Life Through Smiling Eyes

Gabby, the Standard Poodle:

Hey, Sam, whatcha doin’?  Got great news!

 Sam, the Golden Retriever:

Yeah, I’ve got some stuff to tell

you about…don’t think it’s good

though. Weird things going on over here at my house.

Really? Here too, but it’s weird in a good

way. Both of the big humans and the

two little ones have been home for a

super long time…and I mean they NEVER

leave me. We are going for lots of extra

walks.

Wow! That’s sort of what I wanted to tell you. My sweetest human and both little humans are home 24/7 too, but my favorite big human leaves every day as usual. I think my timing is off because I wait at the front window for him, but last night he didn’t come. I got tired and fell sleep. When he finally came, I was so excited that I ran around and around in circles and couldn’t stop.

Don’t you believe they decided not to leave

us home alone anymore because we have

been such good dogs? I think they wanted us

to know how proud they are of us. Sorry you

still have one human who can’t stay

home…and he’s your favorite.

 I’m sure he wants to. I am so happy

everyone is here. I love all the extra cuddles

and watching TV with the little ones.

Well, I’m not so sure that’s what going on. I think it’s a bad thing.  I brought my ball to my big favorite human as he came in the door, but he didn’t throw it like always. He wasn’t even wearing his white coat with his name on it that he wears every day. He went straight down the hall without petting me, closed the door and I can’t get to him. I scratch and bark, but he yells at me to stop. He’s never yelled at me before. I just know I did something awful. What am I going to do?

I don’t think it’s anything you did. Maybe he’s

just upset because he wants to stay home with

everyone too. Maybe he’s too tired to play ball.

Give him an extra kiss and nuzzle when he comes

back out.  That always works for me when I’m

trying to get attention and being ignored.                                        

Okay, I’ll try that. I’ll get all my toys and wait by the door for him.

No more barking or scratching!

Good luck, Sam.  I’ll get back to you later. I’m going on

another walk with my two little humans. Woohoo,

this is so great!

Have fun.

Hey, Sam, I’m back. I think lots of humans are

staying home with their BFF’s too. Every time

they take me for a walk we see less humans

and cars. We were the only ones at the park. It

was awesome! You know how we can’t run

and play when it’s crowded with all the labs

and German shepherds and little yappers going

crazy.

Yeah great, but still no ball playing for me.  I’m telling you something is going on. You know my senses are pretty keen and I’m smelling trouble.

What kind of trouble? 

I don’t know yet, but I’m going to figure it out. Both big humans went in their room and I can hear them talking.  The sweetest one is sad. I can hear it in her voice. The little ones are texting and playing videos games. I don’t think they know anything is wrong.

You know how big humans have long talks and no

one knows what about. Not us, not the little ones.

That happens here all the time and sometimes

my sweetest one gets sad too.

I miss my big favorite human. Do you think he doesn’t want me

anymore? I think the sweetest one would cry and be sad if he said

I had to go away? That's what is happening, isn't it?

Sam, stop it!  You are just making things up.

They love you and are not going to send you

away.

That’s easy for you to say. You’re a poodle and everyone knows poodles are the smartest, prettiest dogs. I’m just a golden retriever and there are so many of us. I’m nothing special. They could just replace me right away.

You ARE special.  You’re loyal and smart and

handsome.

                                               I want to believe you, but nothing seems normal right now.

So, what if there IS some bad reason our

humans are home with us right now. Let’s

just do what we do…love and protect them.

Whatever it is, we can help.

                                               It might be something terrible that could change everything.

It can’t change everything unless we let it.

I think you are just an alarmist. You know

how you always worry about everything.

Remember when your bed was missing

and you thought you were being taken

back to the shelter? Then your bed was back

in its place and it was fluffier and smelled

like sunshine.                                                                                                                         

This is different! You know you always pretend things are better than they are. Just like the time you told me you were going on a fun trip with your humans and you came back with a cone on your head.

Yes, but I did get extra treats and more hugs.

than ever. You forgot that part. I don’t pretend.

 I just like to see life through smiling eyes.

You’re always in lalaland!  Back to what’s happening now. The sweetest one just gave me my food and when she put my bowl down, I smelled FEAR! I’m not hungry anymore. Right now I

just want to sit beside her and let her know it’s going to be okay…whatever “IT” is.  I won’t let anything hurt her. I’m scared too, but I don’t think she can tell.

Isn’t it the best feeling being brave and protecting

the ones we love? Makes me jump for joy just

thinking about it. Everything here is perfect. The

little ones are playing games and the big humans are

making dinner together. Yum, I smell meat and

know I will get a bite.

Guess what! She’s smiling and I don’t smell fear anymore.  She’s rubbing my belly and I think I made her not so afraid. Now I’m going to check on my favorite big human.

Great job, Sam! Just go work your magic with

him too! You got this!

 He’s already asleep, so I’m just going to lie down on the floor

 and guard while he sleeps.                                       

‘Night, Sam.

Gabby, Gabby, wake up!!

What’s going on?

You were right!  He was just tired yesterday. He took me out

this morning to play ball.  He and the sweetest one kissed

and hugged.  He said something that made her happy and then

before he left, he told me, “I’ll be back soon. You’re my best boy!”

I still don’t know what “IT” is. I’m sure my instinct is right that

life is different right now, but I know I’ll be watching out the window for him no matter how late he is. We’ll be okay.

You’re my bestest dog friend, Sam!

See you at the park soon.

Sandra Brooks

sandra247brooks@gmail.com