Cricket's Harness

Recently I spent some time with some darling children who asked some really great questions about Cricket.  At a similar time some adults also asked some great questions about Cricket so it seemed like some fun, future blog post topics.

I'll start with Cricket's Harness.  How does the Harness work?  Which side do you walk on?  Why is your harness handle on an angle?

With her harness off, she is a silly, happy dog rolling around.  Although she is caring and concerned about me, my safety is not her top concern.   This is her down time and she enjoys relaxing and playing.

When I pull out the harness, Cricket is so happy.  Cricket loves to go.  The harness = go/work.   She has a job to do - watching out for my safety and even making some important choices.  Cricket walks on my left side.  She walks a step ahead of me and I feel her pull and am aware of even her most subtle movements.  Cricket literally helps me walk to the tops of mountains.


I tell Cricket forward and if it is safe she walks forward.  If it is not safe, she will not -- amazing, intelligent disobedience.  For example, I listen for traffic and then I may say Cricket forward.  If it is clear, we will cross the street.  If she is aware of something that I am not, she will not cross at that time.  
Crickets stops for changes in elevation - that first stair as below, a change in elevation in the sidewalk, a curb, etc ... anything that I can fall on.  We found this old picture of us near stairs.  Cricket is looking at me to wait for my acknowledgment that I am aware of the stairs and we can proceed.  (I wish we had flowers in our yard instead of a little dirty snow, left!  Soon ... :)

I use a ergo harness with Cricket.  The handle is on a slight angle.  I have broke my left arm three times so this is very helpful!  With the regular handle, my arm begins to ache.  Another aspect I love, love about Cricket's harness is the handle part can be removed.  This is so helpful when we are in a airplane, bus, taxi, or other tight place where she is just sitting there.

I am so grateful for Cricket's harness and all it represents.  When I put it on Cricket, it is our little special time where she runs to me and I tell her she is a good girl and we gently put it on as we are ready to begin our day of adventures.  This special harness has travelled many, many miles with us.