we got her ready tonight. we showered her, towelled her off, clipped her nails. then we played, we laughed, and we ate together for the last time before they come to take her away in the morning. we won't see her for about a month, three weeks at the shortest. but i admit, it's starting to smart a little, thinking about her being by herself and among strangers.

tomorrow morning they will come and then she will be gone, but family and friends have promised to check in on her every once in a while, and maybe take her out for the weekends if its permitted.

she's sleeping soundly now, completely unaware of what happens in the morning. How do you tell a one-and-half year-old that mommy and daddy will be away for a whole month? simple. u don't. cos no matter how smart dogs are, they can't bloody grasp the concept of long sentences that extend beyond tricks, treats, and toys.

come morning, we will pack in her stinky towel, put aside her favorite treats and then apply her frontline flea protection. The pet movers will be here at 9:30 and will keep her under lock and key in a kennel, with the daily walks and play-time thrown in, until we've found a place in cali. then we'll be reunited and all will be good again. sigh... i can't wait... this is more difficult than i thought it would be.