I have two beautiful, loving Bichon Frises (a breed of dog, in case you didn’t know) who are spoiled rotten. I freely admit, they have me very well-trained. Krystal is 13 1/2 years old and Casey is 8 1/2 years old. While Krystal is very smart, she is also neurotic and has panic attacks. Casey is my not-so-smart cuddler who still acts like a puppy. They have lived in a house all of their lives, and, since I am not a very good master, I have let them do whatever they want, whenever they want almost all of the time. Including barking. NOT very conducive to apartment living.

I got them from the kennel on February 5, and took them to their new home the next day. We left at around 7:30 PM, just around the time they usually turn in for the night. The car ride was pretty uneventful, thank the Good Lord. When we arrived at the apartment, I found a parking space and began gathering stuff. Casey was already yapping excitedly, as he loves going ANYwhere….even to the vet! What dog likes going to the vet?! But I digress. I got their leashes on, gathered up as much stuff as I could carry, and got out of the car. The leashes got tangled, but the pups were very good, not barking at all while we were trudging up towards my door. Actually, they were a little TOO quiet. I looked down, and there was Krystal and another leash with an empty collar hanging from it. And there was Casey, excitedly exploring the other side of the parking lot. I dropped everything and started chasing him, hollering for him, then yelling ‘TREAT’, knowing that would get him to follow, which he did. I knew my neighbors weren’t too worried about my dogs, just the crazy, loud lady in the parking lot!

The first night was rough. In my mind, I envisioned taking them out for a final pee, then turning in, with Casey in his crate and Krystal sighing contentedly and curling up next to me on the bed for the night. In reality, this is what happened.
Me: Ok, pups, it’s 11:30, time to go to bed.
Casey: smile, wag, wag, wag….
Krystal: In here?! Well…ok…if you insist. (I told you Krystal was smart…thus the conversation)

12:45 AM
Krystal: Ok, time to go home. Come on….
Me: Krystal, go night night.
Casey: zzzzzzzzz
Krystal: NOOOOOOO, this isn’t OUR bed! Get me out of here!
Me: Krystal, GO NIGHT NIGHT!!!
Casey: zzzzzzz

1:30 AM all is quiet finally…

2:15 AM
Krystal: OK, I’ve had enough. NOW can we go?????
Me: No, Krystal, we have to stay here!
Krystal: NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Casey: zzzzzzzzzz

And so it went the entire first night in our new home.

Today is Thursday, and the plan is to stay home all day with them so they will get used to the new place. Lots of walks, lots of exploring. Tomorrow begins the training process of me leaving them. I have it envisioned in my head just how it will go….

In the meantime, I’m giving Krystal doggie Xanax.