So we managed to get through yet another day. It was not too bad for a Thursday. But it’s almost nine o’clock and my bed is not ready. Sniff. I checked – it’s not there! Where is my blanket, you know the red Ralph Lauren, made in China? Did you wash it, mom?

I’ll need to call it a day soon. Dad’s already in the bathroom, but what is mom still doing? This gives me a slight suspicion that my wellbeing might be of a lesser priority…and we don’t want that. Our relationship is built on trust! Mom better bring my blanket now. Or is she still sour about the little incident today? She needs to let it go!

I’ve gotten into the habit of reflecting back on the day before I fall asleep. It’s useful. I can learn from my obvious mistakes. Like the one today when mom left for her meetings. I should’ve seen it coming. It will only take a while, dear. Right! I thought she was talking about mixing something delicious for me just because it’s Thursday. But the tone was not quite right. There was some quilt in it. And she spent too much time in the bathroom. At least 15 minutes, I sat behind the door. And then poff, she was out of the door. I should’ve been ready. You know I love car rides…the flapping of my ears in the wind. There’s nothing more enjoyable, almost. And I could’ve watched her car.

But mom just went. And she left the radio on, not the TV. I can’t stand classic rock, but love watching CNN. How could she forget, so into her work? Or she just didn’t care? Now, what was I supposed to do? Nothing to do, it was going to be so boooring. But then I discovered she had also forgotten to close her office door. Maybe she was getting mature? That would explain it.

I was about to jump onto her chair to see if she’d also forgotten to close the computer, when a faint scent reached my nose. Sniff, sniff – it was ham, positive! There it was, a piece of her ham sandwich from this morning in the little wastebasket under the office table. It was well wrapped in layers of soft paper so I had to work hard to get at it, but it was worth it! There were some other interesting things too, but nothing more eatable. I checked.

The rest of the afternoon I was pretty much occupied. Tried to clean up a bit in mom’s office, brought a few things into the kitchen close to the large garbage bin, the one with a lid. Thought she’d appreciate my effort. And then I probably also dozed off a little before she finally came home.

I got a treat and a belly rub. Lovely to have mom home! But then she walked into the kitchen. I heard a high-pitched what have you done here? She should see what I’d done, I’d been cleaning! No thanks for my effort – mom just walked right into her office. More noises. I can’t hear you now…I’m under the bed. I started feeling guilty, but should I? I didn’t leave the sandwich in the waste basket and I didn’t forget to close the door…something’s not right. Or fair? Eventually she’d realize that too…I know my mom.

And she did. Love concurs all. Peace. Back rubs, belly rubs, a good dinner, a nice walk, more treats and a nice film sitting in her lap. Can one ask for more on a day towards the end of the week? Oh, I was in my thoughts, thanks mom for the blanket…I knew she’d bring it! It smells good, here you go mom, a nose kiss for good night.

All paws, sleep tight, sideways on the bed is good! Love Bumble

(Adapted from Bumble’s book “Confessions of a Rescue Dog”)