Anything you can do ...

"Anything You Can Do" is a song that  Irving Berlin composed for the 1946 Broadway musical, "Annie Get Your Gun". The lyrics include: "Anything you can do I can do better, I can do anything better than you."

That is Chester's resolution for 2013.

He began his progress early this year with a few ups and some downs, but today he did something I did not believe possible ... for a long time ... or maybe ever.

Chester and I took a walk, by ourselves, for about a block and a half. We would have made our usual entire circuit but there were about 5 people mulling around on the vacant lot at the end of the cul-de-sac. I hesitated at the top of the corner hill and when Chester noticed the people, he turned and headed home. He didn't panic and run in circles. He didn't stress out and try to escape the halter. He simply turned around and headed home.

Previously at his foster home (for about 6 months) Chester would only walk with other dogs. He had a foster dog brother, another Golden, who walked with him and his foster Mom. Although I originally wanted a dog to be my own jogging buddy, I had honestly put that desire on the back burner because I suspected Chester might always need moral support from another dog. Since he has been part of our family, he has never taken a walk outside our fenced back yard without Casey alongside. Taking family walks is fun but although Casey is much younger than Chester, she has learned to pace herself to Glenn's leisurely gait. Chester and I prefer a brisk walk mixed with a slow jog so we always end up having to wait for them. Chester tends to panic if he gets too far ahead of Casey.

This morning, after our normal routines, Chester and I were in the bedroom upstairs. He was lying on his bed watching TV and I was preparing to do some work on his book. I don't know what prompted me, but when I glanced down at him, he was watching me and smiling. I said "do you want to go for a walk?" He sat up. When I grabbed his halter, he walked towards me. I haltered him and double attached the leash to halter and collar and we headed for the front door.

Normally to Chester this sequence of events means a ride in the car, except that's usually put into action when I pick up my keys. Today I had plans to trick him ... and it worked.

It's cold outside, but for a change it's not soggy. We haven't taken the dogs for a good walk in awhile because I've been sick and the weather has been horribly wet and nasty. The dogs get exercise in the back yard and after dinner each night they have the opportunity to run and play in the basement.

Until a month ago Chester had to be dragged outside the house, except to the back yard. There was no way he was going through the front door, or to the car. Even when the four of us (Glenn and Casey, Chester and me) were going for walks in the neighborhood, Chester has always had to be coaxed to begin.

During the past month, I try to take him with me in the car whenever I'm running short errands. He loves riding and since he doesn't like getting out of the car, he stays in the back seat no matter how many stops I make along the way. Casey loves riding too, but she expects to go inside with you whenever you exit the vehicle. I don't like leaving Chester in the car alone for an extended period of time, but he seems very happy to ride anywhere and he's always good waiting for me until I return to the car.

This morning I had a plan and took a chance. After he was haltered and leashed we headed to the front door. Chester gladly walked outside, just knowing that we would stop at the car so he could jump in the back seat. Instead, as soon as we were off the stairs, I began jogging and he simply stayed with me. I kept going in the direction we always walk, at a jogging pace. By not letting him think about what we were doing, and by staying on a familiar course, Chester didn't have time to panic.  I was as surprised as he was, because it worked.

In order to make a change you have to take that first step. Sometimes it is difficult and you fail. Other times the hardest part is having the courage to try. Today Chester and I are singing "anything you can do I can do better" because we know this is just another step in the right direction. We will win this together.

Next hurdle ... a veterinary visit for a basic checkup and weigh-in on Thursday. You'll be surprised. Three months ago he was skinny and frail looking. Today I call him a "chunk". I can't wait to get him on an accurate scale and see what the vet has to say about our miracle dog.