from a weeklong work-vacation trip to Las Vegas is not sleeping in your own bed, although I was looking forward to that. And it’s not finally being able to wash the bag full of dirty undies you’ve been stashing for a week. It’s not even being able to have a cup of tea when you want, without paying $3.50 for it through room service.

No, the very best thing about coming home is being greeted at the door by my beautiful dog. Even though she has three bad legs (seriously), she jumped up on me no less than six times in the first five minutes I was home. She turned in circles like she does when she’s excited (and her legs aren’t aching) and just smiled and smiled and smiled. Yes, my dog can smile and she was so glad to see me. And I her.