Page 12 of Summer with a Single Dad

“Down, Lucifer.”

Emily tried to cover her laugh by clearing her throat. “Say it again while you push his butt down.”

“Now what?” I asked when Lucifer sat.

“Hold him in place and take the rope away.” I expected a game of tug-of-war, but Lucifer released the rope without a fight. “Now say,Good dog.”

I repeated the words to Lucifer.

“Moose, Rufus,” Emily called. Like perfect little soldiers, her dogs pranced over. She handed me a tennis ball. “You ready?” she asked.

“Sure.”

She said, “Show Luke the ball like this,” demonstrating what she wanted me to do.

I mirrored her motions and released the ball for Luke as she did for Moose and Rufus.

As they sprinted off, Lucifer chased after them.

Emily nudged me. “Get the ball,” she whispered.

“Get the ball! Get the ball!” I yelled.

Maybe it was a miracle. Maybe he was showing off. Or maybe he wanted to be like Moose and Rufus. Whatever the reason, I didn’t care. I was proud that Lucifer came back, ball in mouth, just like the big boys.

Emily nudged me again.

Together, we said, “Good boy! Good boy!” as we patted our dogs and repeated the process one more time.

Our eyes met. Both of us were smiling. Maybe it was because of the dogs. Then again, maybe it was because of the electric spark.

The only part of Lucifer's training that I didn’t enjoy was having to share Emily with all the other attendees—people, not dogs. The dogs were great, but a few newbies like me constantly stole Emily’s attention away.

The few times our eyes met, I had the feeling that she might be equally as perturbed as I.

When our final practice drill came, I told Lucifer, “Come on, buddy, make me look good.”

Lucifer leaped up, nearly bowling me over, and trapped me in a hug, licking my face.

“Off,” I said, repeating the commands Emily taught me. “Sit.” Lucifer obeyed instantly. He followed my eyes to Emily. I should have known he knew we had an audience. I shook my head andlifted my hands. “He only obeyed because he knew you were watching.”

Her eyes sparkled as she laughed. She clapped her hands.

“All right,” she said. “Let’s all line up. Have your dog sit in front of you.” As she handed us each a tennis ball, she added, “You’re going to practice fetch. Show your dogs the ball before you throw it, give the command, and when they come back, bend down to their level, use their name, and give the command to give you the ball. Make sure you use your happy voice when they obey. Pet, scratch behind the ears, whatever you want to send your pup positivity. And don’t forget to reward with a treat.”

I thought I’d feel silly acting overly excited about a game of fetch. But every time Lucifer succeeded, I felt proud. Using my happy voice came naturally, and at the end of the exercises, I wasn’t the only one smiling. Lucifer was smiling, too.

And so was Emily.

It took a while for everyone to leave. Lucifer and I were finally alone with Emily, Moose, and Rufus.

“You did very good today,” Emily said.

“Thanks,” I said, as my chest filled with even more pride.

“I was talking to Luke.”

“Right.”

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