The Big Day

When you see your parents take down curtains, photos and other wall decor or start emptying out closets, know that your life is about to change. I've been through this once before, but this time it was different. It was unsettling, scary and tiring. Instead of spending my days napping and occasionally barking through the window at children and geese, I spent my days wandering the newly-created maze as my parents stacked more and more boxes in the living room.

I've seen them pack their suitcases for vacations and trips to the country, but this was different. This was bigger. They were taking everything. Were they going to take me? Anytime my parents left the room I followed. Anytime they tried walking out the door, I tried to follow.

Then, one morning, I knew my dreaded day had come. My parents woke up early. I knew after spending the night on the floor with my parents that the time had come. But, I didn't expect to be left out. Mommy took me to doggie day camp and I cried and whined the whole way there. I wanted to go on their trip too. When the lady at day camp took me I lunged for Mommy, hoping to charm my way into getting a free treat, but it didn't work. I played with the other dogs, but I couldn't help but wonder, "When will they come back for me? Or will they?"

Early that evening, my parents came back for me and I couldn't have been happier. Instead of taking me back to my home they took me to a new place. When I first walked in I ran down the stairs to the basement, then I ran back up the stairs and then up the other flight of stairs to the second floor. I ran all over our new home and found all those boxes my parents packed up the week before.

As I investigated my new surroundings, I realized it wasn't totally new. I had been here the night before with my parents. They brought me to visit the night before so I wouldn't be totally freaked out when I got home. I guess they just tried to protect me from all the chaos that went on that day by allowing me to have fun in day camp.

My parents started unpacking boxes and moving around furniture as I explored the new area and barked at children playing outside. Although we moved to another apartment, this one is much bigger. With extra floor space, four small flights of stairs to run up and down, and a large grassy area outside, I have a lot of extra space to run and play.

I think I'm going to like it here. Now, if only I can get my parents to settle down and leave the boxes and paint cans alone for awhile. I need attention too, you know.