Some of you know what a challenge Duke has been since we adopted him a little over a year ago.  I'm sure I will regret bragging, but he is doing so wonderful this week.

Sunday I walked him to mom's house for a visit. He walked in a near perfect 'heal' all the way there and back. Once we were there he did his duty and thoroughly investigated the new surroundings, the laid down and patiently waited as we visited.

Monday I had him out walking in the yard late in the afternoon. Our neighbor was sitting on their swing, just a few steps from our property line. I waved and spoke, then asked if I could walk Duke over (since he no longer barks or lunges at the neighbor). We walked over and I kept Duke close to me until he was invited by the neighbor to come closer and say hello. We visited for a few minutes and said goodbye. Didn't want to overstay our welcome!

And today, he had to go to the vet to have a growth on his leg looked at. He was perfect in the waiting room. We took him into the exam room and the tech came in and asked if I would mind if their vet student looked at him. She knows me well, so I told her, it was ok with me, if they were up to the challenge since he isn't real friendly when they are trying to examine him. She came back shortly with the student. She was able to muzzle him with much head shaking. [Image Can Not Be Found]

She then sat in the floor and held him with a death grip while the student examined him. Duke moaned and groaned. They took the muzzle

off and he was all happy and had to greet them again like he had never seen them and nothing had happened. They went out to consult with Dr F.

A few minutes later Dr F and the student came back into the room. Dr F took the leash from me, I thought he was going to take Duke to the back. But, no, he talked to him, petted him and walked him around the room, talked to me and very casually started touching him. In just a minute, he had Duke standing still, without a muzzle and examining the growth. I was in awe. I'm thinking he was teaching the student how to handle a problem dog.

Dr F complemented me on how far Duke has come since his first visit. I'm very proud of him this week. We are continuing to make progress. [Image Can Not Be Found] [Image Can Not Be Found]

Oh, and the growth is nothing to worry about. Likely a cyst, does not need a biopsy. And he's down 4 pounds in 8 days being on Trouble's diet.