To Honor and Obey

In three days Brooklyn graduates from obedience school. She's been going (or rather WE'VE been going - let's be honest, the class is really for us) for the past five weeks and it has been extremely informative. But there are times when my husband and I step out of ourselves for a minute and just have to laugh. What the heck are we doing in a puppy class in Las Vegas!?! All of us dog owners, standing up in a closed-off pen, cooing our dogs' names, trying to get them to sit, or lay down, or shake. Brooklyn is definitely the life of the party, she just bursts into class in leaps and bounds, literally. Her best friend is Kiko, a male Chihuahua who belongs to our other married friends in the show. They love to rustle and tussle, and then they french kiss, Kiko biting Brooklyn's tongue. Then there's Crypto, who is a bit manic and nervous, although I believe he's opening up and calming down. He's a white, close-shaven little dog, perhaps a Maltese, I really should find out. The newest classmate is Cher, who came to class last week in a pink tutu. She is a miniature Yorkie with a diamond-studded collar who gets toted in designer carriers (I've seen three different ones already, all expensive). Cher was rescued from an abusive home, so it is taking time for her to build trust. But she's slowly coming around. She is extremely apprehensive of other dogs, and humans for that matter, and she is particularly nervous around Brooklyn, baring her little teeth and growling any time Brooklyn gets near. And how does Brooklyn respond? With a wag of the tail, flaying paws, tongue hanging out, bounce in her step, ready to play! She could care less about being intimidating (or intimidated), she likes all the dogs and she loves to play. I love her for that. We've been advised to bring cameras to the graduation, and there is definitely a part of me that feels foolish, but another part of me that is excited to see how this graduation is actually going to play out. Four small dogs posing for cameras! Brooklyn has to give a valedictorian speech, she's been up the past couple of nights writing and rehearsing it in the shower when she thinks no one is looking. Go Brooklyn!!