Dog Days: 08.06.2013

Bella

I watched as the car pulled up the dirt driveway. Three of them got out. I remembered them from before, they had come over to play a week earlier. This time they didn’t have him with them.

They got out and the woman crouched down near me. She was smiling and seemed happy to see me but I sensed a little sadness when she looked at my family. I gave her a quick kiss to reassure her that I would be ok.

I took one last roam around the yard. I had no idea what their yard would be like but just knew it would be fine. I said my goodbyes to the chickens. I would miss them a little. Then I headed over to my family. I had been with them for a year and a half. I had watched the two children grow. I was there when the woman found out that they would have a third. They were fantastic. I would miss them but I knew they were making the best decisions for their family and in turn, for me.

After some rubs and snuggles I jumped into the car. I was so excited for a new adventure. I couldn’t wait to see my friend and my new home. We pulled up to the house, it was smaller than I was used to but seemed welcoming. My friend, Quincy, came bounding out the door. We were very happy to see one another. We played and ran.

After a walk with my new mom-person she brought me inside. I was happy to see my bed waiting for me with my toy on top. Only minutes had passed but I already was feeling like this was home. I spent the evening snuggling the human child and winning over the cat. Darkness fell and I got sleepy.

My new mom-person let me outside one last time then went into the bedroom to put the little one to bed. Somewhere outside someone set off fireworks. It made me nervous. Was this normal? Did my new family need me to protect them? Who would protect me? Quincy was sound asleep. He didn’t seem worried. Maybe I shouldn’t either. I tried to lay down but they noise kept going.

Right before I thought I couldn’t take anymore my new mom-person called for me. I happily went to her in her room. Somehow she knew I was a little scared. She invited me onto the bed where she and the little one were snuggled up. I curled up and immediately drifted off.

I knew then that I was home.

Quincy

I pretended to sleep while my family gathered the things they needed for the day. They were headed out and I was staying home. I tried to act like I didn’t mind. I refrained from crying at the door or looking out the window. I would lay on my bed and close my eyes. My mom-person would always rub my head and turn on the radio but after they left, I always got lonely. This day was no exception.

I heard them close the doors and drive away. Even the cat had gone out. I paced the hallway and sniffed the counters. It was boring being home alone. I could hear the two dogs across the street playing outside. I wish I had a playmate.

I had drifted off when I heard their car pull in. I could hear them getting out. One. Two. Three people. Wait, what was that? A fourth? The fourth one didn’t sound human. My senses are not quite as good as they had been when I was younger but I was pretty sure the fourth sound was a dog! I let out a whoop as my dad-person walked in the door.

The second I left the house I recognized her. We had played a week earlier. She was wonderful. Bella, they called her. We played and ran and got acquainted. This was so exciting. I really hoped she was here to stay.

My mom-person took her for a walk and I waited inside with my dad-person and the little one. I hoped Bella would like it here. I hoped she would be nice to my family, especially the little one. I adore her. I was there when my mom-person found out she was pregnant. I stayed by her side when she wasn’t able to leave the house. While she worried about her unborn baby, I would snuggle close to her and listen to their heartbeats. One in my mom-person’s chest and one, very faint one, in her belly.

I was there when they brought her home. She was so tiny. I got nervous when anyone would go near her. I watched her grow into a super fun toddler. We played and rolled on the floor. She is nearly three now. I love her so much. I really hope Bella loves her, too.

I could hear all 6 feet walking up the driveway. I met Bella and my mom-person at the door. I couldn’t control my excitement. I had a friend!! She came in and we played some more. She even was able to win over the cat. I was impressed. We eventually settled down and she layed on her bed. I couldn’t take my eyes off from her.

I woke up a few hours later and she was gone. I let out a little bark but it was drowned out by the annoying booms of fireworks. I got up and looked for her. Halfway down the hallway I saw my family’s bedroom door was slightly open. I poked my head in, not wanting to wake anyone. There she was. All curled up at my mom-person’s feet. I walked quietly up to the bed. Mom-person gave me a quick scratch behind the ears and invited me up. I hopped up being careful not to wake the sleeping little one or my friend. I gave them both a quick sniff and curled up, drifting off immediately.

I had a friend.

I was home.