I've just finished writing three pages, single spaced, directive directions for what to do for Cricket when we are gone. When we had four kids at home, we regularly went away for week ends alone. With four of them and only two of us, we got away as
often as we could, even if it was only to Chicago, a subway ride away.When we did, we just said hi and good bye to the baby sitter, Margaret. We closed the door and left. Period. Now ,with Cricket, I have three pages of what she likes, how we baby her and
hold her and let her sleep on our bed and squish us to either outer side of the bed, while she has the pillow and the middle of the bed. There is more, but you get the idea. How did we get to this level. We have become over indulgent dog parents. When I am
cold, I put a sweater on Cricket. When I want a snack, I give Cricket the second bite. What has she done to deserve this treatment. For one thing ,she loves us unconditionally. Even when Bob accidentally doesn't see her in the middle of the night and walks
too near to her for her comfort. I don't understand how he hasn't stepped on her, but he hasn't. For another thing,she lets us cuddle her and the three of us like that. lShe looks at us adoringly and who can resist that. The biggest reason for being so happy
being a Cricket lover is that she gives us an excuse to go out of the house and walk the neighborhood. We never would have met such nice, interesting people if we sat indoors all day. Everyone needs a pet. But you can't have Cricket.