Had to take the heeler Mom to the vet for her shots this afternoon, and of course her daughters came along. They were all quite content when I made the first turn, since that is also the way to McDs. But when I missed the second turn, they got worried. By the time I pulled into the vet's parking lot, they were all nervously pacing, hoping that it was one of the other two heelers who had to see the vet. Just don't take me!

When heeler Mom and I got inside, we found they had replaced the little plastic chairs in their waiting room with nice wooden benches.

Woman came in behind us to pick up her pet, who was recovering from surgery, and sat at the other end of our bench. Naturally the ever-friendly heeler Mom trotted over to the end of her leash, tail a waggin'. Turns out this gal was heeler people too, so the Mom got a good petting.

Then she turned ninety degrees and without hesitation jumped up on the bench between us and sat down to wait.

Woman seemed a little surprised.

But our heelers have never been told to stay off the furniture (except for tables). Jumping in a chair or sitting on a bench is second nature to them. Why wait down on the floor when the view is much better up here?

Same for jumping up on people. We probably should have broken them of the habit of standing on their hind legs and stretching their forepaws up on people but, hey, we like it! It's the best way to look into their face and see how they're doing.

Heeler sisters' other sister was sold to a friend and co-worker, who promptly taught her not to stand on people. I have to positively encourage her to jump up so I see how she's doing, face to face.

Something I do at every opportunity.

And I should mention, after the vet appointment, we made a stop at McDs. Double cheeseburger, plain.

Heelers don't like pickle, onion, ketchup or mustard.