Roland in the house — my house

I've written on occasion about Roland.

Well, the pooch himself is spending the weekend with Kate and me while Maria Burnham, Roland's human and my editor, goes off gallivanting.

That is the first time I've ever written a sentence with the word "gallivanting" in it.

Kate and Roland trotted around the apartment for a while and then things settled down to normal.

For Kate, that is.


Roland eventually found a spot underneath the table where he remained while I finished my coffee and online news reading. Sorry, newspaper industry. I guess I am part of the problem.


Thing is, I couldn't move my legs, but the priority is to make the guest happy, right?

Roland did keep an eye on me (the eyes!) as I moved around the place, even coming upstairs with me for a bit.

But, for right now, until he gets used to the new environs, I guess under the table is as good a spot as any.


It's close to the water; it's got a view of the patio. What could be bad?

UPDATE: I was upstairs getting ready for work and I heard barking. From inside my apartment. Not something that usually occurs. I went downstairs and Roland was growling at the complex's handyman who had come by unannounced. Good boy, Roland.

Welcome, or not?

Is your dog automatically welcome at your friends' and acquaintances' homes? Do you wait for an invite, or do you just bring Fido along?

A New York Times article takes a look at the sometimes thorny problem of what to do with the pooch when you have to go to a party or visit for extended periods of time.

I only bring Kate when the invitation has been offered. I don't fish around for it either.

When I was living in Shekomeko, I would be invited to dinners where I was told to bring Kate with me. Most if not all of the people were dog owners or dog lovers.

However, I stopped letting her come along after one dinner party where one of the guests insisted on feeding Kate from her plate. I asked her not to — after all, I was the one who would have to deal with the stomach problems, or worse. She refused, so I never brought Kate to another large party again.

Don't worry: Kate's social calendar is just fine.