The first day of school

When my husband, Jake, and I first got married, we decided we’d wait to get a dog. We wanted to get settled into our routine and get our own place. But our opposite work schedules started getting to me and I was lonely sitting around the house. I thought maybe it was time just to see what kind of dogs were out there. Then, I saw Larry.

It was love at first sight when Larry’s picture came up on Watauga Humane Society’s Web site. On my very next day off, I drove up to Boone, N.C. and brought him home. Now, four months later, he’s just as cute as the day I first picked him up. He’s even cute when he barks for 20 minutes straight and when he escapes out our apartment door and refuses to be corralled. What isn’t cute is Jake diving in front of the oncoming car to save him. So it’s time – time for Larry to go to puppy school. I enrolled him in doggie basic training and we went to our very first class Tuesday night in Mooresville. I was nervous. Larry was not.

Due to the rainy weather, Larry was one of just four dogs to show up. He made friends with Stanley, Merlin and Pepper while we parents filled out some paperwork. When we all went around and talked about our dogs’ problems, we parents all seemed relieved to know our dog wasn’t the only one with issues. In fact, we’re all in the same boat as parents with young, only-dogs who all think they’re humans. Afterwards, we learned our first command, which just gets the dog to pay attention, and got our homework – lots of practice.

Larry ended up doing well and I got over being nervous. In fact, everyone was very impressed with Larry’s potty skills. He can go on command. I rewarded him with a trip to PetSmart and he crashed on the couch as soon as we got home. But we still have five more weeks to go. Wish us luck!