Can Kerries Count?

by Sharon Burnett

Some things in life are simple and should be consistent - at least in the eyes of one of my Kerries.

My husband Paul always gives Rocket three cookies in the morning after the breakfast dishes are done and the second potty run has taken place. Everyone knows that three cookies is what Rocket needs. Not one, not two, but THREE! Mom, that's me, apparently doesn't know this and since taking over the breakfast chores has only been handing out two cookies. This is wrong. Chaos has prevailed. Next thing you know Rocket will need to dial 1-800-dog-abuse.

I figured out the three cookie ritual, but only after Rocket jumped up on my lap, pushed my shoulders with his front paws, and took off running to the cookie jar where he stood barking at it, furiously wagging his tail. Rascal joined in by running place. Ok - that is all settled. I get it.

Recently Rocket earned both his AKC Novice Preferred agility titles, so I decided we should move up and enter Open Preferred. Not a big deal for me as I've had Rascal in Open. But I forget about my Rocket and his propensity to count. A Novice course generally has 14 obstacles. Open has 17 or 18. I ran Rocket in Open for the first time a couple weeks ago. I forgot about my partner and his want to count.

When we approached the 14th obstacle, Rocket placed extra effort into it and then ran over to where his leash was waiting. He's really cute - stands with his front paws up on the little step waiting for me to come leash him and feed him steak (yes, what else would you give your Kerry-boy?). Perfect right? Nope - we've still got 3 more obstacles to execute. Not in Rocket's book...we are done! And no he is not coming back to work but if I want to run the last three jumps I clearly have his permission to do so.

So I know that when we practice, I really have to place extra effort into the back part of the course, turn on the juice, and keep Rocket so excited he forgets about inventory. Either that or does anyone need a bookkeeper because I am certain Rocket would make a really good one.

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