Baker and I are struggling through the move together. With Steven at work all day the two of us are left to make our way.  Baker’s biggest disappointment is the lack of green grass. He was sure Steven and I kept talking about how lush and green Seattle is and all we’ve been able to offer are cigarette laden one square foot patches, which is clearly inadequate as useable space.

Baker is a spirited, loud dog and has now moved into a high rise. His bark is something we have been working relentlessly on. I understand there are reasons that a dog barks and it seems cruel to put him in a shock collar when he could be barking for a very good reason.  I have focused the training on his barking at people. My general rule of thumb with Baker is that if it were socially acceptable for me to bark at someone in public and I would then Baker is allowed to bark. For instance, when he insistently barked at the man wearing navy blue tights with white anchors and vinyl military boots, I allowed him.

The stairwell and elevator are very confusing for Baker. If the elevator doors open and someone is standing there it scares the lights out of my dear dog. After a nice stroll outside we entered the lobby and the elevator doors opened to reveal a man traveling up from the underneath parking garage. Baker let out an alert bark which caused a high pitch screech and hand flailing from the dramatic elevator man, which caused Baker to jump into my arms while barking wildly. I simultaneously yelled for the guy to just keep going, close the doors and keep going. I waited for the next elevator hoping that the doors would open to reveal an empty car.  I have to admit I was laughing.

Sometimes animals have a better sense of things then we do. Their instinct is pretty much still intact while ours only kicks in at certain times. Since Baker has boycotted drinking the apartment water I trust his instinct and will be boycotting the water as well.

Baker and I are relying on each other to figure out the city and make the best of our situation during the day. We both leap for joy when Steven comes home from work.