Home to Stay

/ Ann Coleman

I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty smart dog, so it’s hard for me to admit that I’ve been fooled.  And to make it even worse, I’ve been fooled by the people I love most in this world:  my mom and dad!

I know how lucky I was to be adopted into a human family.  I spent time in two shelters, and I can tell you that no matter how well a shelter is run, living alone in a cage is VERY hard on us dogs.  (And the situation is even worse now, because most shelters are both full and short-staffed.)  So on the whole, I count myself lucky.

But like most dogs, I believe that my parents’ number one priority is taking care of me.  I want them to stay home, all the time, with me.  Dogs are social creatures, and we like having our loved ones around us.  Always.  So you can imagine my dismay when I realized that Mom and Dad think nothing of leaving me at home alone, sometimes for hours, and sometimes even for days when they go off somewhere they call “vacation.”  (Sure, they hire a dog sitter to come over a few times a day, but the rest of the time, they’re off having fun on a beach and yours truly is sitting at home alone.)

And I’ve made my feelings known.  I give Dad my best sad face when he leaves in the morning, but he just pats me and says, “I’ve got to go to work now, Finn.”  Mom does the same thing when she leaves to go to the shelter, or the grocery store, or any of the other places she finds it necessary to waltz off to without me.   I can whine all I want, or do my best to slip out the door with them, but it always ends the same way:  they leave me.

But here’s the worst part:  I’ve discovered my parents weren’t being honest when they said they had to leave sometimes.  These days, people can work from home, and have everything they need, including groceries, delivered directly to their house.  They can use the internet for all their entertainment, and even “go to church” while sitting at home in their underwear, staring at the screen.  They don’t need to leave the house to see their family and friends, because they can use “FaceTime” on their phones.  The truth is, there is absolutely no reason, with the possible exception of an occasional emergency, for my parents to ever set foot off their property again.

Now all I have to do is figure out a way to teach my parents about this basic truth.  I know they’ll resist giving up their vacations, but seriously, every day spent with me is just like a vacation, right?  And they do love holding their grandchildren, particularly the baby, but I’m not against having the little ones come to our house.  I rather like them, honestly, and not just because they leave trails of food in their wake that I can snarf up.

It won’t be easy to convince my parents never to leave home again, but I bet I’ll be successful.  Because when you come right down to it, I really am a pretty smart dog!

Love,  Finn

84 thoughts on “Home to Stay”

  2. I loved reading this!!!Finn is a very intelligent animal! We do need to get out of the house, but our dogs do not see it that way. There is always the ‘sad face’ when we leave. The world has changed so much in these past few years. When we were children, even a snow day at home could turn the world upside down. How would we get milk or bread? True story: when I was a little girl, my father skied to town to get groceries in one very bad snowstorm. People rarely stayed at home for even a day, unless they were sick and could not go out.

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    • I can relate! We rarely let weather or anything else keep us home when we were young. Good for your dad for using skis to get supplies for his family! Although I do like the convenience of our modern times, I worry about the loss of human interaction. I think that’s one of the reasons we’re seeing more rudeness these days…people living in relative isolation forget their “people skills” after a while. So although Finn would love it if we stayed home all the time, we’ll continue to go out and engage with the real world!

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  3. Dear Finn,

    You’re handsome and you got smarts for days. You also seem very compassionate so take it easy on Mom and Dad. They’re doing the best they can and they know just how lucky they are to have you. I’ll toast my bacon to you this weekend.

    Signed,

    Your human friend Marco

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    • Thank you so much, Marco! Your compliments are very much appreciated. And don’t worry, I won’t be too hard on Mom and Dad. I know they’re set in their ways, and will likely resist staying home all the time. But I think I can nudge them gently along, you know?
      Love, Finn

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  5. Ah, dear Finn, I completely understand your desire to have your parents home as much as possible, and spare them from having to interact in a cold and sometimes cruel world. You are a saint among dogs (though not the Saint Bernard kind). People are sometimes illogical, as you’ve undoubtedly discerned. Try acting a bit aloof; make them think you have a rich, enticing life when they are absent. Perhaps engage in some new hobbies—completing jigsaw puzzles, moving the furniture around, kibble art…. They may be so intrigued by mysterious Finn that they give up all outside pursuits. Be careful what you wish for, though, you may find that they become tiresome and you long for a bit of solitude.

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    • Oh, thank you for those idea, Ms. Donna! I bet they would stay home more if I started rearranging the furniture when they left, and maybe helped myself to the food in the cupboards and the fridge. Although, you’re right, maybe I would get just a teeny bit tired of them if they were around 24/7. But I would like them to be at home a bit more than they are….I guess this is the time for a compromise?
      Love, Finn

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  6. Perhaps Finn you simply need a nice furry friend to hang out with? I’d suggest pushing your mom and dad toward bringing a new someone home from the shelter, but make sure your new friend gets their own bed so you don’t have to share.

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    • Yeah, before I came to live with them, they had two dogs, Sandy and Lucy. I’ve been an “only dog” for about three years now, and I think having a brother or sister would be nice! You’re right about me not wanting to share my bed. And I’m not sharing my supper dish, either…that’s MINE! Love, Finn

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  7. lol I think many pets and kids are struggling with sharing their parents TLC now that lockdowns have lifted … many are planning such devious plots as you Finn. Good luck with that, us humans tend to do what we wish … so best suck it up.

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  8. Hey Finn,
    I totally hear you! But worse, my mum and dad took off on vacation for three months and ended up staying away for TEN!!! Good thing I had my young master at home who kept me company. Honestly, humans have it good these days, they have so many choices don’t they. So long as they always remember their priorities, us!
    Love, Harry 🐶

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    • Oh, wow, Harry: ten months? That is a long time! But at least you weren’t alone, you had your “human brother” with you. I’m sure that made is so much better. And I agree, we need to make sure our parents always keep in mind that we are their number one priority! Thanks for your comment, Harry! Love, Finn

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  9. Dear Finn,
    My owners try to take me to the dog park at least once a week and it is so much fun! I think there is a pattern though. After the dog park they are sometimes gone when I wake up. I figured out that when I take a 4 hour nap (I really do get tired after an hour of running) that that’s when they go shopping. I don’t really miss them much since I’m asleep! The pest part is that they bring me treats when they return. Some of those are so tasty that I try to get them to leave so that I can get more of them! They went away for 2 weeks and I got to go to Mackie and Gomer’s house to stay. That was a lot of fun too! I can’t wait for them to go on vacation again!!
    Your friend,
    Mochi

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    • That’s a great deal, Mochi! I wouldn’t miss my parents so much if I slept the whole time they were gone. And I have heard my mom and dad talking about maybe sending me to my uncle and aunt’s house when they leave town, rather than hiring a dog sitter. Then I’d get to play with my doggie cousin and also be around people a lot more. So far, it’s just talk, but I hope it happens. (If, of course, they have to leave at all. And I’m still not convinced they do! ) Love, Finn

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  10. Ahhh Finn. Sometimes you just gotta let your hoomins off their leash, so they can do what they have to do. They will come back and you will get lots more hugs and pats. Just be patient and let them get away with a fib once in a while. Best wishes, Benji. 🐕

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    • I’m trying, Benji, I really am! But it is so hard…I really prefer it when they’re home with me. I suppose we’ll come up with a compromise sooner or later, though. Maybe they stay home a bit more, and I whine a bit less? We’ll see about that! Love, Finn

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  13. Finn, you are absolutely right! There really is no need for them to leave you. All of your arguments sound totally valid to me. Now see, my problem is that my 2 cats think that we don’t leave the house enough!! They want us to find new reasons to go out and let them have the house to themselves. Do you think you could talk to them and get them to see your point of view? 🙂

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    • I’ll sure try, Ms. Nancy! But the problem we might run into is that cats, unlike dogs, actually like to be alone. We dogs know that “together is always better!” But if you give me their contact information, I’ll do my best to get your cats to see reason. Love, Finn

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  14. Oh dear Finn, I can totally understand your reasoning about your parents not needing to leave the house. On the other hand, just think of all of the uninterrupted nap time you have when they are out of the house!

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    • Well, yes, I hadn’t thought of that! I do take my sleep very seriously. And sometimes my parents just don’t understand how valuable my naps are. Once I even heard them use the word “lazy” as I was dozing off….but I’m sure they weren’t talking about me. Were they????? Love, Finn

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    • Thank you, Mr. Neil. They don’t want to change, that’s for sure! Just the other night they went out to dinner (without me) after being gone most of the day. And I know for a fact that the restaurant they went to delivers….. But never fear, I’m nothing if not persistent. I’m confident that I’ll wear them down someday! Love, Finn

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    • That’s true, Ms. Paula. Not all of my other plans have worked out yet. (They still make me go outside for a potty break late at night, no matter how hard I’ve tried to break them of that habit.) It’s a good thing I’m so determined! (Mom uses the term stubborn, but I prefer determined.) I’ll let you know how it works out. But I guess if I fail, I’d better try that “go with the flow” thing….

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  19. Oh Finn, you see the world clearly and know how to light up a room/blog post. No doubt eventually your parents will understand that “every day spent with me is just like a vacation, right?” With your charm, unless they are knuckleheads, how could they not?

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  20. Poor Finn. I think he’s looking for allies to convince his humans that staying home all the time is the best idea ever. I laughed at: ” I’m not against having the little ones come to our house. I rather like them, honestly, and not just because they leave trails of food in their wake that I can snarf up.” Ha ha. Good luck, Finn.

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  21. I love how you capture Finn’s point of view so well, Ann. It’s hilarious and touching, all at the same time. Poor Finn! Poor parents!! Luckily, when you come home – all is forgiven. 🙂

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    • Thanks, Judy! It’s fun to write from his point of view now and then. I hope I’m getting it right. He has such a strong personality that I really feel as if I know what he’d say if he was able!

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  23. Here, here, Finn — I Monkey am right there with ya! I can’t help wondering how come my mama got a dog in the first place if she didn’t intend to spend 24/7/365 with me!! Gee, you’d think a warm puppy would trump a dumb ole job or silly errands any day, wouldn’t you? So you’ve got my vote — if you figure out how to keep these parents of ours home ALL the time, let me in on the secret.

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    • I sure will, Monkey! And I wonder the same thing: why did my parents adopt me if they didn’t want to spend every single second together? Because that’s how it’s supposed to be, right? Maybe only us dogs understand that…… Love, Finn

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  25. Dear Finn,
    I agree with you and think you should not be left alone at the house. I don’t mind of few hours of alone time at home and being left alone. However, not seeing my family for days during their vacation is too much, even for a grown cat. As someone who ruined a couch while my family was on their last vacation this summer, I am sure I taught my mom a lesson for the future not to leave me alone in the house for too long. Always good to hear from you, Finn.
    Meow , Fiber

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    • I bet they did learn their lesson, Fiber! I may have to try that. When my parents leave, they make me stay in the back part of the house and I only have access to the kitchen, family room, hallway and bathroom. But there is a nice leather couch in that family room……..Love, Finn

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  26. Oh, Finn,
    I’m with you entirely on this one. I might only be a cat, but I can empathise. People say that cats don’t mind being left alone. Well, I’m not one of those felines. I’m used to my Mum being with me a lot, so when she does go out and leave me, I really miss her. She usually tricks me by putting my food and litter tray in the living room and then giving me my favourite treats before dashing out of the door. Off she goes without a care in the world and with little regard for my emotional health. I don’t know; you just can’t get the staff these days.
    Love Peanut x 🥜🐈

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    • Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that your mom leaves you too, Peanut! I know exactly how that feels, and it’s not good. Maybe you could give her some hints, like leaving an advertisement for a cat carrier around where she can see it? That way, if she does insist on going out, at least she could take you with her! Hope this works! Love, Finn

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  27. I read this to our daughter’s dog who we “dog-sit” whenever needed. Adler agreed one hundred percent with Finn. I explained retirement to her so she knows we really don’t have many excuses to say, “You be a good girl. We’ll be back!”

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    • Ha! My husband is getting close to retirement, so that’s going to make it even harder for Finn to believe we actually have to leave the house too. Poor Finn and Adler…all they want is their people with them, 100% of the time. From their point of view, it isn’t too much to ask at all, I guess. Thanks for the comment!

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  31. Poor Finn, you should stay home with Finn then you can be happy together, there is no need to work you just need to spend some time together this would make everyone happy. There would the be no need for any more sad time. Written for a human, by friendly dog pal.

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  34. Isn’t it amazing how we can hear every thought they have?? My doggie is so expressive and I know exactly what he is thinking. I am getting ready to go out now and he already feels that energy…and he already has an attitude!!
    Sending all good thoughts of love and light to you, Ann. Hope you have a wonderful week!

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    • That’s a great idea, Ms. Kathy! My mom says if I want to join them, I need to learn to ride in the car calmly and properly, whatever that means. I think I’m just fine in the car. I pant, circle around, put my paw (repeatedly and firmly) on Mom’s arm while she’s steering, and twice I’ve managed to move the gear shift while we’re going down the street. Pretty good, huh? Not sure what Mom’s worried about….. Love, Finn

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  36. Oh, Finn. You have a terrific way with words. My advice, is big you parents a bit more tightly, even on those days where they are home more often. It’s always good to read your perspective. A dog’s world can be a great thing.

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