Victory Lap

Copper is an old doggie now who has twice torn his ACL. He gets around fine most of the time but is stiff after long sleeps and odd twists. Consequently, he has developed a reticence for going up or down the eight wooden deck stairs that provide access to the back yard with all of its canine potty potential. 

This, of course, has become an issue for the humans in Copper's life, who have been known to lure him down the steps with treats, bouncing balls and plain old cajoling.

Most mornings, Copper makes it up and back without encouragement, prompted by urgency, I suppose. But lately he's taken to celebrating this once-routine accomplishment by bursting through the back door and running around the house. 

I know that we humans must avoid the tendency to anthropomorphize our pet's behaviors, but it's hard not to see this as a victory lap.  Once again, Copper has prevailed over stiff joints and old age. He's made it down and back up again. He has triumphed. And surely this is worth a little celebration.