April 13, 2022

Since before the pandemic began, Steve has worked from home, connected to the office electronically and by cell phone. A lessening of restrictions has meant that some meetings are being conducted in-person, the old-fashioned way, as opposed to via ZOOM. On occasion, like today to do a site inspection, Steve must dress in business clothes and leave the house.

Leaving the house is a complicated ritual. Steve must explain to the White Dog Army where he is going, the reason for leaving, and give the time of his return. Each pup gives a sniff and receives a pet as he moves toward the door. Once the house door is opened the Army surges onto the sunporch. Much merriment ensues as Steve waves them back into the house. The WDA strategy is to attempt to keep one pup on the porch for each one sent back inside. As the game progresses, Steve pulls the front door closed slightly more until the Army is inside, noses pressed against the door, and a song of sadness filling the neighborhood, and Steve can open the porch door and head out to the car. All shift to the windows and compete to look the most pathetic as a last vision for Seve backing down the driveway.

His return is sensed even before the car is seen. Usually Opal or Roman sound the "He's Back!" alert to draw the Army to the front door. The time is noted and compared to what they expected. Diva leaps up and down attempting, I think, to turn the doorknob so that she can be first to Dad. Opal and Zsofia run back and forth between the front windows and where I am to let me know Steve is here (as if their uproar in the living room is not warning enough).

You can track Steve's progress from car to inside of the house by the increased frenzy. Seldom do I need to hear him sing out to me, "I am home!"  He comes into the bedroom, wrapped in the Army who swarm over bed and around legs for a group welcome...and hopeful faces suggesting that maybe Dad has brought treats home with him...you know, like a vacation souvenir.