Paws for packing

My dog Homer knows that something is up because he sees the suitcase being prepared. He has been agitated these last few days because of some females in heat in the neighborhood, and the sensation at home that something is amiss is adding to his turmoil. I wish I didn’t have to be away so long. I also hope I won’t have a problem with his jumping on me during my first days back. He is tall enough to reach my face with his paws when he leaps up, and his nails scratch without his being aware of it, although he is a big, gentle gangly guy.