07/20/2025
Guess who’s officially an AKC Canine Good Citizen?
That’s right. Me. Indigo. The chaos nugget. The wiggle-powered whirlwind.
The dingo-brained dreamer who used to think “sit politely for petting” meant launching into orbit.
I passed.
On my fourth try.
After three classes, years of practice, and so many moments of “will we ever get there?”
I used to fall apart when a dog got too close. One bark and I’d unravel.
I flinched when strangers reached toward me.
I panicked when my adventure human walked away—even for a minute.
I had feelings—big ones.
And for a long time, it felt like I’d never learn to carry them with grace.
But here I am.
CGC ribbon around my neck. Heart bursting.
I didn’t just pass—I nailed it.
When the evaluator said “Congratulations,” my whole tail lit up like a sparkler.
I couldn’t stop smiling.
Still imperfect. Still me.
Just… a braver, steadier, more confident version of me.
And I’m so proud.
Not everyone believed in me.
Two trainers actually questioned why I wanted a CGC at all—like it wasn’t a worthy goal.
Like I couldn’t grow.
But Amee Abel and Dani StJean—my ride-or-die training team?
They saw my potential.
They helped me build the skills to step into it.
And my human?
She never gave up.
Not when I failed, not when I flailed, not when it would've been easier to settle for “good enough.”
So if you’re reading this, wondering if you or your dog will ever get there—keep going.
If you’ve got a vision, chase it.
If someone’s in your corner, listen to them.
Tune out the voices that don’t lift you up.
You’re not too much.
It’s not too late.
Your effort is never wasted.
You’re becoming.
Even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.
Keep trying.
Keep reaching.
This ribbon?
It isn’t just a pass.
It’s proof that who you want to become is possible.
With tail wags and triumph,
Indigo
Woodland’s Wild Wiggles and Wit
CGC, FTN, ACT1, ACTJ1