Off the Leash
By Paco, special to Mountain Valley News
Pen in paw, but paw is jittery. There is a new dimension in the life of this carefree pup reporter.
Oh good, a new word to look up, but I think I already know its meaning. The word is obedience. It sounds like this: Heel. Sit. Stay. Down. P.S. come! These words are hard for me. This will be my biggest learning experience so far. I thought I had the world by the tail. I’m young, handsome, intelligent and employed.
Now this hound has found that I need an education. It seems that obedience means going to school.
My family says I have a problem with “off the leash.” I say it is not a problem but a necessity. My job requires it.
I have gotten into some trouble these nice spring days because, when not on the leash and in escape mode, I follow my nose at high speed. The creek is at flood stage. It’s spring and garage doors are open. I lose the scent of home when too far away.
The truth is, I’ve been in danger recently. The remedy I am told, after hugs and tears, is Obedience School. This reporter is now enrolled in Judy Leonard’s obedience class at Bill Heddles recreational park in Delta. There were more than forty dogs, each attached to one owner called a handler, at our first Wednesday class. It was very confusing since most of us hounds had not done this before.
We were all nervous and you know what that means with dogs. Also, some of us did not have very good manners. There was a lot of barking, growling and sniffing with leashes getting tangled as everyone practiced commands.
From now on we will work in two groups at two separate times to avoid this confusion. I slept all the way home. More on the benefits of this education next time.
Staying busy is a good thing and my friends at The Shelter Shoppe would love to have some more volunteers because “busy’ness” is so good that more help is needed. Reports are that here is a job that is fun, challenging, fast paced and a great way to meet other nice folks who love animals.
We appreciate our volunteers! Thanks good people.
