Let’s face it. When your dog has a command performance to make — especially when it’s inside — there’s one thing you’re going to worry about. Oh, sure, you can see to it that he goes before he gets there. But still . . .
Earlier this week Ricky was scheduled for just such a gig — an appearance at the Bryant Elementary School in Bridgeport. I go there once a month to read aloud to kids in Mr. P.’s second-grade class, and a couple of visits ago I read them some stories I’d written about my beagle. That’s all the kids needed to hear. By popular demand . . . Ricky would be coming to Bryant!
Tuesday was the day and — I’m not gonna lie to you — I was nervous. Especially considering Ricky’s checkered past with this kind of thing: The “wow, this is a really cool place!” poop in the vestibule of Maggie Mae’s in Austin. The “I haven’t seen you since high school!” poop at Lucy’s condo in Denver. The “so nice to finally meet my son’s girlfriend’s parents!” poop in Delaware. The “what’s up, Nick?” poop in the lobby of Robby’s friend’s dorm in Baltimore. And all of these grand gestures just moments after entry.
Carol assured me Ricky had already “gone” very early that morning. I gave him another chance before we got in the car for B-port. And another right after we parked. But still . . .
In the classroom, Ricky was the model citizen. He got a royal welcome as 25 kids, table by table, kneeled on the floor with him, petted him, tugged on his velvety ears, tried to shake his paw. Through it all, my dog was a trooper. Held perfectly still while the kids got their fill. Not a peep out of him. In a word, his behavior was stellar.
Eventually we said goodbye. I tugged on his leash. I wanted to get out while the getting was good.
I exited the front door with Ricky trotting alongside me. On the pavement in front of the school, he squatted and produced a record-breaking patty.
Now is that a good boy, or what?!
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