This is Way Too Much Fun!

Yes, Kruizer is a highly competent service dog. He's also a whole lot of fun! Everyone in the family has gotten into the habit of playing fetch with the Chuck-It after dinner. I think I'm finally getting the hang of the thing. Even throwing-challenged beings like me can send the ball flying -- at least far enough to give him a decent work out.

There's usually a fight among the humans as to who gets to throw the ball. Ahh, the competition's good for us. If we're too busy or the weather's bad, watch out! No stuffed animal in the house is safe as he goes around scooping up anything and everything in hopes we'll play. If not, I swear he sulks.

This morning we started working on Kruizer's "wake" command. His boy was having an exceptionally difficult time getting up, so I got some leftover chicken from last night's dinner, put it near his ear and let Kruizer go for it. Fun was had by all as Kruizer jumped up on the bed and licked his boy's head furiously in search of the treat. Five minutes and many laughs later, both boy and dog were up and all was well.

You may not think this is a big deal, but the scene would not be the same if I were to go and try to get DS up. He'd grump and growl and basically be in a horrific mood. This would set the stage for the whole day and things would go downhill fast. Instead, Kruizer's boy woke up happy, the smile lasting well into the day.

We'll continue working on this one everyday. Hopefully Kruizer will get to the point where he's just as enthusiastic without the treats. Either that or I'd better stock up on more chicken.