Gracie and Me

Off we go into the car, I have no idea what kind of adventure awaits me yet Mom packed up my food, treats, leash, and outdoor balls.  We were in the car for quite some time.  We ended up at Gracie’s house. I’ve been there before and received lots of attention yet part of me feels like this was bit underhanded, after all she forgot to pack my platypus toy for indoor play.  Does that qualify as neglect?

Upon arrival, they begin to busily gab mostly about me: feeding schedule, walks, potty breaks and so forth.  It never ceases to amaze me that they just talk about me while I am present as if I don’t understand. Unable to get their attention, I make a mess on the hallway carpet runner. Gracie picks up the odor first and they fly into action….Mom – mortified Mom – is cleaning up the mess; Gracie is taking the carpet to the washer before I could shake my tail twice.  Granted, this accident has guaranteed me at least two walks a day. Surely you don’t think I did this deliberately, do you?

When Mom leaves, I go to the door and mournfully whimper as the car drives away without me. Then, the sound of food into my bowl distracts me and I adjust to my new circumstances.

I continue my doggie duties just as if I was at home:  run to the kitchen when the refrigerator door is opened, oversee food preparation as one never knows when a morsel will drop to the floor; unflinchingly staring while Gracie eats hoping that remorse will overcome her and I will get some of whatever she is eating.  It matters not if I like it or not, it’s the principle!

Gracie smiles as she ponders the possibilities of the dog vacuum.  She makes a mental note:  postpone housecleaning until the dog heads home next week.

We go for a walk and at the end of the sidewalk is another dog looking in horror that I came out of Gracie’s house.  She says, “That’s my Aunt Gracie’s house, what are you doing in there?” I enjoy the reaction and explain that "I will be there for quite a few days."  "Who said dogs can’t be catty?" We engage in the “you sniff me, I sniff you” routine and then Gracie and me go for a walk. 

My metronome tail will set the pace. She gets a big kick out of the automatically retractable lead and I sniff joyfully at all the many different scents in this somewhat new environment. There are puddles which I splash in and enjoy a quick drink.  There are bushes, grass, and best of all there is entertainment: other dogs to meet and greet, bikers, walkers and joggers in their colorful costumes.  When we get home I get a treat.  Gracie expresses in great dismay “This is a treat? They are hardly bigger than an M&M.  You will have to get at least two.”

The day goes on and Gracie heads out explaining she would return shortly as if I couldn’t put the clues together.  I bark happily at the sound of the key in the door and give an enthusiastic display of affection upon her return. There’s no doubt I’ve got her wrapped around my paw now.

 

It’s evening and yes, I am getting that second walk and therefore, second batch of treats.  Soon it is time for bed. I am incapable of getting up on the bed so Gracie shows me how to get up on the chair, then onto the bed.  That bed is so high I hope I don’t get a nose bleed. 

I like Gracie's Unicorn

In the morning, Gracie claims that I dream and snore in my sleep.  I could say the same of her. It is a new day and I feel confident that all is well for me at Gracie’s house.      

Yours truly, the happy dog,  Millie

It is with heartfelt sadness that Gracie reports that Millie died on July 29, 2015.  The Vet said it was a heart attack.   Gracie is comforted by a Prophet who stated that when an animal crosses over "it is returned to the state of their felicity." 

Copyright © 2015 Martina Sabo