Chester, one of the dogs in my life

(From Born Round)

Out of loyalty and stubbornness, I insisted we give Chester one more chance, and I took him to obedience school two nights a week.

Other dogs learned to sit on command.

Chester didn’t.

Other dogs came when called.

Chester wouldn’t.

On the way home from class he’d sit in the front passenger seat next to me, and I’d say, “Do you know how disappointed I am in you? Do you know how embarrassed I was in front of all the other Daddies and Mommies?”

He wouldn’t so much as cock an ear.

“Your days are numbered, you know?” I’d say.

He’d bark at a dog in a passing car.