Time Flies...

For the past two weeks, I have been puppy-sitting "Sunny" for my daughter and son-in-law. Sunny is a sweet albeit obstinate little thing. She has a mind of her own and wishes to follow that mind wherever it may wander. I sat and watched her today and thought to myself how I never had these problems while training Ezzy. Of course that was years ago and well, I am older. This pup has proved that to me countless times since she came to stay at the Little Bayou House. It is exhausting to raise a kid nowadays! I thought back to when Ezzy first came here. She was a wee, little thing no bigger than a minute! It is hard to believe she was ever small when I look at her now.

When she first came, the pup was named Esmeralda. Such a huge name for a little bundle. Since this is one that I was to train as well, that name was soon shortened to Ezzy or Ms. Ez. It just seemed to be a far better name as I would have to shout "ESMERALDA" out across the yard to get her attention. I am quite sure that after a few times of yelling that, I would have ruined the lungs or the voice box! Ms. Ez learned fast. She learned most things with just one lesson! No need to repeat as she aimed to please! The basic skills were taught first and then a few parlor tricks were added for good measure. Sure, she had moments. There were some times that through confusion or even a bit of rebellion, she would misbehave but not often. When she would be in need of reprimanding, a mere scolding would suffice. If ever a dog could show embarrassment, it was Ms. Ez. Her patience was evident as I would literally torment her while she was eating to the point that most dogs would snap. Not Ez..she would cede the bowl of food to me. This is just what I wanted! I did not want a mean dog that would attack at the least provocation. I wanted a gentle, sweet friend. That is exactly what I got! A friend.

Ms. Ex has grown into the most patient, loyal friend a person could ever have. She is intuitive to what I am going to do far before I give her a command. This comes in so handy with our photographic hikes. She watches my steps and actions. If I turn on and lift the camera, she freezes. If I want her to flush a bird to get an action shot, I tell her and she immediately goes into action. She has even gone so far as to hold the camera bag for me if I needed both hands. Yes, she is a fine specimen of a friend! When I was looking a some pictures that Elizabeth sent to me, I was amazed at just how tiny Ezzy was when I first started training her. At five weeks old, she was an infant..but has become a lady! My best hiking friend is a dog!