From Barking to Bliss: A Monday in Motion

We woke up around 5 yesterday and from the jump, I couldn’t focus. My chest and brain were racing like I was late for something… except I wasn’t. I joined an AA meeting at 8:30 just to ground myself a little, and left around 9 to pick up our weekly rental car. The appointment wasn’t until 12:30, but I knew I couldn’t just sit in the apartment all morning spinning in circles. I needed to move. I needed out.

So Nicky and I headed to Avis, where we’re basically regulars. I always rent from 9 to 5 but return the car on my own time. We’ve got that unspoken understanding now. The crew there is always so warm and welcoming—they love when Nicky trots in like she owns the place.

From there we made a quick trip to Ocean State Job Lot to grab some decaf (because I forgot it at the store the other day and full caffeine was not the vibe I needed). Nicky was great in the store as always, until we turned a corner and spotted another dog. She barked, which happens—especially when you’re a little city dog in a big new space. I redirected her down another aisle and we carried on peacefully.

But then.

Then.

The other dog’s owner approached us at the registers to “introduce” the dogs. Yes—approached my dog in a service vest, with her dog. Nicky completely lost it, and understandably so. Both dogs are barking, the registers are chaos, and the employees all come rushing over. Because Nicky’s vested and clearly working, they sided with us and escorted the other woman and her dog out of the store.

Let’s just say I was infuriated, but I stayed calm. I didn’t make a scene. I was proud of myself for that. Recovery shows up in moments like this.

After that, we needed to decompress, so we drove to the Quinnipiac Trail in Wallingford. It was quiet, peaceful, and perfect. Nicky doesn’t get a lot of nature living in downtown New Haven—mostly sidewalks and a tiny dog park. So this was a big, exciting sensory experience. She sniffed every tree. Every rock. Every inch of trail. We had about two hours before our appointment and it was the perfect way to spend them.

Dr. Sammi’s office was next, and of course Nicky was the star of the show as always. Mrs. Rene insists I can’t come to appointments without her, and it’s easy to see why. She got 15 straight minutes of love and attention while I was in with the doctor.

We dropped the car back at Avis (shout out to Olive Street—you guys are the best), then came home. It was still early, so we laid down for a bit. Ate. Then—miraculously—we had enough energy left for the dog park. Nicky played with five or six other dogs like she hadn’t just had a full day of errands and adventures.

And the most magical part of the whole day?

She walked into the apartment, didn’t even look at her toys, didn’t do a single zoomie… just walked straight into her crate and passed out.

Now its my turn.

Zero notes. 10/10. Best girl.

With Love,

Dana & Nicky.