Pride

There are many things I'm thankful for in life. I was able to get a good education in a field that really interests me (I have a Masters in genetics) and I'm a few months away from paying off my student debts (which took just over a year for over $20,000). I was able to get a good job right out of school. And I think, all things considered, that I'm genuinely a good person, or at least I try very hard to be. The one thing that I'm most proud of though, the thing that gives me instant joy every time I think about it, is I have a good dog.

I have a really good dog. He's eager to please. I started doing Rally Obedience with him and you're allowed to use treats while training but can't have anything in the ring during a competition. He was able to complete whole courses without treats while my other classmates were still using them. We also won first place at our second competition and we're entered into another in a few weeks (I'm very excited).

He's not a whiner. If you're tired after a long day and just want to lay on the couch, he's totally up for that. Tell him to lie down and he'll go right to sleep. If you want to play then grab a toy and he's ready in an instant. If I need someone to look after him for a night, he's easy to give away. Everyone I've had babysit tells me he's a pleasure to have.

He gets along great with other dogs. I never worry that he'll behave badly. He also doesn't like getting wet/muddy so he'll avoid the giant mud puddles all by himself while other people are yelling at their dogs to "get out of there!!". It's easy to wash his feet off with the hose after our walk, and I don't envy the owners whose dogs like a good roll in the mud.

He's not a jumper and he's not overly friendly. I don't worry that he'll ruin someone's outfit if they come to my door. He's a glutton so he'll do anything for food. Which is easy to control since I don't feed him table scrapes. He's just a really good dog. And I appreciate him so much more when I have to look after someone else's dog and all they do it whine, or need a LOT of exercise to wear them out.

I try not to talk about him too much. I don't want anyone to think I'm gloating, or feel bad if their dog isn't as well behaved. But he really does make me proud. I love this friggin dog...