Three weeks at Camp Sugarloaf. A good diversion for Cheyenne while Michael and Layne were away on vacation. Cheyenne quickly became one of the pack, settling quickly into our daily routines of mealtimes, walks around the house and down the path, sunning in the yard, sleeping in the office, lounging on the lanai, and reposing around the sofa in the evenings waiting for dessert to be served. Zuzu and Tootie warmly welcomed Cheyenne into their home without hesitation or objection.
The last day of her stay, however, was upon us. We continually reminded Cheyenne that her mommy and daddy were coming back, that this was not her new home, and that she would soon be back to her routines of early morning walks, long afternoons lounging around the house, and early evening junkets to her favorite paths in the lower keys. You can follow her treks at http://conchscooter.blogspot.com.
Today was the day and, with a phone call from Layne, Cheyenne's reunion was only minutes away. As they pulled onto the driveway, we made our way out of the house, pausing a moment on the porch, Cheyenne seemingly unaware of the joy and happiness she was about to give.
Perhaps thinking she was simply heading outside to do her business, she rounded the corner to see the outstretched arms of her daddy, hearing him joyfully exclaim, "CHEYENNE!"
Her tail began wagging faster and faster as she trotted up to Michael, sniffing him to be sure it wasn't an illusion. One has to wonder what dogs are able to comprehend. They say dogs don't have a concept of passing time, but I think they do, and they can also remember, emote, and feel. We know dogs are not humans, but it's difficult not to anthropomorphize when you look into their eyes and they look back, communicating, connecting with your thoughts and emotions.
Cheyenne completes Michael, and he completes Cheyenne. An inseparable pair united in love, need, and happiness.
After many hugs, squeezes, and kisses from daddy, Cheyenne welcomes mommy back with slobbery kisses. Layne is equally fond of Cheyenne. During the nights Michael is at work in Key West, Cheyenne is by her side, keeping her company. And at six o'clock in the morning, Cheyenne greets Michael returning from his nighttime shift, and says good-bye to Layne as she heads of to the gym and work for the day. The three make a perfect team, Cheyenne equally sharing her love, devotion, and companionship.
It was nice having Cheyenne around for three weeks, and it was good, too, for Zuzu and Tootie to have another dog in the house. As they are more at ease around other dogs than people, perhaps a result of not being properly socialized with people during their puppy years, or the mistreatment they may have endured in the puppy mill, we were hoping that Cheyenne would help them overcome their fears. Zuzu and Tootie have come a long, long way since we adopted them 18 months ago, but they still fear thunderstorms. While Cheyenne slept soundly through the thunderous claps, our girls nervously sought refuge in a closet, in a corner, or in the bathtub.
Cheyenne did her best to show them that there's nothing to fear during a storm, but it may take a bit more convincing for Zuzu and Tootie.
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