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the usual chaos
So I intended to go write today, but of course I failed to consider the complications of getting home and unpacking and mail to be answered and bills to be paid.
And then, we're leaving very early Tuesday morning for the east coast. The list of things to get done before that trip just got longer because our beloved Sherri, who takes such wonderful care of the puppy boys when I'm away, seems to have gone out of town, and, according to her message, won't be back until Saturday. The boys love Sherri to distraction, because she cooks for them and takes them on six mile walks twice a day (really). We did book this period of time with her, so I'm thinking there was some kind of family emergency and I'm hoping all is well...
and I've got to figure out what to do about the puppy boys before real anxiety kicks and turns me into a blubbering mass of worry.
It occurs to me that this might be a good start to a comic novel. Woman with obsessive love of her dogs (see? I know my faults) makes meticulous plans for their comfort while she's gone and finds out a few days before she goes that all was for naught. What to do?
Me: Hi, I'm calling about your dog sitting service. Can I ask, do you ever sit dogs for extended periods? Say, five days? And oh, these are small dogs that have never been in a kennel and they would die of heartbreak if you put them in a crate. Also, Tuck has never spent a night where he wasn't sleeping right next to a warm loving person who assures him what a beautiful smart clever wonderful dog he is. Yes, right in the bed. Bunny is happy with the foot of the bed, though, as long as he has his special blankie... hello?
Me: Hi [friend]. Remember when you said you owed me a really big favor? That you'd love me forever? That you couldn't think how to repay me? Well I have an idea.... hello?
Me: Hi [other friend]. Gosh, it's been a long time, hasn't it? I remember how the last time you were here you said you wanted me to put you in my will, that you'd get Tuck if something happened to me. Here's the deal... No, you couldn't keep him. And yes, you'd have to take Bunny, too, because they are very close and they are going to be distraught about me being gone anyway... Well sure, I'll bring them to you, what's a ten hour drive when the puppy boys need something? Um yes, I was serious about the sleeping arrangements. No, a blanket on the floor wouldn't do. Unless you were willing to sleep down there with them? Hello?
Me: So, how much would it cost for us to cancel this trip? That much. Hmmmm.
Keep tuned. Watch the writer lady grow ever more frantic until this is resolved.
July 9, 2005 01:02 PM