From Rudder's point of view, work is hard

One day a young golden retriever was brought to puppy obedience class to become a service dog. Little did he know, at the time, it would be a lot of work. His name was Rudder. He soon met the older and more experienced service dog, Chris.

"Why so much to learn?" asked Rudder. "Well you are going to be a service dog for a person who really needs your help," replied Chris. "What do I help with?" asked Rudder. "I am just a pet. But wait, I am good at carrying things. Would that help, would it, would it?"

"That is a great start," said Chris. "You have to be able to pick stuff up off the floor for someone who can't get out of their wheelchair or who has trouble moving."

"I am really playful and could cheer them up if they were sad. Is that helpful?" shouted Rudder with excitement.

"Yes, that would really help make someone's day better," replied Chris.

"What is this silly cape for?" questioned Rudder. "I'm not cold. Why do I have to wear it?"

"It's not to keep you warm," chuckled Chris. "It's so people know you are a service dog and not to bother you when you are training."

"I see," answered Rudder. "But how in the world am I going to learn all of these commands without going crazy?"

"That is where your judgment comes in. You have to learn piece by piece and be able to do them all at the end of this training course," he said.

"Why do I have to stay inside this classroom with all of these students trying to pet me?"

"That is part of your training, too. You need to get used to being around people," said Chris.

"Well frankly, I think all this learning is stressful," sighed Rudder.

"That is why you get to take some days off during you training," explained Chris.

"This service dog stuff is hard," whimpered Rudder.

"Why of course. If it was easy any dog could do it. Service dogs are the best of the best."

"I think I understand now. I guess I'm a pretty special dog with a really special job. And boy, do I have a lot to learn."