Today was a big day for Ozzie- there is a 5K race that we do every year to honor a local police officer who was killed in the line of duty- I walk with a dog or 2, my husband runs with other firefighters. I had debated whether Ozzie was ready for such an event, but I know how comfortable he is with his friend Pixie so I brought him along! We met at the downtown fire station, and Ozzie gave some affection, but also some barks to some of the others gathered there. We walked up the hill to the starting line, and I was careful to keep Ozzie to the side, instead of the middle of the crowd. Yes, he barked little, but was by far and away not the most obnoxious dog there- and as soon as we started walking he relaxed completely! He loved it- a nice long walk on a cool day is just the best. There were people on the side cheering us along, and Ozzie had his head and tail held high, and seemed to enjoy himself so much. I was so glad I brought him!

10 weeks ago I can tell you that I never would have brought Ozzie ANYWHERE where there was any kind of crowd- he's worked hard and changed so much! I can tell you that it takes some extra care to make sure that strangers don't reach out and touch Ozzie, but he can enjoy the same sorts of things that my others do, and I'm so happy for him.