Hi, this is Eddie. I am the mostly brown-colored dog. Mister Tom has started calling me “Eddie Ed-ster.” I think he likes making up nicknames for me and Buster. We don’t mind the nicknames because we like when he talks to us. Mister Tom spends a lot of time teaching me things including obedience stuff. Buster has lived with Mister Tom for 9-1/2 years and he and Buster practice obedience work ALL THE TIME. I’ve only lived with Mister Tom and Buster since last November. I can only guess that Mister Tom will be teaching me things forever and ever, too.

EDUCATING EDDIE (Copyright 2013 by Captain Eddie)

Strange things he wants me to learn,
When I would rather just romp and run.

Why do I need to sit at the door?
Outside is beckoning, it’s hard to ignore.

Yet I sit and wait for my spree,
Until he tells me, “Eddie, free.”

Same thing happens when it’s time for my meal,
Impatiently I wait, it’s such an ordeal!

When I hear his voice booming, “Eddie, come,”
I’d much rather stay put where I am.

Now he’s teaching me, “Eddie, paw,”
Just so onlookers can be awed.

And why all this practice with back-and-forth heeling?
It would be much more fun simply playing.

What is the sense, why the concern?
Yet we work and work the figure-eight pattern.

A play thing I thought the dumbbell of wood,
Until “Eddie, take it” was commanded out loud.

My attention can wander, it’s not absolute,
He talks, I listen, and try to execute.

This Mister Tom is difficult to figure,
He can be such a demanding old codger.

But success is rewarded with treats and praise,
My pride is revealed in tail wag displays.