The Seven Magic Words

"Do you want to go to work?"

Those eyes that have been quietly watching me go through my morning routine suddenly get bright and hopeful. The ears perk up, the head cocks to one side.....

 Did she just say what I think she said?

I pause for a moment or two just to tease her a bit. Then -
"Okay, you can go!"

What follows is an absolute pandemonium of joy, tails wagging, dog bodies leaping about in glee. Anyone watching this would have to conclude that going to work must be the dog equivalent of going to Disneyworld.

She said yes! She said yes! We're going to work!! Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!!!!!!!!!!

Truly, I don't know why they get so excited. Once we get to work, they mostly just sleep, though they do enjoy playing with their 'work toys.' I guess they just enjoy going along for the ride, and being with me, instead of alone all day. That's the thing about dogs. What they want more than anything is just to be with you. I could probably ask "Do you want to go spend the day in a sewer?" and get a similarly ecstatic response. Oh yes, oh yes, we'd love to spend the day in a sewer!!!

I try to make sure I have almost everything done before letting them know it's a "go to work" day. Otherwise, they follow me around the house, alternately prancing around and jumping on each other, and staring at me....

"What in heaven's name is taking you so long? Can we go already?!" Lady in particular gets quite impatient, and if I take too long she'll start whining and complaining.

Going to work is a bit of a road trip, as my office is one hour east down the highway from my home. Lady naps, but Lucky looks out the window, nose working, soaking up all the passing smells. His favorite part of the journey is the field of cows a mile or so out from the base of Old Fort Mountain, must be the border collie in him. He stares intently, tail wagging, at all the black shapes in the field. Being in the right hand lane gives him a better view. I keep thinking that one of these days I'm going to pull off that exit and take him over to see them up close. When we arrive at work, they take a quick potty break in the bushes, then it's in the door, a quick greet of any nearby staff, and a beeline for my office and the wonderful work toys.

Aside from the initial 5-10 minutes of playtime, most of their day is spent snoozing beside my desk. I'm lucky to work for a company that is so dog friendly. I don't take them often, maybe once every few weeks, but it sure is nice to have the option. They get to go more often in the winter, when the temps are more comfortable for dog travel.

Lady and Lucky can tell time, and when it approaches 5 o'clock, they begin helpfully letting me know. Lucky will come over to the desk, nose me, and stand there staring at me, wagging his tail. I think it's almost time to go, have you checked the clock? I have to tell him "No Lucky, not yet, go lay back down." And he does, for 10 minutes or so, then he comes to tell me again. Lady will sit in the doorway to my office looking at me - Isn't it time to go? 

This is a bit of a hassle on days when I'm working till 6 or 7 pm. They wait as patiently as they can though, until finally it's time to close up shop and head home.

I have to say, that in true dog fashion, they are just as excited to hop back in the truck and head for home as they were to come to work in the first place. "Enthusiasm for everything" has got to be one of my favorite dog characteristics.

What a great day it's been!