Adventures At Tripp Towers
Let the adventures begin …..
Chief Sniffing Officer Chase is back on duty.
But this time, there are no sprawling meadows to patrol, no farm gate to inspect, and—so far—not a single sighting of his old nemesis, Bubblegum Breath.
A change in family plans has transferred Chase from Whispering Oaks Ridge to his other home-away-from-home: Tripp Towers, Grandma and Grandad’s city headquarters.
The territory may be smaller, but don’t be fooled. There are squirrels to evict, gates to sniff, unexpected visitors to investigate, and a mysterious Big Brown Lizard whose identity remains unknown.
Different headquarters. Same Chase.
Let the adventures begin …
Day One – City Headquarters. Same Chase.
Dear Mom, Dad and Nick,
Well, what on earth was going on at the crack of dawn?
One minute I was peacefully sleeping, then next, hushed whispering, bleary-eyed people were dashing around with suitcases, and doors were opening and closing.
Then boom—YOU ALL LEFT. Nobody consulted me.
Naturally, I stuck to Grandma like glue for a while. After watching my immediate family disappear with not one, not two, but three suitcases, I wasn’t taking any chances of being left home alone.
Then I figured it out. G&G were staying. Whew.
Apparently my five-day assignment had been transferred to Tripp Towers.
Different headquarters.
Same highly qualified security officer.
With that settled, I took a nap. Being emotionally vigilant is exhausting, but later I ventured into the back garden and made a beeline for the patio table.
Big Brown Lizard?
Nope.
But I did spot a squirrel on the back fence. I chased him off immediately. You’re welcome.
G&G left for an appointment, and after all that strenuous work I took another nap.
On their bed.
Yes, yes. I know. I’m not allowed up there. But nobody was home, the bed was empty, temptation was strong and frankly, it seemed wasteful not to occupy it.
When they returned, I followed Grandad upstairs to his office and assisted him by taking yet another nap while Grandma tackled loads of washing.
Then suddenly—
THE FRONT DOOR OPENED! And the house did its early warning thing.
DING DONG. Ding-a-Ling-Ling! The official Tripp Towers alert system sounds whenever one of the doors opens. Very serious. Very loud, but absolutely necessary. I flew downstairs to protect Grandma.
There was A MAN standing outside in a full-face, scary mask. Apparently he was just the yard man protecting his lungs from dust and pollen. Turns out he merely wanted to be paid. Hmmm. Likely story.
Once he left, I insisted on inspecting his work. Freshly cut grass means freshly disturbed smells, so I conducted a thorough sniff, paying particular attention to the back gate and front door area.
I cannot discuss my findings—security clearance necessary. Let’s just say the garden remains safe and fully operational.
Soon, G&G were having their afternoon tea and I received treats, which seemed only fair after my demanding first day.
I may also have overheard a certain conversation involving the procurement of something very important… something chewy… something I will not name here in case it alerts unsavory characters.
So, Mom, Dad and Nick, you concentrate on surviving your travel adventures.
Please know that Tripp Towers is secure.
Squirrel evicted.
Masked stranger investigated.
Perimeter sniffed.
Big Brown Lizard still at large.
And did anyone check those suitcases for Bubblegum Breath?
Just asking.
Your ever-loving furry boy,
Chase 🐾
Acting Chief of Security
Tripp Towers Division
Day Two: Unleash the Beast
Dear Mom, Dad and Nick
I have news. The Big Brown Lizard has been sighted.
I found him near the patio table and immediately gave chase. He shot under the pedestal like lightning. I’ve learned something important about this guy. He’s fast. And he’s a fraidy-cat.
After that excitement, I conducted my morning inspection of the back garden. I detected squirrels, possum and—most suspiciously—a cat. I double-checked the gate. All secure.
While Grandma refilled the bird feeders, we spotted a beautiful red cardinal. Then a teeny-weeny green lizard scampered up a tree. I rather liked him. He was timid and clearly afraid of me. Highly respectful which was sensible, really. Nothing like that arrogant, rude Bubblegum Breath at the ranch, strutting around doing push-ups and blowing pink bubbles in my face.
This little chap was very cute so I let him live.
Later, G&G settled on the patio for elevenses tea while I lounged nearby in the sun. Frankly, things were getting a little boring but seemingly Grandma thought so too. She looked at me. I looked at her. Then she started getting me excited.
That’s when it happened. I felt my eyes change—they got this wild, frenzied look. Grandma knows those eyes. Slightly deranged. And then—
UNLEASH THE BEAST!
I TORE around that garden at breakneck speed. Around the patio. Over the flower beds. Past the bushes. I literally flew over little walls with all four paws airborne. A yellow streak with crazy eyes. And tongue flopping in the air. G&G were roaring with laughter.
Honestly! I don’t know why humans find this so amusing. This is serious cardio for me but I love hearing them laugh.
Eventually The Beast ran out of fuel, so once inside, I collapsed onto my comfy living-room bed for a very long nap.
The afternoon was considerably quieter. Almost boring again.
Until…
SCRUFFLE. SCRUFFLE. At the front door. I know that sound. I know that scent.
AMAZON! And would you believe it? Mom had ordered my chew sticks. Dreams really do come true.
Grandma opened the package and gave me one immediately. Naturally, I conducted a thorough quality-control test and confirmed they’re as delish as ever.
Speaking of food, we just finished dinner. You’d be proud of me. I ate every bite of mine and didn’t even try to coerce Grandma into sharing hers. I didn’t have to. She came through with a few bites of buttery baked potato. Yummers.
So now we’re heading upstairs to chillax and watch TV. I hope you’re having fun in Boston and doing lots of sightseeing stuff.
All is well at Tripp Towers. It’ll be even better when you come home next week.
Until tomorrow…
Your ever-loving furry boy,
Chase 🐾
Acting Chief of Security
Tripp Towers Division
Day Three: Sunday Security & Divine Intervention
Dear Mom, Dad and Nick,
Yesterday was a pretty good day at Tripp Towers.
I began, as usual, with morning security in the back garden. Almost immediately, I spotted Big Blue Jay hogging the bird feeder. That fellow is a bully. He swoops in, takes over and picks on the smaller birds. Not on my watch.
I chased him off. You’re welcome, little birds.
Then I heard something suspicious on the other side of the back fence. Naturally, I did what any highly trained guard dog would do.
WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
Apparently, Grandma did not appreciate my professionalism. “Chase! Stop!”
She invited me to sit beside her underneath the wind chimes and explained that it was Sunday morning and our neighbors probably didn’t want to be awakened by the Tripp Towers Security Alarm. Fair enough. So, we sat quietly together.
And that’s when I heard it. The most beautiful singing. I looked up into the tree and there was a tiny bird perched among the branches, serenading us. Even I knew not to bark at that.
Eventually I resumed my patrol. Frankly, it was rather uneventful. No Big Brown Lizard. No Cute Little Green Lizard. No squirrels. Plenty of suspicious overnight scents, though.
Things had happened. I just hadn’t been there to supervise them. I decided the ranch duty is more exhilarating.
After breakfast, Grandma and Grandad announced they were going to church to have a chat with God. Hmmm. I can chat with my Creator anytime I want, wherever I happen to be. But off they went. And I was left behind. Again.
Eventually my thoughts wandered to you. I wondered what you were doing in Boston. I wondered when you were coming home. And then I remembered something terrible.
This is Sunday.
Dad usually brings me a breakfast taco. Dad is in Boston. Therefore…
NO BREAKFAST TACO.
This was a difficult realization. Then—Wait.
Was that the garage door? They’re back!
Sniff. Sniff sniff. SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF!
Hold everything. I know that smell.
BACON. EGG. POTATO.
BREAKFAST TACO!
Apparently G&G’s little chat with God went extremely well.
Yummers.
The remainder of the day was pretty restful. I performed my due diligence in the back garden several times and can report that Tripp Towers remained secure … and ever so dull.
By bedtime, I was exhausted. Being bored is surprisingly tiring. So, I led the way to bed and called it a day. Maybe tomorrow will be more exciting. Perhaps Big Brown Lizard will finally show his face. I hope so. I need something to CHASE!
I miss you so much and hope you come home soon.
Your ever-loving furry boy,
Chase 🐾
Acting Chief of Security
Tripp Towers Division
Day Four: The Phantom Strikes Before Dawn
Dear Mom, Dad and Nick,
I have a new development to report. We were all up at the crack of dawn yesterday. Actually, I’m not sure dawn had cracked yet. That’s the disadvantage of going to bed early. Apparently you have to get up again before sunrise.
My first security check of the day was IN THE DARK.
Grandma opened the back door, and as I stepped outside, my nose immediately detected something. Something strong. Something stinky. Something suspiciously familiar.
THE PHANTOM POSSUM.
That shadowy, garbage-eating prowler had invaded Tripp Towers. My paws barely touched the ground when—VRROOOOM!—instinct took over. I shot into the darkness like a furry tornado, locked onto my target. And there he was…
THE PHANTOM.
For one brief moment, we stared at each other. I swear he smirked. Big mistake, dude. He took one look at me barreling toward him, spun around and made a desperate dive under the fence into the neighbor’s yard.
RUN, PHANTOM, RUN! I skidded to a halt at the perimeter. He had escaped. This time. I stood staring through the fence to make sure he understood the situation.
Next time you trespass, you’re toast, dude.
I suspect word of the incident spread quickly through the Tripp Towers underground wildlife network, because guess who else was nowhere to be found?
Big Brown Lizard. Not even a whiff. I imagine him quaking somewhere in his dank little hideout. “Show yourself, Mister!” Not a peep. Perhaps he’s heard about The Phantom. Smart lizard.
As if that weren’t enough wildlife enforcement for one morning, I later uncovered Bully Blue Jay skulking around in the bushes. Seriously? Didn’t we discuss this yesterday? I chased him out. Apparently some birds require remedial training.
Anyway, with Phantom Possum across the fence, Bully Blue Jay dispatched and Big Brown Lizard nowhere to be seen, I declared Tripp Towers secure. You can rest easy.
The remainder of the day was fairly quiet until late afternoon, when a delivery man appeared at the front door. Naturally, I sounded the alarm. Loudly. And perhaps for slightly longer than necessary. Grandad nearly leapt out of his skin. He may also have raised his voice at me. Hmmm. Let me see if I understand this.
Grandad raises his voice because Chase raised his voice to warn Grandad about a stranger who wasn’t raising his voice at all.
Human logic. I don’t get it.
Later, I enjoyed sunning myself in the garden followed by a good romp-and-roll in the cool grass. A fellow has to break up the monotony somehow. Besides, a guard dog can only take so many naps before people start accusing him of sleeping on the job.
Dinner is coming soon, and Grandma had promised me a bacon treat. With any luck, there might even be a bully chew while G&G watch TV. I think I’d earned it, don’t you? After all…
Phantom Possum: evicted.
Bully Blue Jay: chased away. Again.
Delivery man: thoroughly warned.
Big Brown Lizard: apparently in hiding.
Tripp Towers: secure.
Another day’s work done.
Miss you. Hope you’re having fun in Rhode Island.
Your ever-loving furry boy,
Chase 🐾
Acting Chief of Security
Tripp Towers Division
Day Five: W-A-L-K Spells Trouble
Dear Mom, Dad and Nick,
Yesterday began at a much more civilized hour—just after sunrise.
Grandma was quietly drinking tea and reading when I decided it was time for my first security check. I thoroughly inspected the back garden and, surprisingly, found nothing amiss.
No Phantom Possum.
No Bully Blue Jay.
No Big Brown Lizard.
Apparently my reputation has spread. I can report that my intensive security campaign has been extremely effective at deterring intruders. You’d be proud of me.
After breakfast, however, I was feeling a little fidgety when I heard Grandad say something to Grandma.
W-A-L-K. He spelled it. Apparently he thought that if he didn’t say the actual word, I wouldn’t know what he was talking about.
Seriously, Grandad? I’ve been around the block a few times. Literally. I’m intelligent. I’m a fast learner. And I know perfectly well what W-A-L-K spells.
Then I saw Grandma holding my leash. YIPPEE!
I jumped. I twirled. I may have temporarily lost all sense of decorum. Out the front door we went and down the steps. That’s when my nose exploded.
There must have been at least ONE HUNDRED SCENTS waiting for me. Dog. Cat. Squirrel. People. Who-knows-what. Which one should I investigate first?
ALL OF THEM.
I took off like a rocket, nose glued to the ground, dragging Grandma behind me as I zigged and zagged from one glorious smell to another.
Apparently, this was not Grandma’s idea of a pleasant morning stroll. We made it approximately 59 yards.
Then—HALT. Grandma pulled me up short by my harness and ordered me to sit. Uh-oh.
I know that voice. A lecture followed.
It was difficult to concentrate because at least seventeen fascinating smells were drifting past my nose, but I caught several key phrases.
Uncivilized behavior.
Not dragging Grandma down the street.
Walk nicely.
And the most alarming threat of all…
“We can go home and do zoomies instead.”
Well. That was that. We returned to Tripp Towers, where I demonstrated that I am perfectly capable of exercising without dragging Grandma around the neighborhood.
UNLEASH THE BEAST: ENCORE PERFORMANCE.
After a few high-speed circuits of the garden, I sat at the back door, panting heavily and requesting immediate admission.
A drink, a treat and a nap, in that order.
The rest of the day was mostly humdrum. The Amazon truck made another appearance, and one of my favorite humans came to clean the house, so I had a few minor supervisory duties.
Dinner was excellent. Grandma added a little meat and potato to my regular food.
Yummers.
Television, on the other hand, was boring, so I decided to call it an early night. Unfortunately, Grandad eventually came into the bedroom and discovered me…
Sprawled across their bed. Sound asleep. I believe we’ve discussed this before ─I’m not supposed to be up there. So I opened my eyes and looked at him.
He looked at me. I looked at him. Nobody moved.
I brazened it out. Grandad pretended to be stern. Grandma stifled a laugh.
All was well.
I hear you’re coming home tomorrow. Now that’s exciting and I can’t wait to see you, give you lots of licks and kisses, and show you exactly how fast my tail can wag.
Have safe travels home. Tripp Towers has been fun, but I’ll be very happy when my family is all together again.
Night-night.
Your ever-loving furry boy,
Chase 🐾
Acting Chief of Security
Tripp Towers Division
P.S. I just completed one final late-night garden security check and detected the unmistakable scent of a suspected cat intruder. I deposited my own scent directly over the evidence.
Case closed.
Otherwise, all secure at Tripp Towers.
To be continued …