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If any dog needed a blessing, it would be Chip. So yesterday, Dan and I decided to take him to a Blessing of the Pets service at the church we usually go to. I was a bit nervous about the idea, because even though Chip does fine around people (if you don't count excessive licking and sniffing, heh heh), he has never been properly socialized around other animals, and other dogs in particular don't seem to like him much.

The service was held on the lawn behind the church, so we brought folding chairs to sit on and set up far enough away from the nearest dog so as not to invite trouble. It was a beautiful day, if too warm (hey, it IS August). I don't think Chip had ever been in a crowd before, so he was plenty thrilled with the sounds and smells of at least 50 people and probably 30 critters (there was one hamster and two rats and the rest were dogs).

Chip had many human admirers who came over to pet him. Older folks especially seemed to be drawn toward him. He was thrilled with all the attention and minded his manners for the most part.

Chip did come into contact with a few other dogs, but nothing happened other than polite sniffing. I was quite relieved. He even behaved himself while we waited our turn for the blessing.

The pastor thought he was adorable! I could hear other people in the congregation murmuring about how pretty he was. He stood like a pro during the blessing, like he'd done this many times before.

That afternoon and evening, at home, Chip seemed much more peaceful than usual (he has been anxious due to being in pain). He wasn't limping at all. He even played with a toy and spent some time in his kennel, which he hasn't done in months.

Today, after I had let him outside, I saw a rabbit on the other side of the yard. Knowing how much he likes to chase them, I pointed it out to him, but he couldn't see it, so I had him follow me, telling him to look straight ahead. About halfway across the yard, he suddenly saw the bunny and trotted toward it, and after it ran away, Chip turned around and looked at me and wagged his tail.

Don't know how many more days we have with him, but the past two have been especially good.