09/21/2026
Our farm dog Robin turned 4 this year and has really grown into a distinguished gentleman. Better recall, chill with guests, kind to poultry -- an all-around good dog.
So when Community Ed offered a "Good Citizenship Certification" course for dogs, I signed us up. I've always wanted to take my dog to visit nursing homes, and this is step one.
Last Wednesday we showed up to a teeny gymnasium in Scanlon absolutely PACKED with dogs and their humans.
Robin took one look at the room and began singing the song of his people.
I hustled us to one of the last open seats, where my gentleman repeatedly popped out of his "down" and proceeded to cry, whine, and carry on like he'd received devastating news.
His anguish was contagious. Other dogs joined the mourning chorus until the instructor was nearly shouting over a gymnasium of wailing animals. The side-eye from other owners was substantial. We were patient zero.
Anyway. We will NOT be returning to Good Citizen class next week. Instead, we'll be attending basic obedience, repeating kindergarten.
