Knitting and Committing

I've been working extra hard and extra quick to make sure I finished one thing that I reeee-hee-heeally want to make a tradition of: knitting stockings each year for the fireplace mantle. I started learning the process of "knitting in-the-round" last year before Christmas, but just couldn't wrap my brain around it. It finally stuck this year. I have just finished both mine and Carlton's, and I am sooooo proud of myself! I am now working on a miniature striped version for Vespa. Here are the results!!!




Since our embarrassing trip to PetSmart, there have been one or two other "situations" with Vespa that finally convinced Carlton that we needed to enroll Vespa in a doggie training class. (I had wanted this since the PetSmart situation, but Carlton convinced me that we could work on it ourselves, until he took her for a walk and she encountered the next door golden retriever. Then he was ready to make a small investment in training/rehabilitation classes.)

Vespa was enrolled in a group class that was supposed to start Wednesday night at 6:30. Before bringing her into the store for class, I called to check and see if I needed to bring in anything at all: a certain leash, treats, etc. Turns out, due to the holidays, Vespa was the only pup enrolled in her class. The instructor and I talked for about an hour over the phone, and she talked me in to private lessons... with Vespa enrolled in the "class," she was limited to a specific curriculum, one which she wasn't really in need of. By enrolling in private classes, the instructor can work with both of us on her specific needs, and teach me how to handle her when she starts to get out of control. Unfortunately, Vespa didn't ever get out of control last night, so Trainer Lana, who uses the exact techniques as Cesar the Dog Whisperer, didn't get to experience the horror... or correct it. I did learn lots of great techniques and a few sure-fire commands that Vespa is very responsive to. Leash walking and encounters with other dogs in the store went well over all! She was very shy and submissive, and didn't really want to be anywhere except under my feet. We'll work on that! I'm totally, 100% committed to making this work. She's going to be chill and proud of herself in no time!