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 squirming babies, Ace was completely zen and laid obediently at my feet.

After the paperwork had been completed and I received my card, the clerk leaned over on her desk and stuck out her hand from the window. Ace actually lifted himself up to place his paws on the desk, sniffed her hand, and then let her PET HIM! Like, right off the bat! There was no shyness, no "Mommy I want to hide behind you" pretense. He just hopped right up there and sniffed and let her pet him quite thoroughly around his muzzle and throat. I was silently crying in sheer joy from the progress he's made in such a short time.

Once we were outside, I did a little dance with Ace and he looked quite pleased with himself, too. It seems that socializing the heck out of him EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. is really starting to pay off and he's become largely more comfortable around people and strange environments. Yay for Ace!