My first task is to past the rigorous 10-step Canine Good Citizen test. There’s a shiny blue ribbon at the end of it, the elite status of being known as an Extra Special Very Good Bestest Dog, and then I’ll get to start visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and airports to make peoples’ day. Now, I’m already a very good dog. I was born ready for this. But some of these requirements are just plain unreasonable if you ask me. For example, I like all humans but some men scare me with their loud voices, quick gestures, and looming over me. Doggie body language, anyone? Also, some of the new noises around me are downright alarming, like loud cars, clanging metal gates, and fast scooters. There aren’t any of those things where I come from!
My mom says to be patient and we’ll train me to get used to these noises and not jump a mile away because they are perfectly normal, not-scary noises (we’ll see…). Lastly, I’m supposed to come when she calls my name. I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to. My mom gives the best hugs and I love making her happy, but sometimes there’s too many other interesting or scary things that I have to pay attention to. It’s not easy being a dog and training a human!
Girl with the Bernese 