Oh, Joy, Oh, Joy

They really did take me with them on this trip.  I couldn't believe it.  On Sunday morning, they put all the stuff in the car including my bed.  I started to shake and cry.  They couldn't take my bed, too.  (Although, I guess when I stay with Mrs. Jan, I don't take my bed with me.  But it seemed like the thing to complain about.)

But they opened the door for me and we all started out together.  I knew we weren't going to Mrs. Jan's, because they turned left toward my Elementary School instead of right where Mrs. Jan lives.  So maybe we were going to my school?  But no, we went right by the turn off and kept going and going and going.

I should have known this was going to be a long trip, because Mom put a couple of pillows in my back seat.  She knows how I hate to go on a long trip without my pillows.  So I relaxed.  Yes, I was going with them.  All is good.

We stopped a couple of times so someone could visit the bathrooms.  I didn't really have to go, but I pretended to so they wouldn't feel bad about stopping.  And finally, we arrived at a place I've never been to.

I scouted the area.  It had floors without carpets, like we do at home.  But, uh, oh.  There were steps to the rooms upstairs and they didn't have carpet on them.  I was used to steps with carpet on them in Clayton.  But I geared up my courage and marched up.  Only to belly flop in the middle of the first stairs.  I hightailed it back down the stairs.  I'm not putting myself in danger where I don't have to.  I'll just stay down here till they come down.  

But they weren't coming down and I was getting bored.  Then Mom came down and said she would help me.  What did that mean?  She went to the kitchen and came back with, what?  Liver treats!  I haven't seen liver treats in years.  I love liver treats.  But what is she going to do with them to help me up the stairs?

Oh, I see.  She put a liver treat on the landing of the first set of stairs.  I guess, for a liver treat, I could try to get up.  And I did.  Then, of course, she put another one at the top of the stairs.  Alright, I'll go for it.  And I made it up.  Were we going to have to do this every time?

Apparently not.  I heard her talking to Dad about my predicament.  Her solution?  Take me to get my nails clipped.  Really?  How is that going to help?  Not my idea of a good solution.  

But she got on the phone and I heard her talk to PetSmart grooming.  Darn, they had my records and everything was go.  So off we went to PetSmart and the grooming department.  I guess it wasn't so bad.  I really liked the tall blond girl who did my nails.  I gave her a kiss when we left.  

And back we went to the new condo.  I really didn't see how this was going to work.  Mom tried again with the liver treats.  I'm sorry, but I'm a real sucker for liver treats.  So I went up the steps after the treat.  Only this time.  It wasn't hard.  I could run up the stairs without slipping.  After that, I could go up and down the stairs with no problem.  Unfortunately, I didn't see any liver treats for quite awhile after I figured that out.  I'm my own worst enemy.

I didn't tell you, but the place where we are staying is called the Coronado.  It's not a famous Coronado according to my Mom.  It's high on a hill in a place called Aliso Viejo.  I'll tell you about this HILL in my next blog.

In any case.  I'm just totally relieved that they took me with them on this trip.  I will be the best pup I can be just to show them how much I appreciate them taking me.

Hope you get to travel with your family.

Love, G