Training a Border Terrier to be calm, relaxed and yet alert enough not to sleep through her visits to our oldest and youngest friends is a serious challenge.  Some dogs hardly even need training - the instinct is already there.  Now, Micki on the other hand, taught me that anything this important needs to be done well, so we learned from the best instructor we could find.  Oh, yes, there were also obedience classes that were required - terriers plus obedience? 

Through all of our classes, Micki never lost her sense of humor, even if I did, on occasion.  She was three years old when we passed our first Delta Society 'evaluation'.   

We have been very busy for the past two years, visiting senior citizens' centers, the Children's Museum, and three busy Ramsey County libraries.  We like our busy schedule!

Almost May, 2012.  Hard to believe.  Micki will be five years old in two weeks.  We visited a new friend today.  Harriet is 94 years old, and she loves dogs.  We just happened to be in the neighborhood (not really - we were invited).    Harriet has her own apartment in this charming assisted-living facility, and this afternoon, getting through the lobby was a challenge, since many residents were enchanted by a piano recital - but not so enchanted that they did not see Micki.  "Oooohs" and "ahhhs" reverberated through the large lobby area where people had gathered to listen to the music.  They stretched out their hands to touch Micki, and she was eager to meet everyone.  


In 2007 I already knew that I wanted to train and work with a 'therapy dog', and this was that one that Karen chose for me.  At 4 weeks of age, Micki was already reaching out to lick Karen's face, and Karen decided that this was the puppy for me.