Hotel Rodman

I have said before that Toby is a sensitive dog, and while it would make sense that perhaps I passed that less than flattering trait on to him, I believe that Toby’s personality is more a function of environment and past experience. On my recent business trip to New York Toby was forced to leave the nest, reluctantly spreading his wings and facing the massive world before him. Since long term boarding would be a major fiasco, I decided that Toby would benefit from staying at the ultimate dog spa and hotel…my mom’s home. My dad was reluctant, my mom sent Toby an email saying that grandma was ready and waiting.

Of course I received Toby updates from my mom, but also a few from my dad which I found surprising. While he continuously called Toby a “she”, there was a moderate amount of enthusiasm in his report that struck me as odd. Was it possible that my dad was starting to like Toby? I was confused, but as my trip went on so did the positive feedback. It started small, “she is doing pretty good”, and progressed into “your little dog is kind of cute”, and then shockingly “Toby greeted me at the door and then chased after me so I could play with him”…was that affection I was hearing in his voice?? Well not only had Toby miraculously turned back into a male, but if I was a gambler I would bet that my dad was starting to like her, HIM! I was stunned! If Toby could actually win over my dad maybe he could win over more people. Maybe, just maybe, my serial monogamist was ready to explore the possibilities of life with more than one love…oh the possibilities!