February 11, 2011

White Dog slowly turned and looked at me. Quinn and Nuka were already at the door. Puff sat staring at the Duck Jerky treat bag. "What do you mean 'date night,'" White Dog asked with a huff. "You and dad have been married for upteen billion years! ...AND we're NOT included?" With that, TOWD and AWD went over and sat by SAWD staring at the jerky.

"Dad and I are going out to dinner ALONE and all of the White Dogs and Michael are staying home. How hard is that, mi corazon?" WD sniffed and batted her sad puppy eyes. "MAYBE, and I am not promising, we will bring something back in a styrofoam container," I said. Quinn, thinking of a more immediate reward, woofed and scratched at the treat cart.

Steve handed out jerky to The White Dogs and we left the house. As we pulled away, we could see WD at her usual window sending guilt vibes and Puff trying to stick her nose through the blind on the other (she is learning well from her sister).

We had a lovely evening and enjoyed our own company at one of our favorite fusion restaurants. The place is small and we know the very accommodating staff . The food is excellent and the atmosphere intimate.

When we returned a couple of hours later everyone was awake and waiting. Our usual greeting was accompanied by long sniffs of our breath (yes, trout. and. short ribs.) Then a storm of Eskies followed Steve to the kitchen where he divided up the chef's bread pudding (based on his grandma's recipe) slathered in homemade caramel between Michael and each of The White Dog Army.

There was not a single sound for several minutes as the dessert was inhaled. THEN we were welcomed back with cuddles and demands for attention.