The most "interesting" dog in the world

We arrived in Chicago mid morning on day 2. We parked and intended to walk around Millenium park, the lakeshore over to Navy Pier, up along the canal to Michigan Ave, etc. As we started out, Koda did what he normally does when he is in a strange place and does not want to do something - sits down, puts his paw over the leash and refuses to move. He then starts barking loudly, whining, and generally being a pain such that we would normally give in and go back to the car, which is his intention. Right now, the car is his safety net. As long as he is in the car, then he feels he can not be left behind.

Well we were in Chicago, and this time I was not giving in that easily so we persevered. It took about 45 minutes or so but then something amazing happened....he became a totally different dog. He became "That Dog" - you know, the dog you occasionally see that is unfazed by all the activity, calmly walking along, and everyone stops to admire how calm and handsome he is, and you think "what a gorgeous dog", and you think "why can't my dog be like that". You know.....That one! 

He was amazing. It was crazy busy with hordes of people, segways, bikers, runners all zipping by and crowding us. None of it fazed him. He heeled by me constantly without wandering. He marched along narrow paths, sidewalks, and up and down stairways. Everywhere people stopped to admire him. Young mothers with young children stopped to point him out. Women came up and asked if they could pet him and coo over him. He was a "Babe magnet". Huh!

It was a hot day and we were out and about for 2 hours or so. He was panting heavily and I thought for sure that once back in the car and on the road, he would crash. Nope. He was relaxed but still will not put his head down and sleep. Oh well. Progress comes in small steps and it remains to be seen what lies in the future on our trip. But at least for awhile, he was " That Dog".