Road Signs for Ruffian

Bored by rain
And lack of sun
I logged on to Google
In search of some fun

Something happy
But what to do?
I looked at Ruff
And then I knew

I found the class
No time to tarry
Lest I lose the spot
With trainer Sherry

Eight hours from now
The class would start
Not long to decide
Am I being smart?

Ruff’s sweet and he’s social
With a couple of quirks
But he’s bright and he’s happy
Let’s see if this works

Two openings left
What incredible luck
I committed to going
Then hopped in the truck

With treats and some water
We left home at five
A brand-new adventure
A one-hour drive

He was a little uneasy
But jumped out of his crate
Without any coaxing
Without any bait

It’s fun to be back
In a dog training class
So fun there’s no fear
Of the test we must pass

One week into training
With a click and a treat
He’s happy to work for
A bit of dried meat

Some strangers are dangers
He still sometimes shies
Near umbrellas and paint cans
And frisbee-golf guys

This is only a start
Just a month and a half
But our teamwork’s evolving
He does make me laugh

We’ll see where we are
At the end of six weeks
I suspect we’ll continue
With classes and tweaks

But he’ll get there someday
This good-natured Ruff
A bringer of Joy
A canine cream puff

Some have no faith
Won’t they be agog
When Ruffian turns into
A Therapy Dog