciated Mattie. Mattie did not like many visitors, but if he heard Sally was outside his door, she was always welcomed in. Which meant that Sally was SPECIAL!
Quote of the day: Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.
It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them. ~ John Grogan
Sunny went to his third obedience class today, out of eight classes in total. The teacher is the same person who taught his Good Canine Citizen prep class in the fall. Many friends have told me that Sunny is very compliant and good natured and doesn't need this class. But my response is ALWAYS.... the class isn't just for Sunny. I haven't owned a dog as an adult before and therefore I feel as if I have a lot to learn in order to be an effective doggie parent. It is true Sunny knows many commands, but that is him! I don't know them, nor do I know how to administer them. In addition there are many non-verbal signs that mean sit, stay, come, down, etc. I am learning all of them..... which is why I enrolled us in the class.
In the winter months, it is hard to get outside and be motivated. But this class every Sunday, gets me up and moving. It is a good routine, which without it, and most likely would be working instead. I also enjoy meeting the other dogs in class and watching them as they are learning. The dogs are not allowed to interact with each other because it is a training class, which for a social dog like Sunny, is an impossible task! I am learning the art of using certain commands with Sunny such as "leave it" and "no." All important commands, not just for managing dog interaction issues, but all kinds of issues a dog can get into trouble with at home and in our daily life.
The teacher approached me prior to class starting and wanted to let me know how much improvement she sees in me as a handler. That meant a lot, and I do think Sunny and I are a good pair. Though compliant, he has a stubborn streak and also can get distracted at times by the need to socialize with other dogs. Just like managing a toddler, you also have to remain calm and assertive when working with a dog. Both toddlers and dogs really do look to you for guidance and to set limits and parameters on their activities and how they interact with the world. Having this insight raising Mattie, does in a way help me with Sunny. Mind you I am not equating a child to a dog, or Mattie to Sunny, but I am talking about the skill set one develops as a caregiver. Regardless of whom or what you are providing the care to, there are transferable skills.
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