Day 178

11/9/22

The very best part of traveling is coming home to Pure Gold! These three were waiting for us with tails wagging like tornadoes! Sammy is at the breeders and will be reunited tomorrow!

Speaking of tornadoes, we had a race with a hurricane today. Traveling down to my Happy Place to see Mickey, we never thought we would face a November hurricane! Our flight was one of the last ones out before the Orlando Airport shut down! A morning of angst, a day of travel (once we were in the air, the passengers gave a unified sigh of relief.), and a Golden welcome home like no other!

The week at Disney World was amazing and memorable. It was Asher's first plane ride and Disney experience. Watching the joy and wonder on his face was such fun! Being away from our sweet Goldens was not so much fun!

When we get ready for a trip, we hide any evidence of packing. Our first Golden, Arthur, would find a bag, give it a sniff and knock it over with one of his huge paws! Lilly and Ranger try to go out the door if they witness any kind of exodus. They would jump in the car and head to "wherever" their people were going. Gus just looked pathetic and kept bringing items like blankets, pillows, socks and other items to pack for the trip. They all broke my heart!

Returning was quite the reunion! They were waiting at the gate when the car pulled in. I could see their expressions turn from concern to joy as we stepped from the vehicle. Then the tail wagging and whimpering commenced!

During the week, I often wondered what they must have been thinking.

"Why would they leave us?"

"Are they coming back?"

"Where is my routine?"

I don't believe they sit and feel sadness for the entire separation, but I am sure we cross their minds.

We saw a number of dogs in the parks. There was a definite Police Dog presence, service dogs and even a couple of large lab mixes right below our rooms. Whenever we would see these dogs, I would melt and feel calmed by simply having them walk by.

Dogs are amazing in all respects. Their love and compassion is unparalleled and their devotion one of my biggest blessings!

Goodbye to The Mouse and hello to the Goldens! I guess my Happy Place is really being home with these babies!