Autumn Trips

This year our annual fall trip was often rescheduled as well as eventually shortened to one day from three. Things happen. Bad weather, SATs, work obligations. And since Liam's vacay's are contingent on ours, his stays were changed in accordance with our changes.
We did in fact go on our fall trip to Morristown NJ, home of George Washington's two winter stay, (1779-80) this past Sunday, October 11, 2009; so many Revolutionary War sites, George really did stay in many homes Our day trip was packed with history, pumpkins, lakes hills, hot cider and even some fall foliage.
Northern New Jersey is hilly, charming, stylish and the most historic place for the Revolutionary War history in the Northeast. I grew up summering on the Jersey shore. Never knew that Northern NJ resembled Switzerland, Michigan and Vermont and Canada! A wonderful area.
We could not leave Liam for such a long day, so we had booked him into his beloved pet motel, Best in Show. Paul and I set out early Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10, 2009 to drop him off. Liam knows he waits by our doorWe were due there in the morning-we paid for the day, but we rationalized our dawdling by saying to each other " Liam is enjoying quality time with his parents."
Liam has his travel bag and packed were some red Kong toys three greenies (these are like edible toothbrushes) his pillow and bed. He rents a deluxe room midway between Super 8 and the Hilton. The next level of rooms are called suites-for very rich dogs- the highest, the Presidential suite-there is only one and a great Dane usually resides there. These have a TV, with shows such as Animal Planet and the Dog Whisperer, classical music, ice cream treats, satin sheets.
Liam cried this time at our leaving which put me into a tailspin of grief and "Bad Mommy" syndrome
Saturday night was lonely without the little guy. We have a fake Liam who sits in his chair to fill the emotional and physical hole. The twin replacement Liam also scares us every single time we enter the room as we think it is him.
Sunday's trip departure time was early and with our wonderful friends and variety of activities, Liam was not in our thoughts; we are not that nutty to miss a dog so much.
Okay, I have an album with Liam's pix as well as current ones in the camera.
Our day trip ended Sunday evening and we were back home. Another night without Liam. I always ask Paul "What is Liam doing now?" he always replies "sleeping" This is what I have to hear and Paul obliges by supplying the answer I must have.
Liam had to stay over through Monday as it was Columbus Day, a staff Holiday and hotel was closed for pickups. I fantasize Liam is manning the desk; I envision him as having leadership qualities, like George Washington.
Paul returned to work Tuesday. I waited for the day to play out as I could not get Liam until late afternoon-he was getting a full spa exit treatment-bath , pedicure, teeth cleaning- Liam has very white teeth of which I am very proud. The staff says he always has his mouth open-guess he is showing them off.
I drove over to pick him up. As I take care of the paperwork and the checking of his suitcase, verifying all his belongings are inside, I puff with pride reading his report card with his photo-yes, he did well and yes, his mouth is open. The staff assures me that he has been a great guest. I hear his crazy bullet like footfalls and the whoosh of air as he shoots out from the back, I turn for my usual sloppy greeting, No. Nothing. What is this? I have waited all day to be loved by my dog. Rejected, Forgotten Rebuffed. Embarrassed.
So strange, No hello leap. No licking. Just looks past me, struts to the door, no backward glance and waits for me to open the door for his grand exit. At home at first he stood like a statue staring at me. Then he slept all night This cold paw treatment continued all night and into Wednesday morning.
The spell was broken when our housekeeper arrived. Liam went crazy with joy, licking and jumping on her. We had barely calmed down when a dear friend arrived for our play date.
Again all his pent up emotion came out. I had to take out the water guns to calm him. I did not arm all of us, one seemed to be enough.
My friend brought a baby seat for grandniece Kiera. I placed it on the couch, its intended delivery was Thursday. We left Liam with our lovely housekeeper. He helps with the chores.
We left for our outing in the wilderness in my friend's new roadster.
Later in the day when I returned, I found Liam sitting in the baby seat watching "General Hospital." He seemed to be saying that he was the "baby" of this house. He spent the rest of the evening guarding the baby seat
Today's semi nor'easter has brought him back to me. Guess when faced with driving rain and gale force winds, hanging with Mom wins. He also had a bone to pick with replacement Liam twin.
Liam confronts fake Liam give me that sweater!
Woof, woof