THE DREADED CALL

It came on Saturday afternoon, the call we didn’t want! Jim IV said to get Jesse ready – he was coming to get her. When he first told me, my voice went up two octaves, as I said, “You didn’t even give me any warning!” He answered, “I am now; I won’t be there for 30 minutes.” I’m sure he thought this was the best way to break the news to us so we wouldn’t mope a long time.

So I called upstairs and told the genius to bring down her cage, (which she used maybe twice in the months she was here), and her blankets, etc. I got her food and meds ready, plus her bed, and we stacked them up by the door.

From the moment that I raised my voice on the telephone, the dogs knew something was up. Rufus, especially, was suspicious and kept running around sniffing everything we brought into the room. Then we had a few minutes to hold her and cuddle up with her before she was to leave.

Soon Jim IV and Jay arrived to take her to her new house. We arranged for a visit on Sunday afternoon and then for the three days of dog sitting I will be doing this week.

Yesterday we arrived at the new house with Rufus in tow and very excited about seeing Jesse (I told him, of course, where we were going). The two dogs jumped all each other and began running all over the house like they do here. But there was an unforeseen problem: they have hardwood floors and Rufus and Jesse slid all over the place, unable to get a good grip with their feet. It was hilarious to watch.

So today (Monday) Jesse is back with us again. The two are peacefully sleeping side by side in the sunshine. And actually, I think it is all for the best. Both dogs get to be “onlies” at home, but they still have plenty of opportunity to play together during the week.