Travel Wizard
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog
By Jill Haymaker

The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.
~Konrad Lorenz

I grabbed Merlin’s leash as he hopped out of my car in the busy airport parking lot. “Promise me you’ll be a good dog,” I said, uttering a silent prayer.

Almost two years earlier, Merlin had moved into my home and heart as a three-pound Toy Australian Shepherd ball of energy. Now he’d reached his full weight of seventeen pounds.

I’ve discovered that Australian Shepherds have unlimited energy. Merlin loves to run, play and bark — especially bark. He’s not a watchdog, but he barks whenever he spots a potential playmate — dogs, kids, and some adults — as if to say, “Here I am. Come play with me.” He has also appointed himself as my miniature protector. When he spots another male dog getting close, he positions himself between me and the other dog and barks nonstop until he’s out of sight. I’ve tried all sorts of training techniques — ignoring the behavior, scolding him, spraying water or bark deterrent, or blowing a whistle, all to no avail. Merlin just likes to bark. (Keep reading)