"Guess what Duncan did today!"

I feel like I've been calling my Mom everyday lately and starting the conversation with this exclamation. He is really doing so well! Last night, I took him with me and let him wait in the car while I got a perm. Once she had all my rollers in, my stylist Karen and I went out to the car to see him. I got him out of the car, and he actually approached Karen and let her pet him! I was shocked! He seems to enjoy "going" and hanging out in the car waiting for me. (Only when it's not too hot of course.) Afterwards we went up to Oak Grove park again. It was quiet, not too many people around. However there was one couple walking the path in opposite direction as Duncan and I. When it came time to pass them Duncan did shy away just a little and tried to move over to my right side. But he did not stop, and he did not lay down and refuse to move at all. He just kept on going. When we got back to the car he wanted to go around the path one more time. He seems to enjoy walking. He continues to walk consistently on my left side, and seems to be doing fine with the use of his collar instead of a harness to attach the leash to. He is even wearing his new "Shamrock Bandanna" proudly. (He wants to be just like Hannah in hers.) He also continues to be very good about getting up into the car by himself. I have not had to pick him up and put him in the car once since he first got in by himself Sunday!

We had another mild thunderstorm early this morning. I woke to a low rumble and found Duncan very close to me. At one point he curled up right next to me and let me wrap my arms around him and snuggle up spoon-style. I know you're not supposed to try to comfort or coddle a dog when they are showing signs of shyness or fear, because you do not want to reinforce or award the behavior. But it's such a joy to be able to put my arms around him and give him a big hug, even if he is frightened!