When I first took Lucy home, I was going to be the iron fist training my dog. I read books, articles and talked to every dog person about how to handle a dog. I was going all in in being a great dog owner, and she was going to be obedient and well behaved.

I could not have been more wrong. I was amazed at her charm and intelligence. Over and over she convinced me that she had a better way. In the right places she seemed to automatically know how to behave. Like when we went to a post election gathering for one of the local political parties. She behaved impeccably. Like when the church members invited her in. She behaved with grace and style. She knew her place.

I will continue to tell anyone who will listen what that dog was all about.