No matter how much you love something – separation and/or distance can be healthy from time to time. The same holds true for me when it comes to “The Boys.” No one who reads our stories could dispute my unconditional love for these two creatures, but at least once or twice a year I must vanish to “replenish.”

DD (Doodle Daughter) is my “escape from Doodleville.”. Although she lives only a mere 41 miles away, weeks will sometimes add up before we see one another. We talk every day – countless times a day. She has an infectious laugh, and a smile that will light up any room…

…along with a comedic wit entertaining enough to be shared on stage.

When she announced she was working from home Monday and Tuesday we decided time together was way overdue!

Generally I pack up The Boys and we ALL motor over to her house for an overnight gab session, but this time I decided to be selfish! Doodle Mom was rolling out solo.

The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. 36 hours of not having to:

• Walk a total of 150 lbs headed in two different directions at all times
• Wipe eight nasty paws after those walks
• Toss “Wilson” for hours on end
• Dole out Greenies, treats, food, fun, back rubs, and tummy tickles

Listen – I couldn’t pack fast enough!

I hollered and laughed out loud at the thought of not waking up at the break of dawn to roll over and see this staring back at me from the side of the bed…

As the car rolled out of the driveway, I waved goodbye and kept reciting in my head “you deserve this” while the“three amigos” stood in the doorway as if I was never coming back…

Of course I asked DH (Doodle Husband) to take plenty of pictures and of course he did. Allow me to pupaphrase and describe what probably took place with each photo:

“If it’s outside you want, then it’s outside we will go”...

“Leo, do you really expect to play ball all day long? I’m not your momma”…

“Harley, is this all you’re gonna do?”…

“Leo – gimmie a break will you – let’s rest a minute?”…

 “Okay now, make sure you’re really ready to go inside, I’m not going through this paw wiping drill again”…

“Okay, okay, I give – let’s go downstairs and get your Greenies”…

Meanwhile, try as I might NOT to miss them too much – I failed. Tiffany and John took me to The Blue Ridge Grill (beautiful atmospheric, super “pet friendly” restaurant) on the most gorgeous night ever. And what did I do? Zeroed in on the most adorable 5 month old Wheaten Terrier named “Maui”…

I walked over, introduced myself and talked my head off about The Boys to her pet parents Matt and Caryn…

“Yes”, I showed pictures, “yes” they were very kind and looked at ALL of them. I really enjoyed meeting them, and during our conversation, I found out they too use Olde Towne Pet Resort – but the other location. Thanks to me and my incessant talking – Maui just might start Agility Training soon!

Dinner was nice, I loved listening and catching up. John surprised me and joined us, and that’s always “the best!” My little girl is all grown up now, she seems very happy, and I’m delighted….

And TWO of my Three Amigos? They just hung out – chilled out – and waited for me to come home…

I love all my days with Harley & Leo, and I also love those stolen moments away from them – I’m one lucky Doodle Mom…

Thanks for reading…