Cheyenne Visits Home

Cheyenne is one happy dog! It has been just about two weeks since Conchscooter dropped her off at Camp Sugarloaf for a three week stay while he and his wife visit family and friends in his home region of central Italy, and Cheyenne has settled comfortably into our routine. Much different from her regular rituals, Cheyenne lounges and naps most of the day, enjoying occasional snack breaks between meals and before settling in for the night. Walking has all but ceased due to the heat during the day and the swarms of mosquitoes at dawn and dusk, so we manage to get several potty and exercise breaks in the yard around the house.


Occasionally, we'll schedule an excursion, a field-trip of sorts. This particular afternoon, the dogs hopped into the camp bus with us to make the ten mile journey up US-1 to Ramrod Key to visit Cheyenne's home. Zuzu and Tootie settled into their spots, Zuzu on the seat and Tootie on the bed. Cheyenne was happy to get a car ride.

When we arrived, the girls were anxious to get off the bus and have a look around. Cheyenne sniffed around downstairs, checking out the car left behind, seemingly not to notice the absence of her car or the two-wheelers. 

Back in familiar territory, she looked and stumped around, perhaps bewildered by the absence of Conchscooter and Layne yet comforted by our presence.

The gang inspected the lonely dock lacking the skiff, the ladder raised and secured.

A gentle stroll on the deck, past the garden and the covered grill towards the front of the house.

Pausing next to the empty lounge chair to look out over the salt marsh. Perhaps this is where Cheyenne would listen for Conchscooter's motorcycle coming down the lane early in the morning, or where they would sit and enjoy another glorious Keys sunset.

Once inside the quite and empty house, Cheyenne plopped down on the floor where her bed usually lies. The dogs would relax here with Wayne while I made a grocery run to Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key.

Once back from the store with treats in hand, it was time to close up the house, get back on the bus, and head back to Camp Sugarloaf. Cheyenne was eager to go, wanting to climb in first, but she politely let Zuzu and Tootie pass in front. Her ruse, of course, was to be closer to Wayne with the treats once in the car, and it worked!

Cheyenne is all heart never tiring of her company. She is a lovable labrador, tail always in motion, most content being by your side. It's true, she is one happy dog, but Cheyenne will be overjoyed in a week when her faithful explorer and companion returns by her side.