Johnna'sWorld: Jackson Goes to Boot Camp -Part XIII

a Dose of Dave (Barry)

Thanksgiving is not merely a time of eating until we are big fat bloated carbohydrate balloons lying motionless on the sofa watching the Detroit Lions while actual gravy oozes from our pores. Thanksgiving is also a time of giving thanks --as the Pilgrims did so many centuries ago --for the fact that the malls are open on Friday. Otherwise we'd have to spend another day cooped up with our loved ones, not to mention toxic levels of leftovers, and the number of domestic drumstick assaults would be even higher than it is.

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Not everybody is comfortable with the idea of eating turkeys, which are, let’s face it, living organisms, like dogs or celery. You may wonder: Is there a more humanitarian option that you can serve for Thanksgiving dinner? There certainly is: tofu, a semi-foodlike substance secreted by soybeans as a defense mechanism. Tofu can be used as a high-protein substitute, as well as a denture adhesive or tile grout. In its natural state, tofu is tasteless and odorless, but if you form it into a turkey-shaped lump, season it well, add gravy, and bake it for two hours in a shallow pan at 350 degrees, you can also use it for minor driveway repairs.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Jackson Goes to Boot Camp -Part XIII

This photo-story of Jackson is part of his "indoor" training. Jackson now routinely stays for longer and longer times and up to 10 feet away.

We returned to Fiddyment Farms today…same development, different “block.” We don’t want Jackson to think that he has to be obedient in only one geographical location –although I doubt if that would be the case. More sit-stay & heel. He’s really getting it now. He sits almost majestically and waits for my command to come. If he doesn’t get a treat, he gets a pat with a “Good Boy, Jackson!” Also, he is good about sitting at my side, facing forward with me, and awaits the “heel” command. I think he heels very well for a dog who normally goes at the speed of light. When he first automatically sits as we halt at intersections, I will rejoice and report the occasion in bold, capital letters! Earlier, we went to visit Lucy. While she ate her breakfast in peace in the garage, Jackson and I played in the back yard. Then Lucy joined us and the two of them had a romp for about ½ hour. We’ll repeat this procedure for the next 10 days. I think it helps that Jackson has burned off a good deal of energy before his training session begins.