Flying Poodles

Elly has me well trained…

I took the girls to Marymoor today, with plans of a nice long walk. We went once around and I noticed Elly was limping a fair bit–she is still dealing with on-again-off-again tendinitis in her left bicep–so I headed to the car. About ten feet from the car, I pulled the leash out of my pocket, and Elly took off at a dead run, Dancer right with her, over to the soccer fields.

I walked to the car, I got a second leash, and I started to walk toward the soccer fields. Elly flew out of the soccer fields and ran to the far end of the parking lot, still a dog possessed by demons, Dancer right behind. But I whistled and Dancer actually came to me, accepted a treat, and let me put her leash on. Elly of course continued on, racing into the blackberries.

I walked over toward the blackberries, spotted Elly cruising the bushes and continued down the on-leash trail deep into the bird sanctuary portion of Marymoor, getting glares from two moms putting their toddlers into strollers.

Elly began to follow me, about fifty feet to the side and behind, moving AWAY FROM THE ROAD. See how smart she’s made me?

I started walking faster, down toward the side gate into the park. I looked over and there’s Elly, trotting right next to Dancer (who’s on leash, remember). I keep walking and singing and go right in the side gate from the bird sanctuary, very nonchalant. Elly follows me  right through the gate and forgets entirely that she’s possessed by demons,and comes over for a treat. I put her leash on and we headed on back to the car.