So, there are a lot of perks of this job. A LOT! I get to basically walk around, play with tails, and smack leashes all in the name of creating better dogs. I get to meet (and distract!) all sorts of dogs--different sizes and breeds!  Sometimes they are just puppies--meeting a kitty for the first time, and I get to be their fun feline experience! Other times, it's an older dog who "doesn't get alot with the cat at home" only because they chase and pester the cat, instead of sit still and let the cat explore them! The tables certainly turn when I CHASE them! They really start to digest a new relationship, and a new way to live with a cat!

There are also risks of this job. For the most part, my biggest risk is the occasional slime of dog slobber or a disturbed nap from barking!  Other times, it's a little higher--when there is a dog here that doesn't simply want to chase the cat.  They want to chase me...and eat me! EEK!  Those dogs, I am not as thrilled about having around as you could have guessed! The red-haired girl has done a good job as far as keeping me safe, but we have had our stressful moments! Both she and I learn a lot about each other during those times! I remember one particular dog who stayed in the guest room, behind a locked door.  I have an affinity for opening closed doors and always wanting to see new dogs--but the red-haired girl did a lot of explaining and "kitty proofing" to keep me out. At first I was very persistent about getting in, but once I met that dog I was happy to keep my distance.  I could see that I was on the menu! In those cases, it's hard for me to think I've helped the dog. But the red-haired girl assures me, that every bit of training was credited to me--as she had to get creative and the dog had to get over the desire for Cenicero cupcakes to learn!

And SOMETIMES I am the one behind lock and key. Very unhappy about this, I occasionally am the one put away.  What can I say--I love little dogs...especially pouncing on them.  And apparently that makes it hard for them to learn at first. If I come on to hard, I get put behind bars. It's only fair I suppose...but I can't say I'm happy about it. 

Like the dogs, I guess I can't always get what I want. But, the red-haired girl makes sure we all get what we need :)

Tolerance is any important skill to have. For both dogs and cats, we must learn to be tolerant and not yield to every impulse we experience (a slow, gentle boxer paw landing on your back, for example). That said, there are times where we must step up and out of our comfort zone, draw the line, and say ENOUGH!  (Maybe due to rapid paws on your back?) We're not doing this to be mean or harsh, but to help someone understand that they are close to crossing a line. If we don't give feedback, we are providing a disservice, and they can never grow. No one ever knows they've made a mistake if it is never brought to their attention. Finding the fine line between being a doormat and being bossy is a valuable skill of communication, which will reward you with many wonderful relationships. Sometimes the ones we care about the most need to know if they need to "stop!"--no matter who is watching! ;)

Did you know that we only get one shot at this?  One shot to make a first impression?  One shot at life? Bare your soul, share you love, reach out and touch someone who is in need of some kindness.  If you can be that rock for someone, even if just for a moment, you've spent a moment of your life bringing joy to a moment of someone else's.  Every action we take adds to our history and the ever growing foundation of who we are.