Velcro Dogs

[Samwise]

I’m finally back home after a business trip that seemed to go on forever. I missed the dogs like crazy and they seemed to have missed me too, if the energetic welcome when I arrived home was anything to go by!

Since I have been back, the dogs have been sticking to me like velcro, they won’t let me out of their sight when I am at home and the minute I sit down, they all try to squeeze in as close as possible. It’s very cozy, good thing it’s winter!

Wisp’s nose was, of course, out of joint, I had been away far too long, she had to endure food that was not quite up to her standards and she was forced to go outside before the sun was up. She has forgiven me, but it has taken loads of tummy scratching.

I have tried to bring the dogs up so that they are comfortable with everyone around them. But Shep in particular has turned out to be a bit of a “one person dog” and is never that happy if I am away, he stops eating and mopes around. Not one to worry about personal space under normal circumstances, at the moment I think he would be happiest if he were able to find a way to squeeze into one of my pockets and stay there all day.

It has been the longest that I have been away from Gryphon in his short life and although he seems to have been fine (his best buddy Spirit came to keep him company and nothing seems to get him down for too long anyway!) I think he may have thought I was not coming back, when I leave for work now he has gone back to whining and howling, something he stopped doing ages ago.

I think I had forgotten, or was taking it for granted, but coming back has brought home to me how privileged I am to have these three little characters in my life. I really did miss the luxury of spending time and interacting with them. I always enjoy their company (even when they are doing their best to drive me mad), not a day goes by when they don’t make me laugh, the interaction and affection from them is an important part of life.

This afternoon we got into a vehicle and drove to a nearby spot overlooking the river where the setting sun is reflected in the water. The four of us just sat there for a while, staring at the blood-red winter sun going down, for once all three slightly loopy, usually hyperactive dogs just sitting peacefully. It was a great feeling.

[only-borders]

It's good to have you back Sam.

Around here a trip to the store gets me that kind of attention when I get home. It's a good feeling to be so loved, isn't it?

[Brandon M]

Welcome back! Last summer a took a week long time without the dogs and when I got home they were very clingy for a week or two. I was rather clingy myself I believe, only going places I could bring them along. Lately I've been going to a mandatory hunter's safety course, which is 3 hours long twice a week, and when I get home from that the dogs act as if I've been gone forever. And the smell of the two labradors that belong to the instructor doesn't help

[Samwise]

Thanks! It's good to be back!

[BorderCollieMom]

awwww! Its nice to hear that people love there dogs as much i love mine. Not everyone has that special connection with there pet and when you have it, its easy to take it for granted sometimes. They always know how to remind us that we are loved and if they had to choice to go or stay.. they with stay with us in a hearbeat!

[LJS1993]

Isn't that great about these dogs? They are the epitomy of velcro in so many ways.

[dhobbit]

I love Velcro dogs. We are going to be putting Kia to the test in August. We will be away for five days but are boarding her with her rescuer. It will be interesting to see how she reacts when we get back. She loves her cuddles and kisses when I get home from work.

[trickytrip]

I agree Linda. I really believe they have no concept of time, but a rather strong sense of someone is missing. I haven't had to leave Silky yet, hoping I don't ever have to, we are taking her with us on a short trip to Maine this fall. We have never been there and want to go somewhere along the northeastern coast. We are looking into Old Orchard Beach, they have a place called Alouette right on the beach that is pet friendly. I am open to any suggestions from you New Englanders.
A few years ago I had left Stitches with her foster Mom, while I went to help my niece and nephew with a newborn, I din't have a return date set until Tanya (foster mom) called and said Stitches was refusing to be tied out and wanted walked, she was also getting very sulky, so I came home. Stitches acted like she wasn't excited to see me until we actually got to our house, then she trailed me everywhere for days. She (and Silky now) always was excited when I would get the big green bag and the doggy backpack out though. That means we are off to take care of someones dog (s) who are going on vacation. I love it, Silky loves it and my clients love it. I pet sit and house sit. The dogs don't have routines disrupted, and love camping in the living area on my air mattress, they also don't develope any bad habits. The owners like that I am there all the time, if something happens (the water heater breaks, the toilet breaks, the powere goes out for a long time) these are just a few issues I have dealt with while sitting. They also don't have to stop the mail or newspaper delivery, so noone ever knows they are gone. The neighbors are informed and have always been very nice.

[GreensMom]

I agree with you that they seem to have no concept of time. In fact, I read that once. The article explained that when you come back to the house in a few minutes they act like you have been gone all day because they feel like you have. Now I always feel guilty if I forget something and have to go back home and then leave again.