On a sunny afternoon Wednesday in the canals of Venice, Calif., three blocks from the Pacific, I was in the front yard beside the canal walk, watching my wife bathe our two standard poodles. Who should walk by but a camera crew from National Geographic cable network, taping Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, for his show.
Millan was strolling along, walking a tan pug on a leash. With him, walking an evil-looking gray pit bull, was a gorgeous actress I didn't quite recognize.
Millan stopped to comment on the poodles. The actress said nothing. What was remarkable was that none of the four dogs barked or lunged -- very unusual for our turf-oriented, barky poodles, certainly.
It was a tribute to the preternatural calmness that Millan transmits to dogs. The guy really does have an affinity, a calling to work with dogs and improve their behavior.
If he came by every day, maybe there would be some hope for our Ana and Daisy. As it is, their noise drives me nuts.