[NAGDU] They don't quit

[cindyray at gmail.com]

When I am with Fisher, I am amazed. I think I have mentioned that I retired
him almost four years ago because of his dog distraction. He would lunge at
other dogs, and now and then he pulled me down. Well, that hurt, and people,
well meaning ones, were trying to tell me how to handle him. It just wasn't
working out for me. I probably had a temper tantrum the day I retired him. I
am sorry I did it; he was too young, but we have to move on and perhaps even
learn from our mistakes.

About 19 months ago I had hip replacement surgery, and last December I had
shoulder surgery, so often I couldn't take him out. It was a long time
before I could do so regularly. Often he would come to me as if to say, "Are
you sure you aren't taking me out?"

Last night and today he was very assertive about what it was he wanted. I've
been taking him out quite regularly now, but Bob does from time to time.
Last night after his dinner, Bob put Fisher's leash on him. They were by the
stairs and I was in my chair in the living room. Fisher lead Bob to me, so I
took him out. This morning after his breakfast, Fisher walked up to me on
the left side and licked my hand. Bob was in front of me and called him. He
went to Bob, but then he reached back out to me. I have been touched by that
kind of loyalty even though I haven't always been able to take him out. I
think more and more that I will replace him, because I surely do misusing a
dog.

Cindy Lou Ray

cindyray at gmail.com <mailto:cindyray at gmail.com>