THE GOOD DOG POSITIVE OBEDIENCE TRAINING AND AGILITY SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH

Claudia Iannaci: Owner

As stated in each of our columns, we are soliciting positive obedience training input or helpful hints from dog schools, clubs and individuals. We wish to champion those of you that have given of yourselves to the sport of Dogs.

Subj: Gator story
Date: 97-06-10 15:27:50 EDT
From: zygadlo@onramp. net (Madon Zygadlo)
To: k9school@aol.com

GATOR STORY

Our long weekend was finally here. Rescheduled from February, we were off to East Texas for some family R&R at Arc Ridge Guest Ranch - Ben Wheeler, Texas -,population 300. We had reserved the cottage nearest the pond and had permission to bring Natasha, our year old Golden Retriever. She hit the ground running the minute she sprang out of the car, nose to the dirt. The plush carpet of leaves, moss and damp earth was overwhelming with its fragrant decay. This was definitely not the park at home! So much to smell, so little time. Reva, the owner, gave us a brief orientation, basically no swimming in the tiny lake of 75 acres. Her dog got in all the time, so it was OK for Natasha, but not for us. As if on cue, her dog Spook got in for a drink, initiates us with a wet shake and turns to greet Natasha. I was about to ask why we couldn't swim when I see the sign, DO NOT FEED OR MOLEST THE ALLIGATORS. Visions of the Discovery channel fills my head with crocodiles and wildebeests, silly me.

We unload the car and decide to go for a spin in the paddle-boat, Natasha settled in the back seat. The pond is like a gigantic inkwell, black and still. At 8pm, the only ripples are those we make as we slowly propel our way to the opposite side. And then we see him - first the snout, the head, then the rows of thick ridge-like scales and finally, the long, narrow tail - a throwback to prehistoric times. Our own version of Jurassic Park. He had nothing but time and lots of it, his gliding barely discernible. Was he moving at all, or was he letting the current take him along for the ride? We keep our distance, 20 feet is close enough. If we stay out of his way, perhaps he will stay out of ours.

8am Saturday morning and the pond is still dark, still hiding many secrets. How deep is the clear darkness, 3 feet or 30 feet? The tannin from the oak trees turns the water pitch black, not the murky brown we're used to at Eagle Mountain Lake. A million water-lilies with lotus blossoms hugging the edge like a lei, a garland of white and green on a black satin neckline. Only the nibbling fish cause a faint nipple. The resident reptile still asleep on a distant shore. We stand on the dock as the mist still covers the water like a gauze veil. Natasha begins to whine and begs us to play. We've already found the perfect stick and decide to combine her two favorite pastimes - swimming and retrieving. The pond quiet, except for Natasha dancing on the dock. Marion throws the stick over and over, like hundreds of times before. Natasha welcomes the chance to play and please us. He hands the stick to me so he can bring the paddleboat around for us to board. I throw the stick one last time. As the small branch departs my grasp, I see the intruder. The eyes, hidden by the Lilly-pads, give way to the 10 foot body. I scream out to Marion as Natasha hits the water, the stick, her object of desire. As she begins to swim out, he shouts the command "Halt" and for a moment, everything stops. The gator is patiently waiting as the stick floats his direction. Natasha, five feet away from the flesh eating lizard, 20 feet away from us. She is confused as Marion once again commands her to halt. Perplexed and bewildered she looks at the stick and looks back to Marion. The stick drifts closer to waiting jaws, my heart sinks deeper in my chest. We are frantic as Marion shouts the "Come" command, three rapid times. After a ten second eternity, she denies her breeding, her genetic makeup and follows her masters order - COME NATASHA, COME!! She turns her back on the stick, the alligator and her possible demise and swims furiously to the dock and her anxious "parents". With one swift motion, we reach into the inky darkness, grab her out of the water she so adores and say a prayer of thanks to Chuck and Claudia. Good dog, Natasha. Good dog.

This story is dedicated to Claudia and Chuck lannaci, Owners and Trainers of GOOD DOG POSITLVE OBEDIENCE TRAINING AND AGILITY SCHOOL. Because of their commitment and love for dogs, this story has a happy ending. The three of us are grateful to both of you and all your wonderful trainers.

Marion and Lesley Hunt-Zygadio
and, of course, Natasha

Marion Zygadlo, EBA, & Exclusive Buyer Agent forr New Construction(EBANC)
800-214-4066, Web page:http://r-ampages.onramp.net/-zygadio, Areas: Ft.Worth,
Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, Arlington, Mansfield, Aledo, Weatherford & more.

Finally, in closing, remember that we at GOOD DOG, are interested in creating a communicating network of other Dog Schools throughout the U.S. that have found additional ways to help each dog owner in enjoying their pet more. Give us an opportunity to showcase you, your school or club. It just takes a fax or a phone call. Share with us the advice you provide your students, especially those things you do that you are most proud of. Call or fax the recommendations to The GOOD DOG (817) 236-1333.