Frankie's Friday (16) | Canine Good Citizen

Frankie the Canine Good Citizen here!!! Yay, I did it! I passed. I couldn't wait to share my experience. It was pawesome! I felt safe and loved throughout my test. Thank you my fabulous trainer, Ms Cyndy Wood, for teaching me how to be an asset to my community. Thank you Olivia for putting up with me and helping me pass the toughest part of my test. Let me share the details about the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items.

Before taking my test, mommy had to sign the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge. She mumbled something about me taking the test and leaving her out of it, but when she realized I couldn't even take the test, she signed. Then it was my turn. The test was on a pass/fail basis and the way to fail it for sure was to go potty or worse during taking it. I had to keep my legs crossed the entire time.

There were 10 items on the test

1. Accepting a friendly stranger - If they're friendly, I accept them

2. Sitting politely for petting - Piece of pizzle, I love to be petted

3. Appearance and grooming - I look not so bad in general

4. Out for a walk, on a loose leash - How else would I do it? If I pull, I choke my chiweenie self

5. Walking through a crowd - I would like to thank all of Petco's personnel for being my pretend crowd. (no photo available)

6. Sit and down on command and staying in place

I think you can tell by my ear position, how obedient I was

7. Coming when called - Is that a joke? I come even when not calleded

Another easy one. All I had to do was wait for my mommy to call me and I jumped and ran in her arms. I had missed her holding me

8. Reaction to another dog

See the gorgeous spotted Dalmatian? She's Olivia, another AKC Canine Good Citizen

She's one happy smiley girl and I'm grateful she helped me pass the hardest part of the test for me

9. Reaction to distractions 

These are the objects of my torture, a loud cart and a blue plastic bowl that got thrown about five feet away to gauge my reaction

I stayed cool! (but I was trembling inside)

10. Supervised separation: No fun! I had to be away from mommy for three whole minutes! It was not too easy. (the photos of me as I waited for my mommy were too pathetic to post)

The test was over and I was spent! I got my hug and a star though

Here I am posing with my star and my certificate

I am now officially 100% certified AKC Canine Good Citizen

I have to tell you, I took the test with my tumor having gotten bigger, while Linguini stayed on an XL heating pad at home. We're both feeling better, but mommy is not happy. I overheard her on the phone with her friend the other day saying, "The vet told me to watch the dog tumors, well, I am watching them. I'm watching them . . . grow. I'm watching two tumors and a limping dog and there's nothing I can do." 

Until we figure out what is wrong with our health, we're going to enjoy the recent news of my success. In a few days, Linguini will be allowed to exercise again and mommy promises to take us on short hikes with our furiends. There's nothing like hiking with dogs to get your mind off things. 

Frankie the Canine Good Citizen