Recently I posted some images I’d taken in Shanghai of  a young woman and her little dog (I want their dog training tips), commenting that I’d seen dogs off leash in both of the cities where I’d spent considerable time this summer.

A few weeks ago, during a terribly lonely Saturday night, I searched the Internet for Cocker Spaniel breeders and perused Craigslist for “used dogs.” The next day, this little beauty was living with me.

Sophie

She’s so easy-going and well-trained that I tried something: I let her off leash when we went on one of our twice daily walks. SHE STAYED RIGHT WITH ME!

She watches me, and if I lag behind she turns around to meet me.

I am lucky to have found this sweet little companion.