Cortez, Boy Scout Extraordinarie

Build the Bond, Victoria Schade, Bark Magazine, J/A 2009.

"It became clear to me that in order to have happy, frustration-free partnerships with our dogs, we need more than just love and training. For a relationship that truly thrives, we must cement a bond with our dog built on trust, mutual respect, and regard."

The Woman Trusts Me to do The Right Thing at The Right Time.

Two days ago, we (myself, Belle-chan, and The Woman) went to go play in Squirrel Park. It was fabulous. There were lots of squirrels to chase and smells to be found. We all laughed, and had fun.

Then, off to the Farmer's Market we all went, where we purchased fresh produce. Belle-chan enjoyed a crunchy carrot while I stood around and let small children adore me.

Then, the Liquor Store, where The Woman bought "supplies" for the weekend, and we (Belle-chan and I) made fun of a Chihuahua that also happened to be there. (OMG, is that really a dog?? ha ha ha ha ha!)

Then, off to Highland Park as The Woman needed food for the weekend and That Guy wanted his special ice cream. It was starting to get hot and humid now, but we waited patiently for her return because we both know that Highland Park means deli meats and cheese!

We drive Home. It's like 2 miles.

As we get near the House, the Woman slows down. There is a dog running down the street, a little Yorkshire Terrier. There are cars severing to avoid Him, and there is another Woman from a different car attempting to call The Terrier and get him to come to her.

The Woman (of course) stops. Emergency Lights. "Did You Lose Your Dog?"

"No, this Dog is just running loose!"

The Woman, without a thought, opens the back door and grabs my leash. "Come Cortez," she says, "Heel now!"

I leave the car and immediately Heel. Traffic is stopped on all sides of this busy street. The Yorkshire Terrier is running around. He is scared. He is Shaking. He is Frightened.

He is Alone.

Belle-chan is barking from the Front Seat Driver's Side, wondering what are we doing?!

The Woman leads me toward the Terrier and says, Hey Little Guy, let's play! Cortez, be good, let's play! Come on, let's play!

Okay.

As we get close, I immediately assume the crouch, and the Terrier, with interest, runs up to me. I start to bounce; he starts to bounce, and The Woman scoops him up and now he is no longer running scared in the street.

He has a collar, but no tags.

He is trembling in her arms. The People Who Are Waiting On The Road, cheer and clap, and then each one slowly moves around the emergency blinking cars and go about their business.

Sometimes, People can be very considerate.

Upon arriving Home, The Woman finds That Guy and says, "I need your help. Get the Cat Carrier Please." And when He walks out carrying it, and sees her holding The Terrier, He asks No Questions. He knows that whatever happened, happened for a reason.

The Woman gets The Terrier comfortable and calls the Warden, who comes quickly. It is very apperant that The Terrier is owned by someone who loves him; his fur is well cared for and his attitude is timid but positive.

After about an hour, The Phone rings, and The Woman finds out that The Terrier's Person has been found, and they are all reunited. This is a Feel Good Moment. The Terrier was not injuried on the Road nor did it get more lost than it could have. It was from the Neighborhood but had gotten out an open door.

And it took a Shiba to bring it Home.



I Am That Shiba.