Over the past year, the place that Doc and I work has been going through a lot of changes. As we continue to grow, we need more space for all the counselors, doctors, administrators and support staff. That means acquiring new buildings, moving my co-workers around and hiring new people who I don’t know. Let me just say for the record, that I don’t like the changes at all.

What the CEO doesn’t realize is that since I  started coming to work as a puppy, I have a running inventory in my head about who belongs in what space, the smells in their offices, who rubs my belly, gives me treats and what toys they have for me to play with. It confuses and upsets me when he moves people around. For example, one day my friend Jeanie is in her office, the next day she is gone and a new person is in her space. They moved her to a new building without telling me. I just ignore the new person, my loyalty is to Jeanie.  No sir, I don’t like any of the changes one bit.

I decided the best thing to do is to go talk to the CEO since Doc has no say so in this matter. After I arrange a meeting, he greats me with a pat on the head and try’s to explain that the change is for the best so that we can expand and help more people. I get that, but can’t we help more people with my friends in the same offices? Since I don’t like what he has to say, I ignore him and start chewing on the corner of the cardboard banker boxes that he stores his files in. That ought to show him.

Doc sees that I am upset and meets me in the hall. “Grover, she says, sometimes we have to go through changes in order to grow. I know you feel sad about not being able to see your friends everyday, so let’s make a plan.” “We can take time during the work week and go to visit them in their new offices.” I lean up against Doc and lick her hand. It won’t be the same, but at least I know I will see them sometimes. Maybe it’s time to grow up and realize that life is always changing and that it’s not always about my needs.

After thinking it all over, I’ve decided to go and visit the new staff members and give them a chance. They might have something good to eat that they will share with me.