Before going to my afternoon job at the hospital, I ran home during my break to tell Clancy the good news. When I pulled into my courtyard there was another car parked there—Loretta’s. What in the world was she doing at my house? As I got out of my car, Loretta walked up to me, too close as usual. My vibes went into overdrive and I stepped back without thinking. She must have been used to that, and took a step forward for every step I took backward, just like her son had done. I said a quick hello and added, “I have to let Clancy out.” I walked to my door and opened it without a key. My first thought was, “Damn. Now she knows I don’t lock up my house.” It was quickly followed by a note to self, to begin locking that door. Clancy came right to the door and stepped over the threshold. She looked at Loretta and I thought she might sense something amiss and start growling or something, normally completely out of character for her. Instead, she took a few more steps forward and nuzzled Loretta’s side.
