May 30, 2011

White Dog and the rest of the WDA was torn...we were having such a marvelous time vacationing...but we all know (especially since White Dog and Puff hail from Kansas) that "There is No Place Like Home." We all lingered over breakfast of orange pancakes, sausage patties and sliced fruits. We sat in the courtyard overlooking the hills sipping coffee and feeling the heat start to build up for the day. We went for a morning walk. But when we returned we were forced to address the task of packing and making ready to depart.

Puff stalled by pulling the stuffy toys away and hiding them in secret places she had discovered. Quinn laid on top of the WDA tote bag. Nuka pushed the food bowls as far under the furniture as her little nose and feet could reach. YoYoMa sat right at Steve's feet, pressed against his legs, and refused to allow Steve to stand. White Dog sat with me on the bed and as I folded and put clothes into the suitcase, she pulled them out and dropped them on the floor. Clearly, they did not yet want to go.

We persevered and finally finished packing the car. We decided to go home a longer route which eliminated the twists and turns and switchbacks but led us south to go north. The route was actually faster but much less scenic and inviting...and less intimidating to the pups' psyches, tummies and inner ears.

When we got home to Albuquerque and opened Pumpkin's door, WD, TOWD, AWD, SAWD and YAWD sniffed the front yard and front door before going inside...and then raced Steve (who had to unlock the flap) to the dog door to check out the back. Satisfied, food bowls were next to fall under scrutiny and were found...empty! This remedied, each of the Army found his or her tried-and-true favorite spot to curl up and soak in the joys of being home.