The pack is together again! I'm home from the hospital. Bob has reported to me how Abbie has longed for my return, just lying by the door, or if sitting with Bob on the couch, always facing the door, waiting.
The dog's depression was so severe, and expected reaction to my return so great, that Bob wanted to film my joyful homecoming.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway, I got out quick and went around to the side of the house where Abbie couldn't see me out the window, and hid. Because this film was going to be an epic display of dog euphoria, and I didn't want to tip Abbie off to the surprise. And we don't have human children. Bob got in the house and got ready, and on his signal I walked in...and Abbie was like, oh, hey. You're back. Neat.
So that was a bust. Bob went back out to the car to get all my stuff (I needed to be unencumbered for the reunion), and the minute he walked out Abbie started emitting a high-pitched scream as he ran frantically from window to window, face pulled tight like a reptile.
The dog's mission and missive is clear: The pack must stay together. The pack consists of three people, of equal pack standing: Mom, Dad, and Abbie. The pack does not include kitties. The pack members must maintain physical contact at all times. Pack unity is of utmost priority.
I'm back. Pack unity restored.