The Three of Us

My mom is so cool.  How do I know?  Because I just know.

Tanya takes us to Shubie Park where we get to walk off-leash and meet other dogs.  On hot summer days, we get cooled off by going into the lake. She throws a ball just a few feet in and Sambuca and I try to get it.  It’s the Best Day Ever.

Sometimes, Tanya takes us to the Ocean where we also get to be off leash and have the beach mostly to ourselves.  She throws a ball or a frisbee for us to fetch.  When we go there, it’s the Best BEST DAY EVER.

And on the way home from these trips, we go through Tim’s drive through.  Other cars are there too and they are all lined up.  People talk into this huge thing and, as my mom says, are placing their orders.  It’s usually an iced coffee and apple fritter for her and two plain Timbits for us.

OMG. I love Timbits. When we get home, we all have our own treats.  However, as Tanya wolfs down hers, Sambuca and I only get to enjoy half a treat each. Like c’mon lady. Let us have it all in one gulp.

But no. This woman likes to spread the wealth as she calls it, and we get ours in tiny pieces.  Maybe that’s why it has bits in the name?

Regardless, Tanya is a pretty awesome mom.

One day, as she was getting ready to leave for work, she announced, “Appy, I’m taking you into the office!”

I’m like great! What’s an office?

“I’m going to bring your bed and a few of your favourite toys.” She says and start putting things in a bag.

Oh God, please no. Are we going to see that terrible mean lady, Dr. Jane????

If we are, I’m not going. No. No. No!

Tanya gives kisses to Sambuca who is on the sectional, “You get to stay home and enjoy some alone time.”

Oh oh. This is sounding worse by the minute.

She gathers our bags and walks to the front door.

“C’mon Appy! Let’s go.” She shouts.

No thank you, momma.  Me stay with Sambuca.

I stay in the living room. I hear a thud. She’s walking toward me with my leash. Gulp. No choice in the matter?

“Appy, I am the boss. Today is going to be fun for you.  You will meet some of the people I work with.”

Fun? Hmmmm. I know that word. Maybe she’s not taking me to Dr. Jane afterall.

We get all settled in the car. “We’ll be there in 30 minutes, App.” And Tanya turns on the radio.

Sounds good to me. I settle in behind her in the backseat and have my paws resting on the arm rest, looking out the window. We are on the highway and cars are going past us and we pass some cars too. I don’t see any dogs in the cars though.

We finally arrive and she parks the car.  I look through the window and see a very tall building. 

She unloads the car and we go inside.

WOW! This is different.  She pushes a button and ding. Doors open.

“Let’s go!”

I slam on the brakes. Ummm what’s this?

“Appy, it’s okay. We are going into an elevator.” Tanya explains and tries to pull me inside.

Parking brakes are still on.  I sniff in front of this contraption.  Me not sure, momma.

I suddenly get picked up in her arms and she steps inside.  “Good God you are heavy!” she says, struggling to push another button.

“Up we go Appy!

Eeeeek.

“It’s okay my little love. You are safe. You are always safe with me” She whispers in my ear.  “We are going to where I work, remember?”

Sure, okay lady but there was no mention of having to go inside this weird thing.

The doors suddenly reopen and she puts me to the ground.  We turn right, and walk down a hallway.  I see a few closed doors and then Tanya stops in front of big glass doors. “We’re here!”

I look up and see V-I-D-R-O-O-T-E-R.  She moves her rope necklace close to the door.  Beep.  A red light turns green and Tanya pulls open the door.

“Follow mom to my workstation.” She encourages.  “No one is here this early Appy.”

I am intrigued. Lots of different smells here.  It’s hard to singulate. It is not like the smells at Shubie Park or the beach.  It’s indoor smells and boy, this carpet could use a vacuum.

“Okay, let me get situated.”  She says.  “Stay here, Appy.”

I’m like, okay. I’ll listen. For now.

She comes back with a chair.  “This will be for you.” And puts my dog bed on it.  She leaves again and returns with a bowl filled with water. 

My mom is the best. Always thinking of me.  Tanya picks me up and puts me in my dog bed.  Here, I brought you, Sheepy.  Ah thanks momma, my favourite toy.

I watch as she unpacks her bag.  She plugs in some wires and screens come to life.  Mom starts moving her fingers, just like at home.

I watch. I kind of like sitting higher up instead of on the floor.

Tanya reaches over to pat me.  “You good there Appy?”

I look up at her. Yes momma, me good.  This is lovely to be so close to you.  Now I know what you do for a living. You are a clicker and typer.

Some time goes by and then all of a sudden those glass doors open.  I immediately sit up on my chair and bark. Whose there? Show yourself.

“Appy, Appy, it’s okay.” Tanya says. “Stay in your chair, little miss.”

“Good morning, Tanya and who is this little cutie pie.” A soft voice asks.

It’s a young woman with long blonde hair and green eyes. “Well good morning to you.  Can I say hi to her Tanya?”

OMG I think I’m in love.  And she smells so good, like sweet roses.

“Of course, Sophie! This is Appy.  Appy meet Sophie.”

She bends over me and, with both hands, rubs my ears.  “Oh you are so adorable!!”

So are you.  Do you come here often?

“That’s so great that you brought her to work.  People are going to love her.” Sophie exclaims.

“We won’t be here all day maybe just until lunch and then I’ll work from home.”

What? Are there more Sophie’s here?  Mom, I’m okay to stay all day if there are.

Glass door opens again and then there is another voice, “Morning! Who else is in so early?”

A young man dressed in jeans and a shirt wearing a baseball cap walks towards us.  I start to bark. Who are you!? Who are you?!

“Appy, it’s okay. This is John. He works with Sophie and I.” Tanya’s voice reassures.

However, I’m not sure.  I jump off the chair and sniff him.

“Appy, no. Get back up here.” Tanya scolds me.

I sniff this dude. Man, when was the last time you washed these jeans?

I get picked up again and placed in my bed.  “Sorry about that.”

John starts to walk away.  “Just make sure the dog isn’t wandering alone in the office bothering people.”

Sophie turns to Tanya, “Guess he’s not a dog person” and they both roll their eyes.

“Not everyone is.” Tanya states.

Sophie leans into to me again and hugs me. “Don’t worry Appy, I am and lots of other people too in the office.”

Her perfume is so lovely.  I give her a few kisses on her face.

“Awe, Appy is so sweet!” she exclaims. “I may just have to take you home with me.”

Yes. Yes. Please do.  I’m sure Tanya won’t mind.

The morning went by quickly as more and more walked through the glass doors.  I would bark a few times.  Afterall, I am Super Pup and The Protector of Tanya Maier.  No one gets to her without getting through me first. 

I got lots of pats and treats from various people.

Tanya and I rode down the elevator. That was once again a different experience.  This time she wasn’t carrying me.  I hesitated getting out but Tanya encouraged me.  “Good girl, Appy.  Don’t worry, elevators are safe as long as you stick close to me, okay?”

Okay Tanya. I get it.

We went for a little walk around the building so I can have some time to sniff around and do my business.  Lots of cars coming and going, and people too.

We went back to inside.  More time passed.  I didn’t really get a chance to nap much as there was a lot of noise at the office.  People coming over to talk to Tanya.  Sometimes Tanya would leave for one or two minutes.  She told me not to move, that she would be right back.  I sat up in Super Pup mode and would patiently wait.

She always returned and gave me a kiss on the head.  “All good. I’m back. I think we will leave now Appy, and I will work from home.”

Sounds good to me. Yawn.

Tanya packs our bags.  We say goodbye and leave for to the car.

“Was that fun Appy?” Tanya asks, looking at me from the driver seat.

Yawn. Yes mom. Can we come back again so I can see Sophie?

“You were a good girl.  Maybe I’ll bring you back. Sophie sure adored you.”

My eye lids feel heavy as I hear the engine start, and the car starts moving. 

I am exhausted and get comfy in my bed in the backseat.

Tanya was right afterall. It was a fun day at the office.