sam was inconsolable after Little Cub and i packed our swag bag and went off to meet foreign family. despite both Great Leader and Leader's Friend staying at home to look after him, his reaction to our departure led to our neighbour asking if he'd been left alone at home that night. oops.
after a week of long walks, big meals and friendly training, however, both dog and dudes seemed to be having a much better time. there were only a few scattered whimpers now and then -- mostly from the dog, although when he pulled the Great Leader over to escape from a very scary loose dog, there may have been some manly whimpers on account of a sprained ankle as well.
yesterday, Little Cub and i returned. knowing sam's strength i left her, Great Leader and the luggage outside and entered alone. to say i got a warm welcome wouldn't cover it. i was licked, pounced at, clawed at, and surrounded by a leaping, running, ecstatic dog, who was so wild he wouldn't even run in and out into the garden like he usually does when we return from shorter absences.
this was nothing compared with how he wanted to welcome Little Cub, but we thought she wouldn't like it so let him calm down a bit before they got to meet. sam went to sleep a very happy dog that night, lying guard outside her bedroom.
