Welcome Home - The Vacation Aftermath

Welcome home!

I'm back!  I had a wonderful break over the holidays, and we enjoyed some time away beach camping.  The only downside is that I couldn't take my pets with me.  I think that they are still recovering from their 'abandonment'.

Not that they were abandoned - all were in very good care.  The dogs were in the kennels that they go to a few times a year.  Granted, they don't love going there, but they come out in good shape, they are well looked after and safe, and the owner and staff know them well - it's not like we leave them with strangers.  The cats and chooks are visited and fed by my parents every day, so they get cuddles, plus the comfort of being in their own, familiar home.  The chickens don't really like being locked up in their coop the whole time either, but they are safe from foxes.

 

I'm sure this is what my dogs think when we leave them.

As we got closer and closer to home - tired, sunburned and not looking forward to the clean up that beach camping involves - I could feel myself getting more and more excited to see my pets.  To say I  miss them while I am away is an understatement, and I feel like pieces of me are missing.

I'm pretty sure that they feel the same way too, judging by their reactions when we are all reunited. Yes, even the cats...their desire to portray an aura of indifference is overcome by desire for cuddles and attention.  They aren't as aloof as they would have you think.

As we drove up to the house, it was obvious that the cats were inside as they didn't rush for some cuddles.  I could hear the Harvey Henbanger and his harem quietly chatting to each other, happy to have been let out earlier in the day by my mother, as they foraged for tasty bugs and indulged in much needed dust baths.

As the door opened, two very happy cats came running, vocal in their admonishments for leaving them yet again.  Tails quivered with anticipation as Clawde made sure to flop dramatically in front of me, blocking my progress into the house, as he presented his belly for overdue scratches.  Of course, I fell victim to his behaviour and did his bidding, as all good slaves do.  Purrkins is a 'rubber' and he re-scented my legs with a succession of rubs and head butts.  Ahh, I think the three of us were in heaven, and felt our hearts fill up once again.

Please never leave me, Mum.

Unpacking and cleaning were hampered by frequent interruptions, with both of them wanting reassurance that we were indeed home.  Shawn was not immune to their charms either, and had a few chats with them while they assisted him with the unpacking.

Our reunion with the dogs was delayed until the kennels opened again later that afternoon.  It's always an ordeal picking them up as they are super...SUPER!....excited about seeing us, and it's a test of wills to get leashes attached to collars amidst the jumping, twirling and face licking (which, as stated before, is to be avoided by Manu The Poo-Eater at all costs).  Finally attached, they dragged us up to the car and joyfully jumped into the back seat.  As we drove home, the tiny Corolla rocked about like a car on a roller coaster as the dogs bounced back and forth, licking at our ears and necks.  All I could see in the rear view mirror was two huge yellow heads with grins spanning from ear to ear.  Our dear Chamois was more subdued, as she always likes to be 'cool' more than Manu, who couldn't hide his emotions even if you promised him 20 big, juicy bones and a never-ending belly rub.

Manu's life goal.

Fortunately it is a short drive home, and we quickly let the dogs free to run around the yard.  The first point of attack was their fluffy squeaky toys, to be presented to us in thanks for our reunion.  Once inside, Clawde was delighted at his doggies' return and immediately walked over to groom their heads.  Clawde loves ALL of his family, and hates being separated from them.  Purrkins was a bit indifferent to the dogs, his focus completely on the humans.

Chamois, not caring that we are home.

The next few days are always a trial for us because all of the pets (except the chickens) become quite needy.  Manu was more clinging than normal and Shawn couldn't go anywhere without Manu closely behind.  I, on the other hand, have my cross to bear, and it's name is Purrkins.  Purrkins was everywhere that I am - even if I went outside briefly to hang clothes on the line, he was there.  Sleep was somewhat more difficult for me than usual for the first few nights as Purrkins slept either on my face, purring furiously and drooling, or nestled in the crook of my arm, curled up into a fat, grey ball, with his paw draped across my arm, clinging on for dear life.  Even then, he still purred the whole time, sometimes putting his head up to my face so that I can kiss the top of his head.  Purrkins was NOT aloof.  Purrkins is probably the most attached cat I have ever had.  Don't get me wrong....I love it too.

 

Hold on tight, never let go.

A few days at home usually sees a decrease in the desperation to be near us (and Chamois, true to form, is the same as always - too cool for school.), but the cats ramp it up to another level.  They don't need cuddles all night, but they do apparently have to give us constant 'gifts', their ratting/mousing activities increased to a new level.   I spent half the night running to shut the cat door (that I keep forgetting to shut before bed) as I hear that distinct cat vocalisations outside my bedroom door announcing the delivery of a 'treat'.  Once their access to the inside of the house had been cut off, they decided that they will walk around the house continuing to announce their cleverness and generosity for the next 45 minutes or so.  Sigh, sleep is an elusive partner at these times particularly.

Truth

As annoying as all of this can be, you have to admit that having beasts that love you that much, no matter how tired, smelly and untidy you are after ten days camping, is quite special.


Besides, I think that maybe us leaving them at home and in kennels helps to make them appreciate what they have a little bit more.  Or not.