
Since my daughter and her dog left home for greener pastures in sunny San Diego, other than the occasional overnight visitor, this has been a one dog household since last November. When Mickey came in February of 2011, we had thirteen-year-old Oscar and when Oscar left us in June of 2012, my daughter almost immediately began checking shelters and rescues, looking for her first dog of her own. A little over a month later, we welcomed three-month-old Maeby.

I forgot how much fun it was having multiple dogs until this past week when I unexpectedly was asked to dog sit for not one, but two friends’ dogs. One, Cam, a seven year old Plott Hound has been Mickey’s friend and a frequent overnight guest since the beginning of Mickey’s life here. The second, Buddy, a one year old Westie-Poo arrived for his first visit here when my friend’s dog care arrangements fell through at the very last minute.

Cam went home after four days but Buddy will be here for a while. Despite being younger and much smaller than the other two, Buddy has found his place and has enjoyed running and playing with the big dogs – he seems to think he is one of them, and Mickey, despite being a big “momma’s boy,” has certainly seemed to enjoy the canine companionship.

Next week we will have another visitor, Mia, a five year old American Eskimo, who will be spending three or four days here. Buddy’s stay will be almost three weeks.