THE LAST WEEK
So, Tag fit into our little caravan very easily. His genial nature and charm having won over the entire population of the actor housing complex in St. Louis, where we were staying, he was afforded a few chances chance to visit with friends next door and partied late in the evening with us. Don't worry, he got no canapes or scraps, though he did get a chance to show off some of his training in exchange for some Natural Balance treats and the oohs and ahs of everyone around. When it was time to finally pack up and hit the road for East Lansing, he seemed a bit confused as to all the zipping & unzipping, folding & stuffing, carting & packing - but once we were all in the car, it just seemed like another car ride for him, albeit in a strangely loaded car. But his bed made for a good seat, and he got used to the seatbelt we use for Butley quite handliy (it's a chest harness that attaches with a swivel clip that hangs from a lead that runs across the top of the inside of the car.). Safety first, dontyouknow...
And during the ride, he quickly learned all the signs of a road trip - acceleration sounds mean Hunker Down & Go to Sleep, long, sustained engine sounds mean Stay Asleep, deceleration sounds mean Get Up, Time to Pee. And his service dog status allowed him to personally thank the man who sold us coffee or the lady who made our sandwiches.
Getting into East Lansing, it was cold, cold, cold. Like peeing ice-cubes kind of cold. He had no problem waiting for us in the hotel room while we unloaded our things. And even though the first night we had a room right below the lobby, and whose ceiling efficiently transferred the sound of every footfall and suitcase rolling across the floor, his only noise was the occasional grumble, as if to say, "Ugh - those schmucks upstairs..."
Before bunking down that evening, however, he did join us on a visit to Woody's Oasis, a popular college late night eatery. And no, he didn't have any of our falafurger (falafel hamburger), but the floor did seem to smell pretty durn good to him. But after a few times of calling his attention back to us, he calmed down & sat beside the table. Everyone was very good about respecting his vest & letting him work.
The next day was much better. We moved into another room (they gave us a one-bedroom suite, because of our hassle the night before) at the end of the hall. And we went on a long walk around the perimeter of the golf course of the University Club, attached to the hotel where we're staying. There was still a bunch of snow on the ground, and he stretched his ever-growing back legs by leaping up & down the hills, tumbling haunches over head through the soft snow. We threw the ball for him, and he chased & retrieved it over and over until he even he seemed tuckered, if only momentarily. And then we all went for lunch at the University Club in their dining room. And again, he was a perfect gentleman, sleeping underneath my chair the whole time.
Over the week, he's had opportunities to go wandering along the frozen corn fields, checking for moles along the golf course, running errands at Target and at the grocery store. And he's been very good inside. We did have one potty accident at Target (even though he'd gone right before we went inside), and a couple dribbles while playing tug one morning, but beyond that he's doing good and better every day. We're also learning to not let him drink his fill all at once but to take a few swallows & then some more a few minutes later.
He even visited us in the exercise room in the hotel. It was all a little strange to him, and the treadmill was particularly confusing and daunting, as he saw Angie running and not going anywhere at the same time. But we didn't push it & he left the place on good terms. I don't think he'll be doing any mileage on the treadmill any time soon, but he was good about laying quietly during situps & pushups (!). His form on the incline chest press might need a little work, natch.
And of course, as they put many of us in the company on the same hall, he enjoys visits in other people's rooms, and I imagine they'll soon be clamoring for sleepovers. In the meanwhile, we play fetch in the hotel hallway - which is perfectly quiet for him, as he runs so quietly that his first nickname, "The Dauphin" (because of his 'French' heritage and princely posing of front paws) has now morphed into "The Doe-Faun."
This being his first weekend, the busiest part of our week & where we have both matinee and evening shows, I'm sure he's going to be all the more in need of some good exercise when we are home. I wish we could bring him to the theater, but at first we're just letting the company get used to him. And right now, I'm sharing a dressing room with all the ensemble men and the male band members, so there's the inevitable fur issue to respect for the wardrobe supervisor. Hopefully, at some point in the future, he'll be able to join us at work.
THE NAMING
As for the naming of the next protegé, that's quite an honor. Thanks! We'll start thinking about it. Looking forward to hearing the color & geneder particulars & seeing photos...
BUTLEY
As for Butley, it sounds like it's been quite a week. Too bad daycare didn't work out, but just having two playmates at home is two more than he normally has, and this experience will still be terrific for him. So he's not a playground regular. Whatev - no biggie. Angie and I had long ago forgone the notion, so it's certainly not like you've disappointed anyone. And yes, guaranteeing the safety of all parties involved is priority number one.
As for the food issues, if he's gonna have a big sister to show him the ropes, he couldn't have better siblings than Cadence & Roggen.
I also think we're all learning/adjusting to how best to accommodate the unusual circumstances of the swap and the relaying of experiences, recommendations, and training-by-e-mail & phone, so it's not surprising that it may take a little time to contextualize everything. But know this: even if we're all the way out in Toronto - we're still within driving range (especially if we meet somewhere in the middle), and if schedules and responsibilities simply become too much, WE CAN ALWAYS MAKE AN EARLY RE-SWAPPING. You guys have been incredibly generous, and we're glad to offer Tag the chance for this international adventure - it's very fun for us, and it's great to simply not have to worry about Butley while we're in Canada. But we're very practiced at the long distance overnight haul, and the last thing we want is for you to feel burdened with a commitment which just seems more than you can comfortably handle just now, especially to a couple of actors you only met a month & a half ago. So JUST KNOW - if it all gets too much, we can work it out...
In the meanwhile, it sounds like the more time Butley spends there with, the more you're also discovering the fun, clowning side to him. Sometimes, especially with his linebacker looks, his quiet moments can seem a bit aloof. But once he's home & happy, he's a big goofball. And when you get around to filming, I think you'll find he makes a great model for sunglasses, scarves, party hats, leis - whatever your best art director's eye can imagine. In fact, I don't know if you've seen this photo of him before or not, but it's a good example. It was taken for a calendar that the shelter we got him from put together.
Yes, his is a truly noble brow, and although sometimes his coloring may make him look like a canine commuter on the 12:18 from Long Island, suit, tie & spats included, have no fear. He always seems to respond to a good squeeze & a serious ear skritching.
SO
What I lack in regularity, I can hopefully make up for in volume. I'll try to be more frequent with postings, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. But it certainly doesn't mean we're not thinking about our boy or taking good care of yours. In fact, Tag asked me to let him end this posting, so here goes....:
hI MOma niKOl and POPpa eriK - thare being REeL gud to mE hear, and i kan RUN and rUN LOts an loTs. And dont Buleeve hiM - I haD two biG MaKs yestirday. YUM!!! Tod saId I coulD have BOOgeR kinG toomorrOw.. (Oh, yeah - WhaT was that I wAS suPPost tu Du wHEn he PPoints his finGr up? I shud chek my Nots...) Ennnyway... I'm haffING a GUD time, but I'LL bee glad t SEE yoU soon. doNt wirry bowt me. I'll haff all KInDs of storrees too tell You About! BIg LIcKs! - taGg
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