Today, when Jane and I took our early morning walk, I asked for a turn at blogging. Why should she have all the fun? I have things to say. After 9 years together and listening to her endless audio books, I know  about reading and writing. I am a literary dog by osmosis. So, Jane said I could have a turn, as long as I don’t tell any of her secrets. She is taking a paws, just sitting around drinking coffee while I give it a whirl.

Life for me has been ruff lately. For 7 months I had Jane all to myself. I sat by her side for long days of travel. I cuddled under the table where she sewed and never complained. I tolerated hair cuts so short that I looked naked. The humidity in Florida and Alabama! All the travails were worth it, though, because we spent every minute of every day together, often walking through the forest and along the beach. The new smells in the bird sanctuary were delicious. I was not excited about sitting in the front of the kayak, but hey, we are a team, and I would pick kayaking over dog sledding any day.

Now, Jane has a social life. Already this week, she went to Mexico for lunch with 24 other people, attended Movie Night and chowed down at a weekly potluck. She usually meets up with the 4:00 PM bunch to chat about upcoming activities. Tomorrow she will help clean the rec hall, attend a quilt show in town and, later, mingle with the others at Pizza Night. Saturday she will go down to the border to watch a Pancho Villa parade.

Do you see where I am going with this? I do not attend any of these people-only events. Jane spends hours and hours away from me and I do not like any of it. I am a spoiled dog, and frankly, I run this place. Jane thinks she is in charge, but I know differently. Now, this humiliation. Left behind. My own personal Armageddon.

Yes, I need company too. Usually I am aggressive towards other dogs when I first meet them, but I realize now that I can curb my loneliness by being nicer to others. If I don’t growl, I can sniff, sniff, sniff and that sure eases some of my loneliness. Maybe other dogs aren’t so bad after all.

The good news is that Jane is happier than she has been in a long time. She likes being around kindred spirits, laughing, sharing stories, swapping RV tips. As a loyal dog, I will try to remember that the next time she leaves. Oh, and I lied about not sharing her secrets. Jane buys too much fabric. So there.

OMG!! Jane is making pancakes and eggs and now I won’t get any.