Sometimes my parents take me to this place that is very large and open and quiet. I am told to “Sit” and they walk away but they are very close to me.
In the beginning, I’m afraid. I hear sounds of “whack” popping all around me, again and again, then silence, then this “whack” “pop” sound again, and the sounds frighten me. I am nervous here.
I see little balls everywhere, but they are not the kinds of balls that I want to catch and play with.
My parents turn to me and say “Hi Joey” and little by little I get more comfortable. Then people come by and pet me. Then they leave. Then other people come by and pet me. Then they leave. I”m happy when the come toward me and distressed when they walk away. But soon other people come toward me. Many of them stop in front of me and give me a pet and want to talk about me.
Eventually I become more comfortable and start to like this place!
My parents have me sit by a fence and they go and leave me alone for a while. I’m on my lead and I’d rather be free. But this is where I am now and I accept that. I’m with my parents and I’m a good dog. So I sit where I’m told to sit.
the lucky joey
My mom doesn’t tell me why, this year, she’s not taking me with her when she goes to play golf. She’s not telling me that it’s too hot for dogs, in the 90′s during the day, and that I’m getting older, and that I’m better off staying at home where I have some cool places where I can go. She’s not telling me that. Or maybe she is, and I’m not listening. Or maybe I’m listening but not understanding her. But there’s always hope!