Dear Kathleen,

I can’t believe how much your training has improved my life! I now get to go on walks through the neighborhood. I don’t waste so much time barking like a madman at all those silly little dogs. I’m learning to stay in control when I see another dog while I am out walking and, best of all, I come when I am called. My owners think that’s the cat’s meow!

I heel like a champ most of the time and I actually get excited when I feel that collar going around my neck because I know it means I get to go out in the world and see and smell all this new stuff.

Even at six years of age, I had no trouble catching on quickly. Of course, you must understand I am not just any dog, I am a 65 lb standard poodle.