I've gotten Sherman rabies-proofed, licensed, and bathed. Now she no longer smells like ten dirty dogs rolled into one. Then I went dog shopping on my way to campus (where I am now) to meet with Katherine briefly about something from my comp. class.

The extra goof-off money I had this week, as well as my regular goof-off money, has magically transformed into dog biscuits and toys. So, instead of going out to eat or shopping for clothes, I'm lavishing material goods on my dog. However, I'm okay with that. All the good stuff they say about pets and stress release is holding out and Sherman and I continue to get along well. Even though she's not the dog I originally planned to get, she's still a great dog for me.

Today and tonight we're testing how she does home alone. She's on her cable in the back yard right now (seemed to be doing fine when I left) and since I'm due at the bar tonight, she'll be on her own again. However, my folks are going to come by the house while I'm at work to play with her/let her in for the night, so she won't actually be alone for my whole 6 p.m.-2 a.m. shift. Between the attention she'll get from my parents (i.e. mom) and the long walk I'm going to take her on this afternoon, I think she'll do just fine.

It'll be strange to be back at work. Though I've been gone for about two weeks, my vacation time's been busy between an out-of-town trip and Sherman, so it doesn't really feel like it's been two whole weeks that I've been away from the bar. The funniest part - we get our paychecks on the 5th and 20th of the month (or a the Saturday nearest, if the date's on a day we're closed) which means that my last check has been at the bar, waiting for me for that whole time.

Anyhow, depending on how it all goes, I'm thinking I may bring Sherman by the bar tomorrow (which I have off) so she can meet some of the people and see, first-hand, some of the smells I'll be wearing when I get home after my shift. If I bring her by in the early evening it ought to be pretty dead and prime time for showing off my critter. She wouldn't mind getting extra attention, either. So much for my reclusive tendencies.