On Tuesday, when it was a perfect fall day, Chico and I went for a walk with eight, yes, EIGHT, other dogs.

That’s baby Mini-Aussie Breeze in the front, the smallest and youngest of the other dogs.

Three Portuguese Water Dogs, three Australian Shepherds, a Mini-Aussie, and Pointer.  Chico did not engage in interactive play, but he was calm and happy.

When we were moving it was easier. At rest stops he was into checking in with me.

Group begging was way too intense for Chico to participate.

I’m really proud of him. It was a beautiful day and I could participate in the human social interactions and he could, sort of, hang with the dogs.

I believe they call it “parallel play” when kids do it.

At the end of the day when the puppy needed carrying I was able to do that and Chico was not at all troubled.

OK, Chico isn’t completely relaxed in this picture, but we were all clotted up and I was staying back to take the picture.

We certainly could not have done this a couple years ago. My heart sings, and holds great hope for Lucy’s successful, if likely temporary (she has things to do in a few months – the breed rings calls for her, and I am highly unlikely to be the one who takes her there), integration to our little pack here at the house.

This afternoon we’re of to do a little USDAA agility, tomorrow is my first workshop as Lucy’s handler, Sunday Chico, Lucy and I go back to the USDAA trial – Chico will run in Pairs with his friend Jonah, and play some Snooker – our first time in P2, I think; and Lucy will look around. Yee-ha! Here we go.