A Valentine From Frax

Hello!

Frax is a very sweet helper pup. He and I went to Walgreen's to sneakily get my hubby a few goodies for the day, as well as a card. Along the way, Frax was intrigued by the stuffed animals that were on offer with other Valentine's themed items.

He wanted one. Desperately.

I said “no” to the stuffed animals. (He has a long and storied history of destruction of said animals). We got in line at the checkout. There were about three other folks patiently waiting behind us as we awaited the person in front of us to be done with their purchase.

When I let loose of Frax's harness to pay the cashier, Frax saw his opportunity to 'discuss' his feelings regarding no stuffed toys.

He darted to the side of me. Stood in the middle of the checkout aisle, and 'spoke'. “Yortlechortlewoooooooooo!” he earnestly belted out to the amazed line of people. “Frax! Come here now!” I said. He immediately returned to his side, and working. He has never done that before thank goodness! Not good manners, not good manners at all. And he knew it too.

He tried to 'make up' once we got home. We had a discussion about when 'talking' is approved and when it's not. Definitely calling attention to oneself and belting out your dismay is not proper service dog behavior.

My husband, Bill, has pointed out what the real problem is. Frax does not think he is a canine. He feels he is some sort of version of human being and ought to be attended to when he 'speaks'. Unfortunately for Frax, I'm the only one who understands what he's mumbling about. It must be frustrating.

He occasionally will try to 'talk' to others. The results have been disappointing. Most folks laugh. Some are momentarily stupefied. There is the occasional person who believes he might be eaten.

Of course, I'm left explaining what the heck my service dog is doing....it's a conundrum.