The Curious Incident of Missing Bonnie

Bad Bonnie went on a mini-break for three days. She went to stay with Grandad, who she loves and who loves having her, while my husband and I went to London for the day to The Apollo Theatre to see the National Theatre Production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night -Time.

If you haven't read the book, (which I thoroughly recommend you do), it is about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome. As the author Mark Haddon says:  'It’s a novel about difference, about being an outsider, about seeing the world in a surprising and revealing way.'

The play is amazing - if you don't see anything else see this! It is both humorous and moving.

But back to Bonnie. Great, I thought. Three days of no doggie smell, no wet muddy walks, no black hairs to hoover up and a respite for Bobby the cat (who she likes to chase round the room).

Most of you will know that Bonnie is my step-dog. She came (as a package with my husband) to live at my house three years ago and most of you will also know that before this I was a cat lover.

So, did I enjoy my Bonnie - free three days? I need to be honest here. It was cold and wet and muddy and I didn't miss the stressful walks, always on the constant look-out for other dogs (who she would like to eat). I liked not having a constantly muddy floor and I liked not having doggie drool on my knee... but... the house was so quiet, no one was there to greet me with a waggy tail when I came in from shopping, no one followed me round from room to room, settling at my feet whenever I sat down and as for Bobby - he just moped!

And when bonnie came home? She ran straight to me, her favourite toy in her mouth and dropped it at my feet before rolling on her back and making the strange mewling noise she seems to keep in reserve for when she hasn't seen me for a while.

Did I miss Bonnie? I hate to admit it but I did and would I mind if she went on another mini-break to Grandad's?... well, how could we disappoint him!