Posted by luvmypets at 7/17/08 6:59 p.m.

It's almost like my four dogs can read my mind and anticipate what I plan to do. They run to the garage door to wait for me to take them for a ride. Even when I can't locate their leads, they will find them. On a counter, hanging on a hook, under a chair...they know.

When I suffer from some health problems or following surgery, they are steadfast companions and quietly lay by my bedside offering support and comfort as I recouperate. Other times, these canine companions will force me to take a break from work when I stay at it longer than I should. They get you up and moving when you've been sitting at the computer or reading for long periods of time. It's necessary for us to take a break once in awhile. They seem to know when the time is right.

I have a very smart rescue dog that I've trained to do many tricks and it's always a challenge for me to think of something new for her to try. She is a sighthound mix and has the speed and energy I lack. However, that's the challenge for me...to train her to wait. Wait for a treat. Wait for the other dogs to run and she goes last. She is good with everything but coming on command. She knows I can't chase her and we do many things to get her to come. We do the treats, fun tone of voice, get the other dogs to run to us...she is smarter than me.