My Dog - Superstar!

Okay, maybe Ki isn't really a superstar. But she did graduate from intermediate obedience class last night and got a star for perfect attendance.

It's not, however, one of those things you can brag about with just anyone. Only true 'dog people' get it, and those who have known Ki since she was a wee pup can especially appreciate how far she's come. To the average person, making it through an obedience class isn't a big deal - but to us it's a be-all end-all moment. I never imagined she could be off-leash in a room with other dogs successfully... but she was off-leash on a mat last night with five other dogs and 10 people in the middle of the room and never moved. The simple fact that she can BE in a room with that many dogs and not go off is amazing, and the fact that she actually learned something during that time is just an added bonus. And she was one of the best-behaved dogs in the class

Everyone "oh, how cute"-ed her play dead trick. If only she were that cute all the time. Unfortunately she isn't - she's a bit of a brat. And we've had to learn to be tough with her, which isn't fun. She can't be on the furniture and we're teaching her to stay behind a baby gate, as someday she'll have to sleep in the kitchen. Some days I really feel mean, especially when she's tired and all she wants to do is curl up on the couch and go to sleep with me. Fortunately, she's pretty forgiving and kind of accepts her fate and moves on to the next thing - yesterday, that was stealing the peanut butter jar off the counter and licking it clean. And she still was hungry. But she's come a long way since August, and for that we are truly happy, and slightly poorer. Our trainers have been fabulous and we're so glad we picked them out of every trainer in Los Angeles we could have gone to.