Charlie may look like such a sweetheart (and he is! What other dog will walk around with a towel on after his bath and even pose for a picture?), but he has his moments when we're walking him. You know, like thinking he's as tough as the big dogs, and his complete confidence that he can climb trees and catch those annoying squirrels that taunt him every day.
While I commend him on his optimistic attitude, I hate being dragged along for the ride. So, over the year and half that we've had him, Steve and I have never taken him to a restaurant with us while we dined outside.
Until, last weekend. Doesn't he look calm?
I won't lie, there were a lot of baby steps involved in achieving that calm picture. Charlie was really antsy until the waitress brought the bowl of water, which signaled to Charlie that we were there to stay for awhile. And, we still use a collar that allows us to buzz him (completely harmless, it just makes a noise) when he gets out of line. That helps keep him calm in a lot of different scenarios.
Despite a couple of road blocks, it was still SO exciting to sit outside and enjoy a meal with the pup at our feet. We always feel guilty about leaving him at home, so now we know we can take him out with us from time to time. Great way to start off the summer!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th of July weekend...I can't wait to share the cake I'm baking tomorrow - today I whipped up the white chocolate butter cream frosting for it, and it's ah-mazing!
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