I’m a grandmother.
For those of you who know me, don’t be too surprised. My grandchild is Mia, a dog.
My daughter Kate got a puppy over the summer and when she went to Seattle for a conference, I got to take care of the dog for a week.
What a love, but what a challenge. We have a cat, pretty much an independent creature -- food, love and a clean litter box is all she needs. Now I know why my husband and I decided to wait until retirement to get a dog. Those 6 a.m. walks were torture (if I haven’t brought it up before, I am not a morning person. I found myself actually enjoying the walks, although hating the hour). Home for lunch and another walk. One more long walk after work and another before bed. Boy, did I sleep soundly at night.
I miss her now. The other day we went to Maryland to visit. To be honest, I was just as excited to see the puppy and how she’s grown up as to see my daughter -- Kate doesn’t greet me with puppy dog kisses or curl up in my lap and fall asleep.