Today I am sitting outside in the sunshine with my laptop, Zoe by my side. I didn’t want to let her run loose while not occupied, but I also didn’t want to just tie her to my chair. So instead I clipped the 25′ training lead to her collar and am letting her drag that around. It works pretty well too. Without a leash on she’s prone to running into the woods (which are our property) and cavorting back there without paying too much attention to me. With the leash on I’m able to walk over and step on the end if she “forgets” to pay attention.

She’s doing really well, too. She’s enjoying being able to walk around and explore the yard, something that unfortunately she doesn’t get to do very often at all. (If she’s off-leash she’s actively playing with me, not exploring.) She’s staying in the yard, and coming over to “check in” with me every few minutes. She’s really just so well behaved. She reminds me a lot of Oreo when she was younger - eager to explore, but not willing to venture too far from mom’s side. Oreo never lost that proclivity. I hope Zoe doesn’t either.

She’s really everything I wanted in a dog. I love being able to just spend time with her, to do things together, without it having to be an active struggle or challenge. We’re quite happy just sitting in the living room together, or, like now, enjoying our yard together. I really think that’s what the dog-human bond is all about.