Too Good To Be True

When something seems too good to be true, most often that's exactly what it is. Like Mama singing more songs than usual when we're in the car -- we're going to the vet. Taking treats on a walk -- less sniffing, more training. Garage door open for "no apparent reason" -- we're not going for a walk. The sitter is coming. I should have known better…

I just had a night that turned out to be a "too good to be true" truth. Home with my Mama, cozy and warm, eating my favorite dinner "in bed" and Zooming with my friends on my high-tech pawPad. But a smart dog like me should never have missed all the red flags that night - too many good things all at one time.

And there it was… "Floof, I want to tell you something impawtant – can you come here!" And that's when my “too good to be true” night started.

Instead of being on my guard for pawsible bad news, my ears perked up, and my brain was flooded with what good news my Mama could have for me—an increase in my treat allowance, no more vet visits, longer walks? What could it be? In one sniff, I said goodbye to my friends, and Mama had my undivided attention. But as soon as I saw the look on my Mama's face, I realized this was going to be one of those “too good to be true” situations. Mama said that she was going away for 3 weeks – to Australia - to visit her brother and his family." What?! And just like that, my pawfect evening was over. Three weeks - that's forever! Australia! Isn't that on the other side of the world? And you're not taking me along? What am I supposed to do over the holidays without you? Be on my own?

I couldn't believe what I was hearing…

Had Mama's brain lost its mind? I ran upstairs to see if there was any evidence of this terrible idea. And sure enough, there was Mama's suitcase. OPEN - and ready to be packed. OMD (remember, that means oh my dog)! She wasn't joking. I had to think really fast on my paws. I could hear Mama coming up the stairs to see where I'd gone. And I needed to stop this craziness right away. I needed to get Mama to rethink very carefully what she was planning to do, just like she makes me think twice before I do something that might not end so well for me. So, I jumped into her suitcase and put on the saddest face pawssible - which was not very hard to do given the news I'd just heard. But my very sad face wasn't sad enough - I could see she felt bad. But not bad enough.

But this was not a time for tears...

And even though I was very sad and red-hot mad, I needed to stay calm and keep a clear head to figure this out - quicker than I could sniff out a treat. And then, if I needed to, I could go into my Zen Den with my puppy beside me and feel as sorry for myself for as long as I wanted.

So I grabbed my laptop and my super smart brain that luckily hadn't lost its mind, and in a snap, I had the pawfect plan.

I knew where I'd go...

To the one and only Fun House! To my best 2nd family!

If I could get a reservation at such short notice, I could have as good a time as my Mama had organized for herself, and I wouldn't be stranded with my holiday ruined.

And my tail started wagging from side to side, but I told it to stop because I still needed my Mama to rethink what she was planning to do.

There's no doubt I'd have fun... My best friend Luca, who lives at the Fun House with his super cool mom and very funny dad, wouldn’t have to go to school while I was there! That meant we'd be able to watch football and cartoons for as long as we wanted - while Luca gave me the most loving snuggles. We could go to the park and run from one side to the other, trying to catch the ball or each other.

We'd have the yummiest picnics with loads of treats and go for extra-long walks so I can sniff out new and interesting things. And maybe along the way we'd even stop for a Pup Cup or two. Paws down, Luca is the pawfect friend to spend my holiday with.

And my tail started wagging from side to side, but I told it to stop because I still needed my Mama to rethink what she was planning to do.

Either way, there’d be a big payoff waiting for me… I knew it was unlikely I'd get Mama to change her mind. But I also know how much she loves me and how bad and sad she'll feel about leaving me behind. That means she'll prawbably get me almost anything I want before she leaves to go halfway round the world all on her own. I’m sure you know exactly what I’ll choose. Yes! Loads and loads of my favorite treats. More than this pup should ever have. And my tail started wagging from side to side, but I told it to stop because I still needed my Mama to rethink what she was planning to do.

Comfort is key...

What else would I need besides all my treats?

Definitely my comfy bed and private Zen Den.

Then I'll have a place to snooze on when we're watching TV. And a cozy room to go to when everyone calls it a night.

And my tail started wagging from side to side, but I told it to stop because I still needed my Mama to rethink what she was planning to do.

And there was one more thing... I'm kind and sweet, and loving, and thoughtful, so I will definitely not be leaving my favorite little brown puppy alone for the holidays like some other people plan to do. I love him as much as my Mama loves me, so he'll be coming along to join in the fun. To help me feel brave when I'm really scared, or to feel less sad when I have to go to sleep without my Mama also by my side. Because even though I’m mad at her right now, I know I'll miss her with all my heart.  And then my tail stopped wagging from side to side, but I told it not to worry, I’d take good care of us both.

Nothing was certain…

But I was staying pawsitive that I would get a reservation at the Fun House for a few weeks, and have a fantastic holiday with my best friend Luca, his super-cool mom, and his very funny dad.

But I'm not telling my Mama of my genius plan, not even one single word. Not until everything is confirmed and I have a stash of treats that cannot be returned.

And my tail started wagging from side to side, but I told it to stop because I still needed my Mama to rethink what she was planning...and we didn't know if we had a reservation or not.

Paws crossed, we will!

Otherwise, I don't know what I'll do.

But if I do get to go, I'll tell you all about my adventures with my best 2nd family when I get back home from a very special vacation.

I hope you have the best holidays too, and nothing turns out to be too good to be true. Toffy xoxo

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