Eight days from today Lola the Pup and I bid farewell to Robyn. Then, for the third consecutive year, we’re off to our Winter quarters in the American Southwest. I take this annual extended journey solely for me. The destination is not nearly as important as the journey.
No one lives without regret; it’s a part of what makes us human. I can’t alter the past. However, I can still take charge of my future, as limited and uncertain as that future might be. So, because I can, I travel, less someday I regret not having traveled.
***
When I explained my position to Robyn before Lola and I made our inaugural journey her response was tepid and muted. It was obvious to me she would have preferred that I not travel. This discussion occurred after we had been dating exclusively for about a year.
Of course, today if I had my druthers, I’d bring Robyn with us. Each year I invite her. Every year, she declines.
When I invited her to join us this year, she predictably said she would visit us for one week, TBA, probably in February, just not the same week Bob and Linda arrive for their winter getaway. Once again, when I asked the reasons for her intransigence, she replied tersely, “I hate Tucson.” It’s the same thing she says to me every year, but I wasn’t buying it this time, pointing out she hasn’t spent enough time there to formulate such a hard opinion of the place.
Eventually, Robyn confided that extended travel takes her outside her comfort zone. She was non-committal when I inquired whether a different destination would make a difference. For me, her revelations were eye-openers, not merely about Tucson, but also concerning matters nearer home.
***
As for Lola, home is where you find it as long as we’re together. And for my part, I can’t imagine traveling for an extended period without her by my side.
One of the many pleasures of dogs is that, unlike people, there are no hidden agendas or deep-rooted secrets, most certainly not on the canine side of the equation. I do my utmost to hold up my end of the bargain, feeding, grooming, amusing Lola, and making and keeping her appointments with the veterinarian. And, on our upcoming trip, I’ll do all the driving. Her vigorous, thumping tail wag plainly states I have this good dog’s love and loyalty.
***
And I know I enjoy Robyn’s love and loyalty, too, but we’re too far along in life to expect the other to change his or her settled ways. Indeed, I am reminded how hard it can be to teach new tricks to a couple of older dogs like us. And, sadly, people are a lot more complicated than dogs.
