Friday, March 26, 2010
THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD
When Booker came to stay with us we were concerned about his taking a run.
Rescue dogs do that.
They don't know where they are going. They just want to get there.
Wherever it is.
He did really well. No running. We have a fence around the yard so there was no worry there.
Except for that embankment on the north side which is about four feet high high with thick bushes on top of the retaining wall.
There is a fence on the other side, up the hill and out front if somehow, against all odds, with the help of a machete, he could get through the undergrowth.
So we didn't worry about it.
Even though there are kitties up there from time to time. Even though there are rustlings from rats and bats. He barked but never chased.
Until this winter. T Book decided he could use the spa cover as a step ladder and went roaring through the impenetrable bush in a rush of pent up frustration. No machete. After the kitty.
I was there at the time. I saw it. I didn't believe it. But I went after him. Called. I didn't try the bushes.
And he came right back, stepped down on the spa cover and contritely returned to the yard.
He knew that he had erred and did not try it again.
FF to the present. We took the spa cover off the other day. I figured that would be the end of the problem.
No step ladder.
This morning. No Booker in the back yard.
Oh! Booker is up on the retaining wall. He was trying to see if he could use the spa sides to get up there. Just an experiment. But it worked. He was up there.
Problem. He couldn't get down. Or couldn't figure out how. Somehow those spa rims looked pretty small from three feet above them.
His dismay at being stuck attracted both Dads to the back yard.
Very embarrassing.
Worse, he finally had to be lifted down. Dignity drained.
He was contrite. He was apologetic. He did not need a speech or a shaking finger.
He has been a very good boy ever since. I suspect that he will be a good boy all day today.
Embarrassment is a great teacher.
Labels: Booker
