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    In the midst of all the current frenzy over Spur's upcoming shows, the USPS brings a message from our vet.  It is time for Petra's geriatric check-up.

    Petra?  Geriatric?  How has this come to be?

    The fact is, Dunnigan's Queen Petra will turn 13 this June.  That's  not completely ancient for a miniature schnauzer who may live to 16 or 18.  But if you subscribe to the dog years theory, it makes her an elderly 91 in human terms.  No way.

    Petra was my first obedience dog, followed closely by her long-term companion, Dunnigan's Mr. Axel Extraordinaire.  I cut my obedience teeth on these two dogs, and now may not be a bad time to set a few things right.  The fact is, I owe Petra an apology.  Or more.

    My first plan was simply to have an obedient dog.  A dog I could take places.  Who would be companionable with me, with other people, with other dogs.  But I very quickly caught the obedience bug.  First I craved the Novice title, then the others, then I really hoped we would earn some ribbons.  I couldn't help myself.  I got caught up.

    And in those days, just a dozen years ago, the training was a little less enlightened.  I didn't much know what I was doing.  And so I jerked Petra along on a choke collar to try and persuade her to heel.  I pinched her ear to get her to pick up her dumbbell.  I sometimes voiced my frustrations.

    I understand better now that the problem was never with Petra.  It was always with me.  It was my responsibility to teach her what I wanted, to make it fun for both of us, to build her confidence and pride.  Spur is the current beneficiary of my insights and experience.  But Petra did her best.

    She was always stalwart in the ring, we had some great moments, and the thrill of a blue ribbon or two.  We went to the AKC national invitationals - we were among the top 100 obedience dogs in the nation!  And I recovered fairly quickly from the fact that we finished the competition in 99th place.

    Petra gave me better than I deserved, and I have done my best to give her a life of love in return.  Today she is happily retired, with a few years ahead, I hope.  She watches Spur's antics and training regime with interest but not envy.  She knows she will also get a cookie when his work session is complete.

    Over the years, one of us has trained the other.  I'm no longer sure exactly which is which.