High Hopes & Shaggy Doodle Therapists (Part I)

[Maureen & Shyla]

We started out with high hopes.  Just as Serena and Venus Williams were born to play tennis, we were certain that our girl would rank World No. 1 in the therapy dog world.  After all, she was bred with superior traits in mind:  the loyal and gentle Labrador retriever mixed with the higher intelligence of a poodle.  How could she help but become a rising star?

Hah! Almost as soon as we took her home, those hopes were ground in the dust, quickly shoveled under a hail of loose topsoil flying off a flurry of derisive backward kicks.  This whirling ball of constant motion, jumping and nipping, moody and excitable, had us longing for our own therapy sessions—or at least the advice of a professional dog trainer. 

Knowing any top-notch athlete requires discipline, focus, and lots of practice, our girl immediately began her training.  We established goals and tailored a plan for the perfect therapy dog with these specific characteristics in mind.

• Calm:   One medicinal glass of wine each night.  Oh, and our girl had daily long walks, lots of play, restful naps, and puppy time-outs when over stimulated.
• Friendly:   Smile when your girl poops mere steps away from a tableful of diners. Apologize profusely. Clean sidewalk.   Introduce the proud, peppy pooper to people everywhere.  On walks, at our favorite restaurant offering outdoor seating, on frequent trips inside Pet Smart. 
• Good canine manners:  Do not lose your cool, even when experiencing the indignity of having your backside britches ripped by puppy/shark teeth.  Teach her how to sit, come, stay, lie down, go to her place, shake hands (with a firm, yet gentle touch) and to speak only when asked.
• Gets along with other animals:  Respectfully greet other pets, giving equal attention to all, share treats and water.   Lots of socialization at dog parks, doggy day camp, and puppy play dates.
• Can be touched all over: Don’t you dare!  She’s not that type of girl!  Only appropriate touch tolerated!

(To be continued)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Ha ha, how cute and funny.

[Carol and Banjo]

LOL.....very cute!!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Cute!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

So funny!  Looking forward to the next installment.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Loved your blog!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Great blog! Keep writing!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

keep us posted... what kind of wine does she drink???

[F, Calla & Luca]

Very wise planning indeed.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sure sounds like you have a GREAT plan!  Cute blog.