So the trainers actually called last week, but I've been really busy and haven't had the time to sit down and write about it.
They originally called when I was at dinner with my boss and the videographer, and I was really upset at not being able to speak to them right then and there. They sounded really cheerful on the phone, and I was instantly relieved, as I'd anticipated a really serious, stern conversation (for no good reason, might I add). Anyway, we arranged to have them call me the next morning, and then I passed a night of extreme excitement and nervousness. I kept imagining my ideal dog, and thought of all the traits I'd like it to have.
One of the class instructors called back the next morning, and we wasted no time getting to the meat of the conversation. I told her that I was hoping to get a yellow dog, that I did not want a golden retriever, and that I hoped my dog would be very calm and laid back, not very licky or jumpy, and have a moderate walking pace. Although I can definitely walk quickly when I'm feeling confident about my environment or route, all my dogs in the past have had quite a strong pull in harness, and I often felt as though I was being dragged down the street. I'm one of those people who second guesses many of my decisions, including my traffic analysis and orientation when I'm outside. We could speculate endlessly as to why this is the case, but suffice it to say that I really just need a dog who will give me my space to figure things out, and who isn't chomping at the bit to "go go go". I hope I was really clear about my hopes--it sure seemed as though she was really receptive to what I had to say. She assured me that all of the things I was asking for were reasonable. She also reassured me that peoples' preferences vary a lot. I had always been under the impression that everyone would want the kind of dog I want--because who would want an unfocused licking machine who jumped on everyone and had too much energy? but people do request dogs like that (ok well not the unfocused part, but you get what I mean) because their lives are quite active, or they have several different routes they go on a day, and they're generally the innate dog lovers who want to romp and play with their dogs every minute the dog isn't in harness. We had a bit of a laugh regarding my telling her that I took the bus and train a lot.
Me: But like, it's not like, the subway train that I take so much, you know? it's like...you know, the train where you buy expensive tickets?
By this time, we were already laughing at how ridiculous this all was.
Her: You mean like, the choo-choo train?
Me: Yes! that's exactly it!
Although it was just a small moment, it really put my heart at ease (for the time-being at least), because I really enjoy working with someone who can laugh with (and even at) me. I just hope to god (or whoever else might be out there) that the match ends up being a good one. I'm so terrified that I'm going to get this out of control dog who jumps on everyone and everything, and I'm just not going to know what to do. I'm also afraid of being completely honest with the trainers, because my passed experiences of doing so have generally not been well-received. But I know that being honest with them is basically the only way to ensure that I go home with a dog I feel safe and comfortable with.
So, there you have it. I'm a bundle of nerves and excitement, and have only six more days to go!
