Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.
This month, Charlie goes on a field trip, and takes us all along for the ride in an of-the-moment account.
Yaaaawwwwnnnnn. What a lovely morning. I feel so peaceful and self-indulgent today (more so than usual even), that I think I’ll call into the office and take a personal day and just loll about in bed and sniff the new flowering potted plants that are a recent installation on my balcony.
Oh hello, what’s this? My mommy Joanne, is coming over to say hello… with a… grooming brush?
I thought it was time for some snuggles and maybe a long belly rub. The perfect addition to my already perfect plan for my day. But what’s with the brush? I always get groomed at night, never the morning. Unless. Oh no. This could only mean one thing.
NOOOOOO. No. No. NO. No. No vet visit. Not today. I’m not psychologically and mentally prepared for this. I need more time. I just need it to be any other day except today. Perhaps tomorrow, when I’m actually going to work. At least can it be raining?
My mommy seems to sense my resistance, and has a little smile on her face. Is she laughing at my distress? Humph. I am seriously. Put. Out.
Well, I knew it. After a quick breakfast we’re heading to the car for a ride. Ordinarily I’d be excited about this, but not today. You know, there should be some type of law against interrupting a dog’s personal day with a vet visit. Talk about the short end of the stick. Ugh.
Guess my life can’t be perfect. I’ll just sit here and put on my most woefully doggie expression I can muster. The one that melts hearts and wins me fans for life. It’s not working. She’s just smiling contentedly and patting my head. Yeah, sure, easy for you to be relaxed and content. It’s not you that’s about to be poked and prodded in the most undignified way.
But wait… This isn’t the way to the vet. We’re going in a different direction. But where? Is this some glorious surprise, or am I perhaps, *gasp* being given up for adoption to another family?! NOOOOOOO. I’ll take the vet visit. Take me to the vet! I’m ready! I’ll be a good dog, promise. I’ll never chew Jim’s slippers again. I’ll be a much better writer. Anything but abandonment!
Oh hello. This is not the pound. This is… a law office. And apparently we’re going inside.
Maybe I was overreacting, because it appears my mommy is just taking me on an errand. Well, it wouldn’t be the first time my neurotic disposition has gotten the upper hand of me. Wow, this is a nice lobby. I like it. And hello, what’s this? A new fan club? I guess so!
These people are very happy to see me. The last time I got this much attention, I drank out of the punch bowl at a housewarming party.
This must be my mommy’s office; she’s sitting down at this desk over here.
I get it now, I’m joining her at work today. Well, after my previous suppositions— the vet or the pound— I’ll take anything, and certainly this field trip for the day.
Even though this office isn’t nearly as exciting as the Insider (but frankly what is?) I’ll take it.
Time for a long nap by my mommy’s feet and some belly rubs from passersby.
Until next time,
