Sunday Guide Work

Sunday for Cricket is usually a relaxing day.  We have church from 9-12 which her and I both love much better than the 1-4 block which overlaps her dinner time.  She can get a little restless towards the end knowing it is just so close to dinner.   We love being able to walk to church and it gives Cricket and I more freedom if our time doesn't always coincide with Steves.  He has a church position that has him not always attending with us.  She helped me find my new Sunday School class today (my 13/14 year olds!).  Walking to our classroom in the hallway she walked a little close to a box of books that were sticking out on a table and the other side of her harness bumped it slightly.  It wasn't serious, but we had the chance to rework this.   Sometimes its not possible in a crowded area to rework but in this moment there was space for us to quickly retrace our steps and rework.  She glided around it great the second time.  Good girl.  I love that Cricket has fans.  This lady was telling me as she saw what we were doing - but you didn't get hurt :).  True.  However, a quick rework helps Cricket know the importance of her job and she can't cut corners.  She also ends up knowing she had a success instead of a bump into something that then she think oops.  Do you think she thinks oops?  Or, I think she may think oh that must not really matter if we don't rework it. 

Our other little challenge of the church time.  After Sunday School (which we were in a new place with our class), she knew next meeting was Relief Society on the other side of the building.  Generally, we cut through the cultural hall.  Today, however, as we were cutting through they were just starting priesthood opening exercises.  Oops.  Cricket and I walked through the front of the room.  She walked into the Relief Society room and they had rearranged some chairs.  So her regular spot was now not available.  Super crowded and we slid in a seat and she curled up in a new corner and I had a moment to breathe.  A few people said hi to Cricket.  I was proud she tuned them out and focused on getting us safely to our chair.  After church and a little visiting, I told her Cricket outside ... find the door.  She did so in great fashion and we walked home.  On the way home,  a new obstacle: a snow drift that she stopped for, put my foot out to acknowledge it, and then we slowly walked around.  We stopped for a couple curbs and crossed one street to get back safely to our home.  Walking up the porch, Cricket stops at the step - waits for my foot to stop there - looks to know that I'm there and proceeds. 

This black jacket does not pass the Cricket test!  I've had it a few years and have tried to wear it a couple times and it just ends up being hairy.  Its off to someone that doesn't have a sweet yellow lab.

Harness is off and she can relax and enjoy the Super Bowl and time with family.