Sunday, January 06, 2008

At first I thought....

Hi everyone, this is Liza and I will be doing today's post. Life with Dory is never dull and the other night was a perfect example of that.

Since the holidays are pretty much officially over, the tree ornaments all packed away and the poor tree itself resting unceremoniously at the curb; life has gotten somewhat back to normal. Of course normal means my job gets busy too and on Thursday night I had to go out an do a presentation to a group of parents and school committee members. I don't have to often work at night, but when I do I always feel bad for Dory.

So I came home, spent a couple hours with her, gave her a nice dinner and told her I'd be back as soon as I could. She knew something was up because I rarely stay in my work clothes once I'm home. Anyhow I went and what was supposed to be about a two hour thing, turned into a 3+ hour thing and I got home late. So I took Dor out for a brief potty break and went to bed falling into a deep sleep.

At first I thought I must be dreaming, because I felt like someone was staring at me. The I realized there was Dory sitting up on the bed next to my shoulder looking down at me. I turned on my back and then Dory with a huge sigh put her head down on my shoulder. From my perspective it was so strange - like being smothered by a big black fur coat.

Now normally Dory sleeps in/on her own arm chair in my bedroom. She can come on the bed, and has every so often, but with my artificial knee and my typical tossing and turning as a result of knee pain, Dory is usually more happy on her chair.

I'm no dog whisperer, but I guess she was trying to tell me in her own furry way she missed me and doesn't like it when I go out at night and break our routine. Dory stayed there on my bed, with her head on my shoulder, at least until I was back to sleep, in the morning she was back in her own chair.

I have friends who every so often will end a story with, "oh you'll understand about guilt when you have a child" - I may not have a human child, but my partner in crime Dory can certainly make me feel guilty when I can't always be there. That and scare the heck out of me in the middle of the night.

6 comments:

Gus said...

I think you are right, and that Dory was trying to say she missed you. When muzzer goes away for a trip, I miss her. When she comes back, I am like moss on a tree. That is when I put my head on her lap when she goes to use the toilet. I don't know why she gets so silly about that. "OOH, eesh, yuck Gussie" She watches me go to the bathroom, why can't I watch here?

kissies
gus

Joe Stains said...

Dory was definitely letting you know she was glad you were home and that you better not do that again any time soon :)

Lorenza said...

My mom says that sometimes she'd like me to speak, but then she thinks... better not! Can you imagine all the things Dory would tell you if she could!
Have a good night
Lorenza

The Brat Pack said...

I definitely think that is what she was trying to tell you. I have horrible guilt if I have to work all day then be gone at night.

I once read an article that said always, always greet your dog with happiness when you get home and they're so excited to see you. YOU are why they are so happy and you should be honored. :)

Maryann

Lady Kaos said...

I definately know what you're talking about! Those big brown eyes can make me feel guilt without even knowing why. Both Sasha and Kaos can make me change my entire evening plans by just looking at me in a certain way. Kaos is funny when someone has been gone longer than the other, she attaches to that person and lets them know they were gone way too long. That includes her grandma and her aunt Gillian.
Love
Hilary

wally said...

Sniff--your story made my ma ape leak, too. She has a lot of guilt about leaving us, too. Maybe Dory missed you and/or she felt bad you couldn't be with her! :)

wally.

ps. My ma ape said thanks for the suggestions about my sleeping issues. They've all been helpful!