I’d just like to begin this post by stating, Dad, I never doubted your intentions for a moment, unlike another dog in this family who did! Dad’s epic quest began on Tuesday evening. I admit I was preoccupied watching Mom prepare my dinner, and I wasn’t really paying attention to Dad. I do vaguely recall him petting me on the head, and telling me I was in charge. However, I’m always in charge, so I thought nothing of his comment. Then Dad left, for what I assumed was to pick up takeout for dinner. A logical assumption, since it was after all dinner time. A few hours later though, I realized Dad had not yet returned.

I figured he must be driving really far for awesome takeout food. It’s the only obvious explanation as to why he was gone for so long. Asa, on the other paw, thought food had nothing to do with Dad’s absence. Would you believe he thought Dad had a suitcase with him, and went on a trip? HA! Like Dad would go on a trip without us! That Asa, he has such an active imagination. Although I do admit it was odd that he was picking up takeout on a Tuesday. He and Mom are usually creatures of habit and only do that on Friday.

When it was time for bed, I decided I would sleep with one eye open. After all, I didn’t want to miss Dad’s triumphant return with quite possibly the best food ever. Thoughts of what this delicious meal could be filled my head as I listened for the garage door to open. Ok, anticipation may have got the better of me, because I found myself barking at every little noise thinking it signaled Dad’s arrival. Eventually though I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning I awoke to a flurry of activity. After all it was the 7th anniversary of my Gotcha Day! I must have slept through Dad’s late night arrival. I’m sure he’d understand because I had a lot of celebrating to do, and I needed to be rested. Speaking of rested, I assumed Dad was sleeping in late when he didn’t come down for breakfast. No worries, I was focused on the delicious strawberries and blueberries added to my kibble. I hope that’s not what kept Dad away for so long? Surely he knows Mom can get these at the local grocery store down the street at any time I want them?

When it was time for Dad to start work, I trotted upstairs to wake him and realized his side of the bed had not been slept in! I started to get a nagging feeling that perhaps Asa was right. Maybe Dad didn’t go on a quest to pick up dinner? Could it be he really went on a trip without me? Nonsense! I can’t let Asa’s silly theory get in my head. I did though keep a close watch on Mom all day, because surely she must be wondering what’s taking Dad so long. Dad’s quest continued all Wednesday, and once again at bedtime he had not returned. I didn’t let this trouble me. I trusted Dad would never leave on a trip without us. Besides, Asa and I were invited upstairs to sleep in Mom’s bed! Wow, Dad must be picking up something really special, that they wanted to surprise me for my Gotcha Day. Asa was foolishly sticking to his “suitcase theory.” He has such a vivid imagination.

I awoke Thursday morning to find Dad still had not returned. Ok, this is getting serious. Where was this magical takeout restaurant that has Dad traveling night and day and night again to retrieve it? While I was pondering the possibilities, Mom announced she was leaving for an “appointment.” Appointment? Is that some code word that she’s meeting up with Dad someplace so they won’t have to share his epic takeout order with me? I’m a stress eater. But not finding anything to munch on, I decided to drink all the water in my bowl instead. Boy did I need to go out when Mom finally returned home hours later! But alas, still no Dad. More importantly, no signs that she met up with Dad to eat, because I watched as Mom searched the back of the fridge for leftovers for her dinner.

In the meantime, Asa’s story got even more elaborate. He claimed Dad must have gone on a “business trip.” Where does he come up with these crazy ideas? Everyone knows Dad works from home. Why would he possibly go on a business trip? Asa’s ignoring the biggest clue that Dad left at dinner time! However, as night approached I admit I was starting to believe there may be a hint of truth to Asa’s theory. Just when I was about to question him about that mysterious suitcase sighting, I heard what I’ve been waiting days for – the garage door opening! Dad was finally home! Yes, I concede Asa was correct and he did have a suitcase with him. However, more importantly Dad had treats for me from Polkadog Bakery in Boston! Take that Asa! Proof I was right all along! Dad did drive for days to pick up takeout, but not just any food. Dad’s epic quest was to get special treats for me!