Halloween 2019

Happy Halloween!

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Sleepwalking

A little over a week ago, I returned home after spending two weeks out east with Ma and Pa. I had a lot of fun during that vacation. I played with Flow the Golden Retriever two doors down, bunked noses with Bruno the Boxer next door, and helped Pa shellac the porch (yes, I currently have shellac on my head). I also got into a bit of a snag with a sticky trap, but the less said about that the better.

Sister, meanwhile, was holding down the fort at home which sadly did not include baking me homemade cookies or buying me a store-full of squeaky toys. She told me that she kept an eye on the squirrel population for me while I was gone, but I know she has a soft spot for that stupid little half squirrel half bunny hybrid Stumpy, so I’m not overly convinced she maintained any order.

Anyway, when I got home from vacation, Sister was nowhere to be seen because she was still at work. I was disappointed not to be able to greet Sister after so much time apart, however, I was also really exhausted so I decided to pass the time waiting for her by snoozing in the bedroom.

A few hours later, a commotion in the kitchen woke me up from my slumber. After a big long yawn and stretch, I wandered out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to find Sister telling Ma about her day. Happy to see her, I quickly grabbed a toy (I greet every family member or visitor I see with a toy of some sort) and scurried over to Sister’s side. Sister gave my ears a rub, laughed, then turned towards Ma. “Looks like someone decided to say hello while awake this time,” she said.

My ears squared. What did Sister mean by that?

A little while later, I heard the following story:

When Sister first arrived home, I immediately stumbled out of the bedroom and met her at the side door. Needing something to greet her with, I reached over and grabbed my towel off the banister leading downstairs. Then, I just stood there—towel draped from my mouth, my tail still, and my ears down.

Sister touched my nose. It was dry. She then bent down and looked me in the eyes. They were empty, dark, unfocused, and expressionless. Sister then laughed and looked up at Ma. “I think he’s sleepwalking,” Sister said.

I stood in front of Sister, towel in my mouth, for another minute or so before turning around and shuffling back into the bedroom.

And that’s where I stayed for another five minutes until Sister and Ma’s conversation woke me up.

Visiting My Estate with Baci

Baci

We had been friends for a while, Baci and I, even though we had never actually met snout to snout.  Sure, I'd hear tales of him from conversations his Mom and my Sister would have (and I'm sure Sister shared quite a few overly exaggerated stories about my daily forays into mischief because she's that kind of person), but Baci and I were, essentially, unknown to each other.  But then, a couple of weekends ago and after nearly a year and a half of listening to stories, I was beyond happy to hear that I was finally going to meet Baci.  And even better, I found out that I was going to meet him at my estate (AKA Old Westbury Gardens) at their Fidos at Four event.

For those of you who don’t know, Baci is a 16-month-old Silver Labrador Retriever who calls Sister’s friend Gina "Mom."  From day one, I knew that Baci was a really cool guy even though I most certainly did not understand his love of swimming or why he got eggs for breakfast and I never did (I only get my kibble, a small pretzel, a single Cheerio, and maybe a blueberry if it's in season).

Anyway, as soon as I found out what was going on, I went into my normal routine of excitement overdose (pacing, barking, whining, running in and out of the house, stealing shoes and socks as Sister tried putting them on, and, of course, drooling all over the place).  When I got in the car I paced, huffed, drooled, and generally drove Sister (the driver) crazy.

Baci Leading the Way

Needless to say, by the time we reached my estate, I was pretty much exhausted.  But me being me, I dug deep and managed to find enough energy to drag Sister from the parking lot to “Rigby’s wall” located directly in front of the house (see my profile picture featuring a very young yours truly and his namesake wall).  Not that long after arriving, Sister knelt down next to me and whispered “There’s Baci” in my ear.

And there he was, pulling his Mom up the path just like I had a few minutes earlier.

With a wag of the tail and a nose bunk, Baci and I said our hellos.  Then I said hello to Gina while Baci said hi to Sister.  Gina tried to give me a treat in greeting, but as my loyal readers know, I’m very suspicious of freely offered food and immediately spit the cookie out onto the ground and walked away (Baci then swooped in and ate the cookie himself).

Art of Water Bottle Drinking

Once our greetings were over, we set off to explore the estate.  I took Baci to all my favorite spots, we bunked noses with a whole bunch of dogs (there was an especially large number of cousins present), I taught Baci how to drink out of a water bottle, and we were good boys and didn't cause too much drama when either Gina or Sister held both our leashes when the other stepped away for a moment.

Overall, a grand time was had by all (though I did notice Baci looking longingly toward the two ponds and one reflecting pool we passed on our travels).

Baci and I Twining

 

Outtakes