Spring In Our Steps

Out with Spencer for his morning walk, I passed David Rogers Park. It had been a while since I'd taken Spence into the park, since there are usually quite a few off-leash dogs there, which makes me nervous. Today, though, the park was quiet, and we're having BEAUTIFUL spring weather, so we went in.

One of the things I love about dogs is their enthusiasm. Everything is SO COOL! And Spencer has this enthusiasm in spades, especially come springtime. He sniffs the ground. He sniffs the air. He chases crows and squirrels, and just generally enjoys the feel of grass and earth under his feet (it must be a nice change from concrete sidewalks) -- and so do I.

Sometimes when it's cold and rainy, walking the dog feels like a chore. But on nice days like today, it's more like playtime.

Dog Days

Sometimes it's frustrating owning a dog. Especially one that pulls on the leash, barks at the mailman, and at the dog park tries to herd other dogs like they're sheep. But when I stop to think about how far Spencer has come since we got him four months ago, I realize that I can feel pretty proud.

Spencer looks healthier now than he ever has. His fur is shiny and soft. He's gone from being extremely shy of strangers to sometimes spontaneously seeking affection from them. On the leash, where he used to go mad at even a glimpse of another dog, he can usually maintain his composure when the other pooch is only a half a block away. And when he's tired enough, he can even meet other leashed dogs politely. (This, believe me, feels like a miracle.)

We've got some work to do with him yet -- but when I realize how much we've done, I realize how possible it is to achieve what we still have to do.

Nobody Nose The Trouble I've Seen

Actually, Spencer had a very good day. As advised by some fellow Seatle dog owners, the pooch and I hopped on the bus and rode out to Magnuson Park, which has a huge off-leash play area for dogs. I was a little worried that Spence might be rude and overbearing - he can be QUITE enthusiastic when he meets other dogs on the street - but in fact the only time I had to step in was to save him from a ticked-off Miniature Pinscher. (Spencer could've swallowed the little guy whole, but was kind enough not to.) Overall, he was very well behaved and had a great time. We both came home muddy and exausted - always the sign of a good day out.

Spencer

I went to the Seattle Animal Shelter today and filled out the final paperwork, and now Spencer is officially "ours!" Hooray! Happy Adoption Day Spencer!!

I couldn't've picked a better dog.