Linda,
Today, on my morning walk with Crash, I thought of you as I often do during my training walks. He was in a perfect heel at my side. The leash was hanging below my left knee, and my thumb was through the loop. I called Crash front. He sat before me with a relaxed mouth and a wagging, happy tail. I asked him for finish and he leapt around my right side to his seat on my left. The form was lovely, but the attitude was what really struck me. A year ago, he was miserable and resistant every step of the way. This morning, he was eager to please and happy to work.
I’m also working with Tourmaline, Crash’s sister. She’s learning to heel and focus as well.
So often, people touch our lives, and they never know what effect they have. Our work with you started us on a road to consistent communication, to honest effort and evaluation, to raising expectations and leaving excuses behind, and to the satisfaction that comes from authentic progress. Crash will probably always have a long way to go, and I will always have a lot to learn. I hope we live a very long time together as I cherish my path across the planet with him.
Thank you for the time you spent with us. It made a difference. I hope you are enjoying life with your family and your young pup.
