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Then I thought about it. Would I ever be able to visit again? I supposed Icould. I’d been here for quite a long time and my mother had yet to visit. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, but she had a tough work schedule and since she started helping her local dog rescue, it seemed like every month she had another foster dog to care for.
It was only a day’s drive; with Dolly now, it might be a little longer. But she seemed to like the car. I wondered if there was a better way for her to travel. I hopped on the pet superstore website and typed in a few words. “Dog car” revealed hundreds of results for car seats of all types. I was elated to see the bucket style seat that elevated the pup to be able to see out the window.
Buy Now.
“Dolly, how about a road trip?”
She smiled at me with her brown eyes, but her sleepiness returned, and she nestled back to her slumber. I could hear little baby snores coming from her and knew I better not move an inch. Thinking that, I was immediately reminded of how uncomfortable this couch was and searched for a better one.
“Comfort Deluxe Stain Resistant Cloud Couch” came up high on my list on the furniture website. The color was perfect—an earthy greenish beige that fit perfectly into the background, and I could accessorize with fun pillows and blankets. The shipping was fast. It will be here next week. The price was a tad high, but looking at Dolly in her peaceful dreamland, I hit the button anyway.
Add to cart.
I texted my mother a picture of the new couch, and she immediately called.
“What’s that about?”
“No more futon after next week. We will just have to come visit you!”
My mother was elated. “Really? That’s the best news I’ve heard all day! Hold on a second.” I could hear her screen door opening. Her neighbors must have all been out in their yards because she hollered out to them.
“Katie and my new grand dog are coming to visit!” I was laughing at her when I heard a few voices I recognized in the background.
“That’s a good question, Fred, let me ask them.” Shifting her attention backto me, she asked, “Katie, is Dolly good around other dogs? Fred has two shih tzu’s.” I knew for a fact she was, remembering the wiry Prince Henry and, of course, Carter.
“Yes, very good with others.” I was proud. My mother was rambling off to the rest of her neighborhood when I informed her we were going to bed soon.
“Okay, Katie. This is just great to hear. Let me know when you decide the dates and I’ll make certain I am free from any obligations. Oh—just try not to come on the 18th next month. That’s when our case goes to the grand jury.”
I could never get over how she called anything she was following,our case.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. I’m off for the next seven days on Paw-ternity leave, and since it’s just a day trip, we were toying with the idea of popping over for a few nights.”
“Oh my! In that case—I better go—the house isunrecognizable—I haven’t cleaned since you left!”
“Well, maybe we could go to the coast for a night? I really miss that salty breeze and the little restaurant on the cliff. Do you think they allow dogs?”
“I know for a fact they do. Susan and Little Susan went there a few months ago. I’m getting low on my saltwater taffy stash anyway! That sounds great.”
I felt the adrenaline pumping through my body as we made more exciting plans. “Well, if we are going to the beach town, I’d love to rent one of those cruiser bikes! I bet Dolly’s carrier will fit in the back basket if they are still the same tricycle-style ones.”
I could hear my mother shuffling around, with things falling over. “What are you doing?”
“I told you, I’m power cleaning. I have years’ worth of things lying everywhere. I don’t want Dolly to think I’m a hoarder.”
“Did you hear my idea about us renting tricycle cruiser bikes?”
“What was that? Tricycles?” She was barely listening. “I may be mentally ill, but I don’t like to look like it.” I heard her start the washing machine.
“What? How does a tricycle make you look mentally ill?”
“Oh, did I say that? I mean, go for it, Katie. Rent the bike, I’ll walk beside you.”
“...”
“...”
We both sat in silence for a moment before I had an outburst of laughter. “Okay then, I’ll let you go prepare. Goodnight.”
