Day 100

8/22/22

This boy! Gus is finally settling down enough to begin training with the title of Therapy Dog in his future! He still gets the "Zoomies" from time to time, but he is becoming a beloved member of the neighborhood and is ALWAYS loved by his family...even Lilly!

Because he is still young and only has the sight in one eye, he startles easily. When that happens, he can jump at least two feet in the air and spin around before landing on the run. One of my goals is to make him more confident and secure so his reflexes are not so heightened. Poor baby!

Tonight, as part of his training, I took him on a "night walk" and observed his behavior when there were many opportunities to react. He did such a nice job! There is hope for a more confident Gus yet!

As I walked through the neighborhood, I felt the charm and safety of the night wrapping its arms around me as well. Walking by the football field, I was delighted to see a practice session with a large number of players on the field. The music blasting from the speakers, the lights and the chatter from the field, made me long for the crisp nights of fall...not too soon however!

Sauntering by our local Lutheran Church, I gazed up at the lights, the stained glass windows and the essence of peace emanating from its walls. Rounding the corner, I looked up at the last bit of sunset and marveled at the clouds and contrails left by the jets leaving for, or returning from, marvelous places. Gus was right by my side, seeming to enjoy the solitude and calm of the evening.

I then started to think about all of the friends who were tucked in for the night. I actually knew people from every home and many of their dogs too. Tonight, I thought about the varied lives behind the doors and windows of the homes we passed. Every one of them filled with families who have hopes, dreams and histories so different from my own.

We were on the home stretch when Gus got down on his belly and started crawling towards our neighbors who had just returned from an outing. He LOVES these people so much and always rolls on his back for a tummy rub or two. Tonight, he seemed to want to stay there with them. His confidence was just fine at that moment.

There were no Zoomies, no twirls in the air, no cowering behind my legs...only peace and confidence in the form of our golden boy. Yes, he is going to make a fine Therapy Dog one day. I am convinced, but even better than that, he is starting to show the traits needed to comfort others. Confidence, control, intelligence and a loving heart.