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Border collie's calling leaks into public domain
(by Timmy Sullivan - June 17, 2009)
SENIORITIS, BY TIMY SULLIVAN
Border collie's calling leaks into public domain
Rosie's agility career is at risk, and I'm just not sure there's anything we can do about it.
Actually, things were going quite well until a week or so ago, when the unthinkable happened. We were wrapping up a beginning level class. The seven dogs and their owners were maneuvering, one by one, through a little course. It was a jovial and supportive group. Everyone watched each dog go, laughing when the inevitable mistakes were made and applauding enthusiastically at the finish.
When it was Rosie's turn, she quickly jumped the three little jumps, scrambled through the tunnel, flew over the A-frame and began prancing gracefully across the teeter-totter. Suddenly, catching sight of her adored instructor, she stopped mid-stride, and, as a room full of people stared in disbelief, Rosie peed on the teeter.
I tried to pretend I hadn't seen it, but the puddle just kept spreading. There was dead silence. For what seemed like an eternity, no one moved. Then everyone ran for disinfectant and towels and began a frantic clean-up effort. It was gently suggested that I take Rosie outside. We headed for the car in disgrace.
It turns out that peeing on the teeter is tantamount to peeing in a pool at an Olympic swim meet -- and with good reason. Once that scent is on a piece of equipment, every dog that comes after will be tempted to stop and sniff. Since speed is the name of the game, that just won't do. So, even in beginning classes, you just can't have dogs peeing on teeters.
I'd like to say this was a onetime offense, but the truth is, Rosie is what they call a "submissive pee-er." Only last week, she was breezing through a trial Canine Good Citizen test until the "meet-and-greet" portion. Apparently, peeing on the shoes of the person administering the test is an automatic fail.
So now, we're taking a little time off from school and engaging in an immersion program, subjecting Rosie to as many adoring fans as possible in the hope that she'll become so comfortable with love and affection that she won't be tempted to pee.
That's where Jack and Chagrin Hardware come in. Rosie loves Jack more than anyone on Earth. In fact, she began decorating those old floors at the hardware store when she was 8 weeks old. Actually, it became such a problem that we had to get Jack to greet Rosie outside.
Most afternoons now, you can find Jack on the ground by Riverside Park spoiling his second favorite border collie with treats and belly rubs. If we can get her to remain pee-free in the Jack zone, we'll have this thing knocked.
You can help too. If you happen to come upon Rosie and me on one of our many walks through the village, please come on up and give her some love. Just don't stand too close, unless you're wearing rubber shoes.
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