While my son and daughter-in-law have been traipsing through castles in Germany, we've been lucky enough to hobnob with a princess this past week – Princess Josie, our grandpuppy.
Belle's had mixed emotions about it. She's always loved Josie, but has gotten used to being an "only" puppy since Max passed away. For her part, Josie is a little older and has always been an "only" puppy.
Plus, on visits in years past, when Max was still with us, he and Belle were outside dogs; Josie had the house to herself. That's just the way it was and everyone accepted it.
I'm sure Josie was surprised when Belle followed her into the house this time!
Still, as a princess, she has managed to maintain some perks that Belle doesn't get to enjoy. For instance, I gave up ages ago trying to keep Josie off of the couch. She is a persistent little poot.
But so cute! It's tough saying "no" to that face!
Belle is more obedient; it only took one "no" for her to realize the couch was off-limits. Of course, she was just grateful to be inside at all, and didn't want to jeopardize her new status!
I was worried that Belle would try it again when she saw Josie snuggled up there on the couch, but she's been content to lie on her bed in my office during the day or next to my bed at night, while Josie snoozes on the couch and Aunt Cathy's afghan.
Overall, they are both really, really good dogs. I was nervous about leaving them in the house all alone for hours and hours but apparently they both have iron bladders and just sleep when we're not here.
(Although it's obvious one – or both – have been sleeping on my bed when we're not here. But considering there were no messes and nothing destroyed, I choose to turn a blind eye.)
For the most part, the girls have enjoyed each other's company, especially these last few days of gorgeous weather… chasing squirrels, barking in harmony at the slightest noise, and graciously sharing the attention of all of us with nary a growl.
Well, very few growls.
But this was their last day together. Josie's parents are back from their European jaunt. Her dad picked her up this evening.
Josie and I were both happy to see him, but Belle and I will both miss Princess Josie.
"If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."
~Will Rogers
Long Hollow 
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