Leashes sticky with sap from discarded Christmas trees. My first steps of 2019 are in dog poo. So much for a rejuvenating new year’s morning walk.
Harley, a Havanese mix, misses Daisy, his Connecticut canine companion. The two Sophies also staying with me are not great company for him. Sophie the Pomeranian is too mature to play. Sophie the Dachshund doesn’t really know how to play.
Harley is lonely. I am lonely. We all miss our families.
Two days ago Harley and I were in the country. Harley had a yard and a big house to explore. We were all safe. We left because of my work. Here my old life and my new life meet.
This isn’t my first three dog day. If I could manage something once I could manage it again right? Except nothing feels right. I’m constantly cleaning, feeding or walking my three companions. Why can’t we all settle in and watch a good movie? Jesus the Dachshund won’t stop barking.
And I am lonely for my family. I am lonely for the New Year’s Eve dinner we have with friends every year. I am lonely for the bond Harley, Daisy and I forged in Connecticut. Why can’t this be replicated between the four of us?
I share a bottle of champagne with Sophie P’s mom later on in the day. Sophie D in another room will not stop barking.
It’s a Sunday disguised as a Tuesday.
To my loved ones, this is a sign that three is too many and that this job may be too much. Well, New Year’s Day did teach me something.
During some boarding sessions, you will wish you were having New Year’s brunch with friends and your clients will wish they were snuggled up against their mommies and daddies. The dogs and I cannot always successfully shield each other.
It is a relief to be back in my routine safe from that holiday alienation. Those holiday bookings could help me break even in January.
As I write this Sophie D is back in my living room. She isn’t barking as much.
petwork/gigwork/lifework 