Last night was my goodbye to Austin--had dinner with friends, blah blah. I came home and packed all my stuff, while my roommate's dog sat on the floor and stared at me as I walked around with my bags.

My roommate's dog is a Red Heeler, not the most affectionate dog, extremely intelligent and completely neurotic. Very sweet, and very sensitive, but he doesn't like to cuddle or get his belly rubbed or other dog things. He doesn't give kisses; instead he'll come up within inches of your face, eyes wide, and sniff a few times before turning and lying down. That's all you get. Pat on the head, and he's good. But don't give him that pat, and he's devastated for the rest of the day.

At 4 in the morning I flopped down on the couch, with all my stuff by the door. And the dog walked over very slowly, his tail tucked. He put his head right by my face, and stared at me for a while, smacked his chops nervously a few times... and gave me a lick on my nose. And then he just stared at me again, his ears plastered against his head.

He's never given me, or anybody, kisses before. But last night he gave it a shot. He knew what was up. It was really sad.

If you see me on the road, say hola. And feel free to offer me a place to stay! I'll be in New Orleans on Thursday and Pensacola on Saturday...other stops will be included as well, TBD.

Comments

[Pinky]

come to slc! you'll always have a place to stay here! :)

[Justin]

That is such a sweet story. Sounds like he is going to miss ya

[Mom]

I know just how he feels. He's really gonna miss you lots when you're gone. XOXO

[Christine]

Awww....see, dogs are so smart. Best of luck with your travels and your new home!

[The Aitch]

what? Dude, I'm lost are you through with Austin? You just got there!

[johnO]

I can't believe you snuck out of Austin so stealthily. I think you mentioned you were moving to FL like a week ago! Then interesting AG stuff that I hoped would last longer, then poof! As the fabulous Tim Gunn once declared, I'm verklempt!!! Hopefully there are lots of FLaGs (hot Ft. Lauderdale guys with elusive names) waiting for you.

[melissa]

If you are passing through Tampa, we have a guest bed, cable, a stocked bar, and a grill. Feel free to give a holler...

[Deb_LA]

Aww, your mom wrote, how cute! Um, such a cute story. I love dogs! Have fun and have a safe trip!

[misscrankypants]

Hope you got a little goodbye lovin' from AG!

[Lesley]

Pensacola?! No one ever stops in Pensacola. Makes me wish that I was going home to see the rents this weekend. Gainesville is holding me captive. Have a safe move.

[marcus daniels]

Hey guys,

Thought you might enjoy this funny website as well..its a good name: The Velvet Hot Tub.

http://www.thevelvethottub.com
http://www.velvethottub.com

l8r

[Dub C]

Dan, if you want, you can have my dog. She's a black cocker spaniel. The boyfrance bought her as a birthday gift for me but turns out, we don't mesh very well.

Of course you're probably gonna have to fight the boyfrance for her. That'd be hot.

[Michael]

Dogs know. My parents got one cocker last summer, but he seemed lonely so they went and got another to keep him company. The second one is as opposite from the first as possible: he's shy, really well behaved, and very clingy; she's hyperactive and happy to see everyone. They didn't mesh at first, and after a week my mom was ready to return the second one to the adoption agency.

That morning, as she was getting all the stuff in the car, the two dogs (who had spent the preceeding week avoiding each other) just curled up together and gave my mom a quadruple dose of puppydog eyes. Needless to say, they still have two dogs (which is why I visit more than twice a year)!

[Liz]

Safe trip dan and God's speed.

[Jen]

If you're brave enough to come anywhere near Savannah, GA, you're always welcome at my place.

[joe]

sweet danny boy,

austin will miss you, lover. but fear not you shall return... the moments you shared there will never be forgotten and friendships will not be in vain. you must find your path, little one. and find it you will. right now i'm in astoria, with renae and adolph ... house sitting. thinking about the move i made from austin, and oh how i miss that place. you will too...

come visit me in the big city... and say hi to tomcat for me.

love joe

[erik]

awww, have fun!

[Lindsay]

oh that's so sweet, my dog is exactly like that! it's a real honor to get a kiss from her, my husband and i lord it over one another like nothing else.

oh, and hey dan? you and i have a habit of living in the same place at the same time, so now that you're leaving austin i'm kind of sad, even though i only know you through your blog. but i do go visit family in miami every chance i get, so if you had to go anywhere i'm happy you're going back there. best of luck.
xo
lindsay

[David]

Ah, the restless wanderer sets off again (cues music from "The Incredible Hulk").

[David]

The TV show, not the movie.

[Bye fr Dallas]

Well since its no more can we at least get a pic of AG from the neck down?!?
Awwwh this is really the end of an era :(

poor Dog.....poor Dan :(

[john]

Very sweet story. Doggies always know.

[Corey]

Have a WONDERFUL trip/move!!!

[Patrick]

I'm sure I'm the millionth person with this offer, but you've got a couch to sleep on in NYC (are you coming this far north?) if you want and my roommate's dog will kiss and cuddle you 'til the cows come home. He's not fond of the packing phenomenon either; he stares mournfully at you while you do it. Hell, he gets nervous if I fold laundry. He's pretty neurotic. But big on the kissing. So there's that.

[lurker]

Leaving the dog's always the hardest. It's always all about the dog.