the jig is up

Baxter was his usual helper self yesterday, the day of his homecoming. Squirrels danced in the trees while we took last minute pictures of things I had made the night before. Another fine day according to the Book of Kielbasa, til the little boy caught sight of me packing my clothes and car for today's journey.

Oh FUDGE, his face proclaimed, channeling his best Ralphie face. I gave all that help just so you could LEAVE me?

oh fudge sound bite  A Christmas Story sound bites

And so the jig was up. We have a ritual whenever we leave the house and kielbasa can't come with us. Just before putting him upstairs in his crate, Dad holds our boy high so I can give him a kiss, and Baxter snubs me, witholding the lick that he is otherwise so generous to give. My punishment, which I so richly deserve. How dare we ever leave our little buddy behind?