Right, well, I've been going on and on about socializing Ace. I've encountered pretty much every size, shape and gender of human being with him. I thought I had covered all the bases... until today.

Enter CDL - Crazy Dog Lady. She was peculiarly dressed this fine Friday evening - I could see her... ahem... undies from a mile away, saying hello over the waistline of her pants. You'd expect this sort of outfit from the younger generation, maybe, but this lady was easily pushing…

It's been a few weeks now that I have worked on Ace's people skills. Every day, I made it a point that at least one stranger would come up to him. He's done terrific progress in some parts, and is going at a snail's pace in others. What I have discerned from this experiment so far:

- Ace loves the ladies. Of all shapes, sizes, ages and species. If a girl comes up to him, he will go sniff her with just momentary hesitation. What a ladies' man...

- Ace is not as…

Since mastering cross-paws with just an auditory cue, Ace has been working with me while I try to develop his play drive. If you remember, when he first came to live with me the initial worry I had was that he was completely disinterested and unmoved by toys of all shapes, sizes and squeaks. There's a Kong in absolutely immaculate shape after I stuffed it with everything short of filet mignon. Our tennis balls have their fuzz intact, and we have a rope toy with knots still…

I am on such a rush right now! Ace and I just came back from a lovely first glance at an agility class, on a terrain about half an hour away by car. I have never wanted to learn how to drive (and own my own car) so badly until now - I want to go back!

We were allowed to drop in on a beginner's agility course, and eventually the trainer asked us if we'd like to have a go. I was so elated, I jumped into the ring without a second thought. Ace did extremely well on the long-line…

My husband, Ace and I all went to the city prefecture today to pick up my 10 year "Green Card" for staying in France (a victory on its own!). After a grueling half-hour wait in a room that felt more like a sauna than a city hall, I was called forward to a window and Ace accompanied me. The clerk waved hello and made kissy noises to Ace, which piqued his interest in what was going on. He had already been such a good little gentleman until now - despite the presence of many squealing and…

I am SO happy to report that today, Ace and my husband went to the atelier of a photographer (Xavier) who works in the same building as us. Ace was on a very loose leash in the presence of Xav, and did not try to hide behind my husband's legs when first being introduced.

After 6 treats dispensed in the hand of Xavier, Ace allowed the latter to pet him on the top of his head! This is HUGE! I couldn't believe it when my husband told me just how zen Ace was with being touched,…