CERTIFIED - TEAM 66

Dear Cubby,

I can hardly believe it!  We're certified!  We did it!

Wow, was this ever different from last time, and I learned some valuable lessons.  I was a nervous wreck when Sophie took her certification test.  This time with you I made a conscious effort to relax, let you do your job, and just do the best we could.  And, as you always do, you blew me away!  It's true ... "fear and nerves travel right down the leash into your dog," ... but so does confidence!

All your toys were picked up and put out of the way as Jake suggested and, without those distractions, you plowed your way through the in-home part of the test in nothing flat.  In the store itself, you had no idea you were being tested; you just did what you knew how to do, with no pressure and no stress.  Of course you weren't perfect, but pretty doggone close, and you ended up with a score 4 points higher than you did on the practice test.

Then came the fitting of that beautiful cape we both worked our tails off for!  Isn't it pretty?  Just don't get the idea that your training is all done; we'll both be learning new things for the rest of your life ... together.  Together ... isn't that a beautiful word?

Photo Description: Wendy with harnessed and caped Cubby.