Arthur

My name is Arthur, and three years ago, I entered the world as a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy. I was the team’s liveliest, bravest, let’s say the most troublesome little one. From the moment I was born, there was someone strange there who claimed to need me: he talked about a lively life, many hikes, cycling, some learning-like stuff… and always being together (I didn’t know what those were, but everything sounded good).
One day my brother Samu and I hopped into a car and didn’t stop until we reached the big city. Even then, and every day since, I traveled in the front right footwell of the car. There were times I tried to find a new spot for myself, but the new gang leader never liked it. However, getting used to that spot was worth it, because, in return, they took me everywhere, and I was never left alone.
Every day, we went for Samu, than we went on long walks, and played. Before I knew it, a new routine had also emerged. We started going to “school” — okay, I might be exaggerating; it was actually puppy kindergarten. But it was a great program, with lots of dogs and plenty of treats. The tasks were really easy. The puppy kindergarten turned into regular school, basic, then intermediate levels, but it was great; everyone praised me. I liked the school in Szentendre, and I still happily meet András— who always acts like he loves me the most among all dogs and lets me jump on him.
After a while, we started going to another school where I learned how to navigate among cones and how to behave in the doctor’s office, and that I had to lie still on the X-ray table. These were probably important, although I liked András’s school much better — not to mention that I never met other dogs here.
I had to get through all this until my owner was willing to honestly tell me about his health problems, that he has severe headaches which could lead into him falling in a coma. I want to help with this! I focused with all my strength on meeting Dr. Juharos Ágota, and one day we headed towards Kecskemét, and it all began. I wasn’t particularly cute or clever during the first sessions; I was more interested in sniffing and barking along with my fellow dogs. But somehow, I sensed it. Ágota was always calm but firm, critical but instructive with us. I remember the first time I had a “assistance harness and tie” on me; they could barely put it on at first, but then I wore it proudly. There’s even a photo of me at a Christmas fairs dollhouse. We went to the mall a lot, where only “well-dressed” dogs were allowed to enter. My owner developed a mania for buying books; he disappeared into the store for a long time, and I had to wait for him patiently. I got used to it.
We went to the restaurant section a lot, where they only didn’t throw us out because Ágota was there. But once, when I moved confidently and relatively disciplined, I got a piece of grilled meat from Ágota as a reward! I will never forget that!
The exam was in Budapest; it was much harder than the practices. I think we were both too nervous, but we succeeded, of course.
I got a real harness without the “learner” description, and I even have my own ID that everyone accepts and even respects. I don’t need a ticket on the train or metro. But this isn’t the point; the point is that we can go everywhere, and I have never been alone since then. I feel needed.
Sometimes I really have to prove that I can help skillfully, nowadays more often, although it was better to perform the “tricks” during practice. But it’s a good feeling that we have become truly close mated, and we would do anything for each other.
Recently, we started training again, but it’s more entertaining, we might compete as well. In this, I see that if I complete seven obstacles by heart, everyone is happy — and making people happy is good (and there are plenty of treats here too).
So, this is how I became an assistance dog, and I’m proud of it. I happily work and walk in my distinctive harness.