So I decided to sign Jasper up for dog obedience classes ... she is a good dog but can always do better (as I like to tell her, make good choices, Jasper Lily). Since we are pretty sure she is a Kelpie mix, we know she is a smart breed (and a working breed so obedience will give her goals). 

I know all pawrents say this about their fur-babies but my dog was the smartest in the class! Not sure if it was because she was the oldest (3) or that she goes to daycare once a week where they do some training with them, or that she's just bright but she picked up all the cues right away. Her name - yup, she would look right at me. Come, in a heartbeat - even with store distractions. Look - (as in look me it the eyes)... pretty good. 

The training started off with some playtime and Jasper seemed more interested in the people than the dogs but of course became the "fun police" when dogs started doing zoomies in circles and she had to "bark" to "herd" them. But all in all, she was really well behaved and well mannered. I was so proud of her!

Shelby passed dog obedience simply by showing up. She was a good dog but I didn't really work with her and she made bad choices well into her teens....but she did pass her canine good citizen easily and I am hopeful for Jasper. We still need to work on a lot of issues - like barking at strangers (new and not fun), trying to chase a car (once and hopefully never, ever, again) and making good choices in life (not barking at the neighbors every single day). 

BUT who goes to Petco and doesn't get a toy!?!

When I left for work ... snuggled with her baby. She doesn't even bat an eye when I walk out the door and I guess that is a good sign that she is secure and knows I will come back. 

And one more ... from the dog park last weekend - 

Caption this! I call it pure bliss... 

What a difference two years makes ... this little girl has come so far out of her shell...she is a totally different dog than the dog I rescued .. she is happy, confident and secure. So proud of her!