Mixed Feelings

Dear Gavin,

I was sitting with Gramma today when the phone rang. I will confess that I was listening to everything she said. Emmy tells me that this is a very rude habit and is commonly referred to as eavesdropping. All I know is that if she didn't want me to listen, then she should have gone to another room. Hey, I was right beside her!


I could hear your mom on the phone. She talks loud, you know. I couldn't hear what she said, but I knew it was her. Gramma got a sort of sad look on her face and she put her hand on me and patted me while she was listening. Then she said, "Well, I don't know. What if he is unhappy there?". Then she looked at Papa and told him that my boy wants his dog back. They were talking about me!! I was really excited to hear this and my tail started wagging. I thought this was a great idea.


Papa said, "No way!" I got worried. Why didn't Papa want me to go live with my boy? Then Gramma told your mom that Papa would be so sad without me. She said that I wait up for Papa every night and sleep right next to him. I do. I love Papa. Now I am confused and sad. If I go live at your house I will miss Papa! I will miss Gramma! I will miss Oscar and Emmy! I will get to be with you, though. Oscar says that this is a true dilemma.


Gramma talked to your mom and told her that I would go back to live with you, but that I would need a companion. I hope this is not a shot or some kind of medicine. Emmy explained that Gramma was talking about another dog or cat to keep me company and play with me. Your mom told Gramma that if she got another dog that she might as well leave me here and just get you another dog. I don't know how I feel about that. Does this mean you won't be my boy anymore?


I remember that I told you I would be upset if you got another dog. I think I have had time to reconsider this notion. I will always be your very first dog. Gramma tells me that a boy's first pet always holds a special place in his heart. She also told me that when you get a new dog I will have a new friend! I will get to teach your new dog all the things he or she should know when you come to see me.



I will still write letters to you and wait patiently for you to come see me. I admit that I am a little sad that I am not moving back to Minnesota to be with you....... well I was until I remembered that you live upstairs in an apartment and that I would have to have a leash on every time I needed to go out. I really like being able to just run to the back door and go out in my own yard. Makes life simple, you know. Oscar tells me that I will have mixed feelings until I see you and know that you are happy with a new dog. He told me that although he wasn't exactly thrilled when he learned that I would be living here, he has grown used to me and would be sad to see me go. Really, I think he would miss me a lot!



I must go now. I hear Papa's key in the door and I must run to greet him. Papa says that I am the best present anyone ever gave him! Now he is talking in riddles like Gramma! I will be waiting to hear about your new dog, my boy.


Your #1 dog, Wall-E