Another item in my PRT program, as in TRT and any good puppy program, is socialization. That means giving the dog an opportunity to meet many kinds of people of different ages, genders, and as many other variations as possible during the dog’s socialization window. Not just other people, but also other dogs, other kinds of pets, strange outfits like hiking gear, new locations, and so forth.

Of course Lightning knows our other two dogs, has met neighborhood dogs, and has met a few other people. But with my injury, I have been concerned that I have not done enough socialization in this limited time window.

What great fortune, then, when a childhood friend named Bette, who has stayed in touch and is probably the person who bequeathed me her love of dogs so many years ago via a big dog she owned named Steve, got in touch a few days ago offering to take Lightning for a visit. An extraordinary act of friendship at a perfect time in Lightning’s development.

So Renée fixed up a package with all the frozen meals, and Bette picked Lightning up a little while ago for a sleepover about 50 miles from here. She’ll bring him back tomorrow evening. Till then, I’ll still have Laddie as my dog to sleep and cuddle with as I deal with my injury.

Lightning was all over Bette, so I think he’ll have a great time. Let’s face it, I already miss him badly. But I’m glad to get this important facet of Lightning’s training further addressed.