Alas, we are dogless.
Our flight for New York departs some time this morning, with any luck; and departure was at 5:30am sharp. So last evening, the dog was led away to sit with my mother in her ittle grey Peugeot, and driven off.
It all felt rather sudden. One minute he was there, the next: gone. No fuss, for my parents are well used to being a hotel for his nibs the moustachio’d wonder.
If he glanced back at me, it was just for an instant. I knew he was off for a rather nice walk in the grounds of an old stately home. There would be much socialising and bottom sniffing. Macaulay would be in Heaven.
When we went to see Macaulay as a one-year-old whippersnapper in the local animal rescue, it was my father who courted him with doggie biscuits. Oh, he’s nice, the dog thought; and came most willingly with us when we arrived after all the checks to collect him. He was most nonplussed to find my father and his biscuits were nowhere to be seen, and h was destined to live with us instead.
So Macaulay will live the life he always envisaged for himself for four days: close to biscuits, and his best doggie pal Spice, and the man he is sure he should have ended up with.
But we are doggone lonely. I keep having to resist the impulse to get up and take the dog for a walk. There is not a single animal in the house; just us four.
There is nothing left for us but to get on the plane.
Kate Shrewsday 
You are so lucky to have such wonderful dog sitters you trust with your precious.
We are. The dog is at home with my Dad as he is with us, almost.
My sympathy. I am lucky enough to usually have a catsitter so i eave them at home
Ah, cats, such gloriously independent creatures,Sidey.
mine pine a bit
But they are capable of using an indoor sandbox
How great that your parents can doggie-sit for you. Peace of mind! … Have a wonderful trip to my hometown. 🙂 Give my regards to old Broadway.
Thanks, Jamie, will do 🙂
Have a great trip Kate♥
Will do, Rosemary….we bagged Club Class on the way out!! An eight-hour long pamperfest!
Have a great time, Kate, and take a bit bite out of that apple:)
Thanks Roger. My whole being now deeply puzzled by time difference. It is quarter to five and I am more than ready for bacon and eggs.
Only four animals left in the house, and they are flying the nest? No, that’s birds. *all confused-like* 🙂
You and me both, Col!
No doubt eversowhat!
a dog-less house always seems so quiet and still. Lovely to know he is safe and having fun. Have fun in New York!
Thanks, Joss 🙂
Put a child or husband on a leash and take them for a walk. I’m very jealous of your jaunt, travel safe and have an amazing time. 🙂
IE, what a deeply practical suggestion.
Always happy to oblige. 😉
Have a wonderful time; he will be thrilled to see you when you get home (especially if you bring back a few treats)! 🙂
Great tip, Karen, thank you!
So much better than the kennel! What a lucky pooch. 🙂
He is, Carrie…
I wonder if our pets know how much we miss them when we go away. One time on vacation somewhere in Europe, we were in some gorgeous floofy hotel room nothing like our own room back home. I was delirious with jet lag at 2 in the afternoon or so and I gave up and took a nap. I heard a rustle under the bed and woke up and said “Kitty?!” It was not.
Kimberley, your story resonates! We are wide awake at five in an American morning and Phil has just said: ” I wonder how the dog is?” Thanks for reding and commenting today.
Have fun in New York. I’m sure Macaulay will have a wonderful time with your folks.
Thanks Gale. I’m sure you are right.
I mean to add that in the picture Mac looks like he’s singing an aria.
😀 He does. It was, mercifully, a silent one.
That picture of Macauley is priceless! Frame worthy, indeed.
Safe travel as you wend your way through the clouds to the Big Apple.
Thanks, Penny. We had a lovely journey.
Safe flight, Kate . . . and Happy Travels! 😀
Thank you, Nancy!
I’m really looking forward to hearing about what you get into in New York, Kate. (The olive oil gelato at Otto Enoteca Pizzeria is to die for.)
So far we have been to see Shakespeare’s extraordinarily detailed pants in Central Park, Andra. But more of that anon 🙂
Oh, enjoy it for a moment. We have far too many pets and I must confess that I find respite in pet sitters. Enjoy your trip.
thanks, Tammy. Will do.
New York is a big dog town Kate. Warning: watch where you step.
Glad to know that Mac is on a vacation, too.
I thought New York was pristine, Lame 🙂 Wonderful find, so many dogs here. We have been happily doggie spotting all day.
I envy your dog sitting arrangement. We visited London a few weeks ago (leaving from New York 🙂 ) and had to give our dog to a kennel lady. She’s wonderful, but still….. Lucky dog you have!
Hi Sharechair -lovely to hear from you…yes, Mac has never been to a kennel. He leads a charmed life 🙂
As long as you send him some selfies atop the Empire State, or, better still, from Central Park, surrounded by the very strange doggy creatures you can find there, I’m sure he’ll be a happy little canine. Bon Voyage, Kate and family. NYC – awesome!
Thanks, BB. Must get snapping!
I hope Mac if having the time of his life…and you, too! 🙂
Thanks, Debra 🙂 Yesterday was a great day…
It’s good to know Macaulay will be well looked after Kate 🙂
Indeed, Tandy. now we can really enjoy ourselves here.
No doubt, Macaulay enjoys being the adored and spoiled grandpuppy. But he enjoys the time spent with you and your family. I understand, Kate, about missing your animal companions. They are such a part of us.