Zoé
Chapter 7: Moka during the holidays
Zoé is thrilled: she's going on vacation soon! But there's a problem... what to do with Moka while she's away? She'll have to find the best solution for him!
Reading difficulty
Zoé is sad. The holidays are coming, but Moka can't come with them to the hotel.
"What are we going to do with Moka?" asks Zoé, worried.
"We'll find someone to look after him," said mom calmly.
Zoé thought about it. Who could look after Moka for a week?
A dog boarding kennel? There's one not far from their house. But Moka will be with lots of other dogs he doesn't know at all. Zoé isn't sure he'll be happy there.
"What if we asked Grandma?" suggests Mom.
Zoé's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! Grandma loves Moka, and Moka loves Grandma! That's a great idea!"
But before deciding, Mom wants to try it out. "Moka is going to spend a whole day at Grandma's. That way, we'll see if everything goes well."
Zoé agrees. The following Saturday, she carefully prepares a large bag for Moka with everything she needs:
- Her favorite soft cushion
- His food bowl and a bag of kibble
- His toys: the ball, the rope, the stuffed duck
- His health record, just in case
"There, everything's ready! I haven't forgotten anything!"
At Grandma's, Moka is a little scared at first. It's all new to him. When Zoé gets ready to leave, he looks at her with big, sad, worried eyes.
"I'll come back for you tonight, I promise!" said Zoé, hugging him tightly.
But Grandma knows what to do. She quickly takes a treat out of her pocket and gives it to Moka. Then she shows him a very soft old blanket that she has set up especially for him near his armchair.
"You'll see, my handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together!"
Evening finally arrives. Zoé comes to get Moka. He runs towards her, wagging his tail very hard. He's happy!
"So, Grandma, did everything go well?" Zoé asks impatiently.
"Perfect! We had a lovely walk in the park. He ate all his kibble very well. And afterwards, he slept peacefully on my feet while I watched TV! He was adorable!"
Zoé sighed with relief. She was truly reassured now.
"So it's decided! During the holidays, Moka will go to Grandma's!"
Mom nods. "Now you'll have to get all his things ready."
for the entire week.
Zoé nods seriously. "Yes, because having a dog means thinking about it, even when you're not there!"
Moka barks softly, as if he understands.
Zoé hugs him tightly. It will be hard to leave without him for so long. But she knows he will be in good hands.
The holidays are approaching. But Zoé wonders: will Moka settle in well at Grandma's? Will she miss him terribly?
"What are we going to do with Moka?" asks Zoé, worried.
"We'll find someone to look after him," said mom calmly.
Zoé thought about it. Who could look after Moka for a week?
A dog boarding kennel? There's one not far from their house. But Moka will be with lots of other dogs he doesn't know at all. Zoé isn't sure he'll be happy there.
"What if we asked Grandma?" suggests Mom.
Zoé's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! Grandma loves Moka, and Moka loves Grandma! That's a great idea!"
But before deciding, Mom wants to try it out. "Moka is going to spend a whole day at Grandma's. That way, we'll see if everything goes well."
Zoé agrees. The following Saturday, she carefully prepares a large bag for Moka with everything she needs:
- Her favorite soft cushion
- His food bowl and a bag of kibble
- His toys: the ball, the rope, the stuffed duck
- His health record, just in case
"There, everything's ready! I haven't forgotten anything!"
At Grandma's, Moka is a little scared at first. It's all new to him. When Zoé gets ready to leave, he looks at her with big, sad, worried eyes.
"I'll come back for you tonight, I promise!" said Zoé, hugging him tightly.
But Grandma knows what to do. She quickly takes a treat out of her pocket and gives it to Moka. Then she shows him a very soft old blanket that she has set up especially for him near his armchair.
"You'll see, my handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together!"
Evening finally arrives. Zoé comes to get Moka. He runs towards her, wagging his tail very hard. He's happy!
"So, Grandma, did everything go well?" Zoé asks impatiently.
"Perfect! We had a lovely walk in the park. He ate all his kibble very well. And afterwards, he slept peacefully on my feet while I watched TV! He was adorable!"
Zoé sighed with relief. She was truly reassured now.
"So it's decided! During the holidays, Moka will go to Grandma's!"
Mom nods. "Now you'll have to get all his things ready."
for the entire week.
Zoé nods seriously. "Yes, because having a dog means thinking about it, even when you're not there!"
Moka barks softly, as if he understands.
Zoé hugs him tightly. It will be hard to leave without him for so long. But she knows he will be in good hands.
The holidays are approaching. But Zoé wonders: will Moka settle in well at Grandma's? Will she miss him terribly?
Zoé is worried. The holidays are approaching, but the hotel doesn't accept dogs. What will she do with Moka for a whole week?
"We'll find someone trustworthy to look after him," her mother reassured her.
Zoé bit her lip, thinking intensely. She didn't want to entrust Moka to just anyone. It was far too important a decision.
That same evening, after dinner, Zoé took out a notebook and a pen. She sat down at the living room table with her mother to make a list of all the possibilities.
Option 1: Entrust him to a dog boarding facility
There is indeed a boarding kennel not far from their home, about a twenty-minute drive away. Zoé has already seen it several times while driving past. The place seems clean and well-maintained. But Moka would be surrounded by other dogs he doesn't know at all, in a completely new environment. Zoé sincerely wonders if he would really feel comfortable there, as he's still a bit shy. The idea of leaving him with strangers makes her uneasy.
Option 2: Have a relative look after it
This option seems much more reassuring. Yes, but by whom exactly? Who would be available for a week, patient with dogs, and trustworthy?
Zoé doesn't want to choose someone at random. It's far too important.
"Moka needs someone patient, gentle, who really loves dogs," she murmurs thoughtfully.
Her mother thought for a few moments, then her face suddenly lit up.
"What if we asked Grandma Margot? She's loved Moka since day one, you know that."
Zoé's eyes opened wide, shining with hope. "Oh yes, of course! Grandma really loves Moka, and Moka loves Grandma too! It's perfect!"
But before making a final decision, her mother cleverly suggests trying it out first: Moka will spend a full day at Grandma's, from morning until evening, to test how it goes.
"That way, you'll be completely reassured before we leave, and Grandma can see if she feels capable of taking care of him."
Zoé agrees immediately, relieved by this gradual approach.
The following Saturday, with meticulous care, she prepares a special bag for Moka, checking that she doesn't forget anything important:
- His favorite soft cushion, so that it retains a familiar scent
- His usual food bowl and a bag of his favorite kibble
- His favorite toys: the squeaky ball, the tug-of-war, and the little plush duck
- His health record, just in case
- His leash and harness for walks
"There, everything's ready! I haven't forgotten anything!"
When they arrive at Grandma's with all their belongings, the little dog seems a bit lost at first. He stays close to Zoé, glued to her legs. When she gets ready to leave, he looks at her with big, worried, pleading eyes.
"I'll come back for you tonight, I promise," she whispers, kneeling down to hug him tightly.
But very quickly, Grandma intervenes to lighten the mood. She takes an appetizing treat out of her pocket and offers it to Moka, then enthusiastically shows him a soft old Scottish blanket that she has specially placed for him near his armchair.
"You'll see, my handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together! We're going for a lovely walk!"
That evening, when Zoé arrived at Grandma's to pick up Moka, her heart pounding, she found Moka visibly happy. As soon as he saw her cross the threshold, he ran up to her.towards her with a tail that was wagging at full speed.
"So, Grandma, honestly, how did it go?" Zoé asks impatiently.
"It went perfectly, my darling!" replied Grandma with a genuine smile. "We went for a long walk in the park, he ate very well, and then he slept peacefully at my feet while I watched television. He was adorable."
Zoé sighed deeply in relief.
"So it's really decided! Moka will go to Grandma's during the holidays!"
Her mother nods in agreement.
"And now you'll have to carefully pack all her things for the entire week."
Zoé nods her head with seriousness and determination.
"Yes, absolutely. Because having a dog isn't just about enjoying its company. It's also about thinking about its well-being, even when you're not there!"
Moka barks softly, as if he understands.
Zoé leans down and hugs him tenderly. She knows it will be hard to leave without him for a week. But she is now completely reassured: Moka will be in excellent hands.
But as the days go by and the departure date approaches, Zoé starts to ask herself other questions: How will Moka really react when she actually leaves? Will he understand that she will come back, or will he think that she has abandoned him?
"We'll find someone trustworthy to look after him," her mother reassured her.
Zoé bit her lip, thinking intensely. She didn't want to entrust Moka to just anyone. It was far too important a decision.
That same evening, after dinner, Zoé took out a notebook and a pen. She sat down at the living room table with her mother to make a list of all the possibilities.
Option 1: Entrust him to a dog boarding facility
There is indeed a boarding kennel not far from their home, about a twenty-minute drive away. Zoé has already seen it several times while driving past. The place seems clean and well-maintained. But Moka would be surrounded by other dogs he doesn't know at all, in a completely new environment. Zoé sincerely wonders if he would really feel comfortable there, as he's still a bit shy. The idea of leaving him with strangers makes her uneasy.
Option 2: Have a relative look after it
This option seems much more reassuring. Yes, but by whom exactly? Who would be available for a week, patient with dogs, and trustworthy?
Zoé doesn't want to choose someone at random. It's far too important.
"Moka needs someone patient, gentle, who really loves dogs," she murmurs thoughtfully.
Her mother thought for a few moments, then her face suddenly lit up.
"What if we asked Grandma Margot? She's loved Moka since day one, you know that."
Zoé's eyes opened wide, shining with hope. "Oh yes, of course! Grandma really loves Moka, and Moka loves Grandma too! It's perfect!"
But before making a final decision, her mother cleverly suggests trying it out first: Moka will spend a full day at Grandma's, from morning until evening, to test how it goes.
"That way, you'll be completely reassured before we leave, and Grandma can see if she feels capable of taking care of him."
Zoé agrees immediately, relieved by this gradual approach.
The following Saturday, with meticulous care, she prepares a special bag for Moka, checking that she doesn't forget anything important:
- His favorite soft cushion, so that it retains a familiar scent
- His usual food bowl and a bag of his favorite kibble
- His favorite toys: the squeaky ball, the tug-of-war, and the little plush duck
- His health record, just in case
- His leash and harness for walks
"There, everything's ready! I haven't forgotten anything!"
When they arrive at Grandma's with all their belongings, the little dog seems a bit lost at first. He stays close to Zoé, glued to her legs. When she gets ready to leave, he looks at her with big, worried, pleading eyes.
"I'll come back for you tonight, I promise," she whispers, kneeling down to hug him tightly.
But very quickly, Grandma intervenes to lighten the mood. She takes an appetizing treat out of her pocket and offers it to Moka, then enthusiastically shows him a soft old Scottish blanket that she has specially placed for him near his armchair.
"You'll see, my handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together! We're going for a lovely walk!"
That evening, when Zoé arrived at Grandma's to pick up Moka, her heart pounding, she found Moka visibly happy. As soon as he saw her cross the threshold, he ran up to her.towards her with a tail that was wagging at full speed.
"So, Grandma, honestly, how did it go?" Zoé asks impatiently.
"It went perfectly, my darling!" replied Grandma with a genuine smile. "We went for a long walk in the park, he ate very well, and then he slept peacefully at my feet while I watched television. He was adorable."
Zoé sighed deeply in relief.
"So it's really decided! Moka will go to Grandma's during the holidays!"
Her mother nods in agreement.
"And now you'll have to carefully pack all her things for the entire week."
Zoé nods her head with seriousness and determination.
"Yes, absolutely. Because having a dog isn't just about enjoying its company. It's also about thinking about its well-being, even when you're not there!"
Moka barks softly, as if he understands.
Zoé leans down and hugs him tenderly. She knows it will be hard to leave without him for a week. But she is now completely reassured: Moka will be in excellent hands.
But as the days go by and the departure date approaches, Zoé starts to ask herself other questions: How will Moka really react when she actually leaves? Will he understand that she will come back, or will he think that she has abandoned him?
Zoé is deeply worried. The autumn holidays are fast approaching, but the hotel she booked doesn't accept dogs. What will she do with Moka for a whole week away from home?
She absolutely cannot take him with her, it's impossible. But the idea of leaving him alone at home or entrusting him to strangers pains her heart.
"We'll find a suitable and safe solution for him, my darling," her mother reassured her in a soothing voice. "Don't worry."
Zoé anxiously bit her lower lip, her mind racing as she considered all the possibilities. She categorically refused the idea of abandoning Moka or entrusting him to just anyone. It was far too important and delicate a decision.
"Could we ask someone we trust to look after him while we're away?" she suggests after a long moment of intense reflection.
"Excellent idea! That's exactly what I was thinking too. Let's look together at what realistic and reasonable options we have."
That same evening, after a dinner where Zoé barely touched her plate because she was so preoccupied, she carefully took a new notebook and pen out of her schoolbag. She methodically sat down at the large living room table with her mother to draw up an exhaustive list of all the possible scenarios.
Option 1: Entrust him to a professional dog boarding facility
There is indeed a reputable dog boarding kennel not far from their home, about a twenty-minute drive along the main road. Zoé has already seen it several times while passing by during their Sunday walks. The establishment seems clean, modern, and well-maintained, with large fenced outdoor areas where the dogs can run freely. On their website, the photos show facilities that look decent and professional.
But here's the problem that's troubling Zoé: Moka would be constantly surrounded by other dogs he doesn't know at all, immersed in a completely unfamiliar and potentially very stressful environment. Zoé wonders if he would truly feel comfortable and safe there, given that he's still quite shy around strangers and always takes a considerable amount of time to adjust to new places and unusual situations. The idea of leaving him there among strangers, even competent and caring professionals, makes her deeply uneasy. She imagines Moka lost, desperately searching for his familiar face among the canine crowd.
Option 2: Have it looked after by a close family member
This second option seems much more reassuring, more personal, warmer, and more human. It is undeniably the option that reassures Zoé the most.
Yes, but practically speaking, by whom exactly? Who in their close circle would actually be available for a whole week, patient and caring enough with dogs, possessing the necessary experience, and above all, who would inspire enough confidence in Zoé so that she could leave with a relatively peaceful mind without being consumed by worry day and night?
Zoé absolutely refuses to choose someone at random, simply for convenience or as a last resort. It's far too important a decision, one that directly impacts Moka's safety and well-being.
“Moka really needs someone patient, gentle, responsible, who genuinely loves dogs and fully understands their specific needs and language,” she murmured thoughtfully, tapping her pen against her lips, lost in thought.reflections.
Her mother watches her daughter tenderly, admiring her maturity and sense of responsibility, which grows stronger every day. She too reflects in silence for a few moments, then suddenly her face gradually lights up as if a lightbulb has just switched on in her mind.
"What if we asked Grandma Margot? She's absolutely adored Moka since the very first day she met him, and you know perfectly well how caring, gentle, and responsible she is with animals."
Zoé's eyes instantly opened wide like saucers, shining with a sudden hope that made her heart beat faster. "Oh yes, of course! How could I not have thought of that sooner? Grandma really loves Moka with all her heart, and Moka loves Grandma too! They get along wonderfully! I can see them perfectly together! It's the ideal, perfect solution!"
But before making an absolutely final decision and concretely organizing the holidays around this promising solution, her mother, always cautious, methodical and foresighted, intelligently and wisely suggests first doing a full-scale test to make sure that everything will go well: Moka will spend a full day at Grandma's, from early morning until late evening, to concretely and realistically test how this temporary care takes place and to make absolutely sure that everyone is perfectly comfortable with the situation.
"That way, you'll be completely reassured before we leave for our vacation, without any lingering worries, and Grandma will also be able to see for herself if she really feels capable and confident in managing Moka for a whole week."
Zoé immediately accepts this reasonable proposal, greatly relieved by this progressive, sensible and prudent approach.
The following Saturday, with meticulous care and remarkable attention to detail that shows her growing maturity and keen sense of responsibility, she conscientiously prepares a complete special bag for Moka, mentally checking several times that she is not forgetting anything important or essential:
-His favorite cushion, so soft and fluffy, the one he has faithfully used since joining the family, so that it retains a familiar and deeply reassuring scent.
-His usual blue ceramic bowl and a large bag of his favorite chicken kibble, to meticulously maintain his usual feeding routine
-His favorite and most appreciated toys: the red ball that squeaks happily, the multicolored pull rope, and the little yellow plush duck that he loves to chew affectionately.
-His complete and up-to-date health record, in case of any unexpected medical problems
- Its sturdy leash and comfortable harness make it essential for daily walks.
"There you go, everything is absolutely ready and complete! I sincerely believe I haven't forgotten anything essential!"
When they finally arrive at Grandma's house with all of Moka's things carefully packed, the little dog does indeed seem a bit lost and disoriented at the beginning of this new experience. It's an environment he knows well, having been there occasionally, but not at all in this unusual context of temporary separation. He instinctively stays close to Zoé, clinging tightly to her legs like a faithful shadow. As she mentally prepares to leave and starts to walk towards the front door, he looks at her intently with big, worried, moist, and deeply pleading eyes that instantly melt Zoé's sensitive heart.
" I"I'll come back for you tonight without fail, I promise," she murmured tenderly, gently kneeling down to hug him tightly and for a long time one last time before leaving.
But very quickly, with the natural skill and experience of someone who has always been around animals and understands them instinctively, Grandma intervenes effectively to gradually ease the tense atmosphere. She deftly pulls a particularly appetizing and irresistible treat from her deep pocket, which she gently offers to Moka with a reassuring smile. Then, with infectious enthusiasm, she shows him a thick, soft old tartan blanket that she has specially and carefully placed for him near his favorite armchair, in the most comfortable, warm, and sunny corner of her welcoming living room.
"You'll see, my very handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together, just the two of us! We're going to take a lovely long walk in the big park!"
Finally, when evening came and Zoé arrived at Grandma's to pick up Moka, her heart pounding with anticipation mixed with a slight lingering apprehension, she discovered with immense relief a Moka who was visibly happy, relaxed, and perfectly content. As soon as he saw her joyfully cross the threshold, he immediately ran to her, his tail wagging frantically, but without the anxious and desperate frenzy of the morning. It was a serene, confident, and peaceful joy.
"So, Grandma, sincerely and honestly, how did it go? Is everything really all right?" Zoe asks with palpable impatience, intensely scrutinizing her grandmother's expressive face for any potential sign of trouble or difficulty.
"It went absolutely perfectly and wonderfully well, my darling little darling!" replied Grandma with a deeply tender and completely sincere smile. "We had a long and magnificent walk together in the park this afternoon. He met some other friendly dogs with whom he happily played. He ate absolutely all of his kibble without exception, and then he slept peacefully and comfortably on my feet while I quietly watched my favorite programs on television. He was absolutely adorable and remarkably well-behaved."
Zoé sighed deeply with intense relief, feeling a considerable tension
that she didn't even know she had accumulated in her body, gradually releasing in her shoulders.
"So it's really decided, definitively! During the autumn holidays, Moka will go to Grandma's! It's undoubtedly the best possible solution!"
Her mother warmly approves with a satisfied and reassured nod.
"And now you're going to have to pack all her things very carefully for the whole week."
Zoé nods her head with impressive seriousness and unwavering determination.
“Yes, absolutely and without any hesitation. Because having a dog, she now understands, is not just about pleasantly enjoying its company. It is also and above all about constantly thinking about its well-being, even when you are not physically there!”
Moka barks softly.
Zoé leans down and hugs him tenderly. She knows it will be hard to leave without him. But she is reassured: Moka will be in excellent hands.
But as the days go by and the departure date approaches, Zoé asks herself other questions: How will Moka really react? Will he understand that she will come back?
She absolutely cannot take him with her, it's impossible. But the idea of leaving him alone at home or entrusting him to strangers pains her heart.
"We'll find a suitable and safe solution for him, my darling," her mother reassured her in a soothing voice. "Don't worry."
Zoé anxiously bit her lower lip, her mind racing as she considered all the possibilities. She categorically refused the idea of abandoning Moka or entrusting him to just anyone. It was far too important and delicate a decision.
"Could we ask someone we trust to look after him while we're away?" she suggests after a long moment of intense reflection.
"Excellent idea! That's exactly what I was thinking too. Let's look together at what realistic and reasonable options we have."
That same evening, after a dinner where Zoé barely touched her plate because she was so preoccupied, she carefully took a new notebook and pen out of her schoolbag. She methodically sat down at the large living room table with her mother to draw up an exhaustive list of all the possible scenarios.
Option 1: Entrust him to a professional dog boarding facility
There is indeed a reputable dog boarding kennel not far from their home, about a twenty-minute drive along the main road. Zoé has already seen it several times while passing by during their Sunday walks. The establishment seems clean, modern, and well-maintained, with large fenced outdoor areas where the dogs can run freely. On their website, the photos show facilities that look decent and professional.
But here's the problem that's troubling Zoé: Moka would be constantly surrounded by other dogs he doesn't know at all, immersed in a completely unfamiliar and potentially very stressful environment. Zoé wonders if he would truly feel comfortable and safe there, given that he's still quite shy around strangers and always takes a considerable amount of time to adjust to new places and unusual situations. The idea of leaving him there among strangers, even competent and caring professionals, makes her deeply uneasy. She imagines Moka lost, desperately searching for his familiar face among the canine crowd.
Option 2: Have it looked after by a close family member
This second option seems much more reassuring, more personal, warmer, and more human. It is undeniably the option that reassures Zoé the most.
Yes, but practically speaking, by whom exactly? Who in their close circle would actually be available for a whole week, patient and caring enough with dogs, possessing the necessary experience, and above all, who would inspire enough confidence in Zoé so that she could leave with a relatively peaceful mind without being consumed by worry day and night?
Zoé absolutely refuses to choose someone at random, simply for convenience or as a last resort. It's far too important a decision, one that directly impacts Moka's safety and well-being.
“Moka really needs someone patient, gentle, responsible, who genuinely loves dogs and fully understands their specific needs and language,” she murmured thoughtfully, tapping her pen against her lips, lost in thought.reflections.
Her mother watches her daughter tenderly, admiring her maturity and sense of responsibility, which grows stronger every day. She too reflects in silence for a few moments, then suddenly her face gradually lights up as if a lightbulb has just switched on in her mind.
"What if we asked Grandma Margot? She's absolutely adored Moka since the very first day she met him, and you know perfectly well how caring, gentle, and responsible she is with animals."
Zoé's eyes instantly opened wide like saucers, shining with a sudden hope that made her heart beat faster. "Oh yes, of course! How could I not have thought of that sooner? Grandma really loves Moka with all her heart, and Moka loves Grandma too! They get along wonderfully! I can see them perfectly together! It's the ideal, perfect solution!"
But before making an absolutely final decision and concretely organizing the holidays around this promising solution, her mother, always cautious, methodical and foresighted, intelligently and wisely suggests first doing a full-scale test to make sure that everything will go well: Moka will spend a full day at Grandma's, from early morning until late evening, to concretely and realistically test how this temporary care takes place and to make absolutely sure that everyone is perfectly comfortable with the situation.
"That way, you'll be completely reassured before we leave for our vacation, without any lingering worries, and Grandma will also be able to see for herself if she really feels capable and confident in managing Moka for a whole week."
Zoé immediately accepts this reasonable proposal, greatly relieved by this progressive, sensible and prudent approach.
The following Saturday, with meticulous care and remarkable attention to detail that shows her growing maturity and keen sense of responsibility, she conscientiously prepares a complete special bag for Moka, mentally checking several times that she is not forgetting anything important or essential:
-His favorite cushion, so soft and fluffy, the one he has faithfully used since joining the family, so that it retains a familiar and deeply reassuring scent.
-His usual blue ceramic bowl and a large bag of his favorite chicken kibble, to meticulously maintain his usual feeding routine
-His favorite and most appreciated toys: the red ball that squeaks happily, the multicolored pull rope, and the little yellow plush duck that he loves to chew affectionately.
-His complete and up-to-date health record, in case of any unexpected medical problems
- Its sturdy leash and comfortable harness make it essential for daily walks.
"There you go, everything is absolutely ready and complete! I sincerely believe I haven't forgotten anything essential!"
When they finally arrive at Grandma's house with all of Moka's things carefully packed, the little dog does indeed seem a bit lost and disoriented at the beginning of this new experience. It's an environment he knows well, having been there occasionally, but not at all in this unusual context of temporary separation. He instinctively stays close to Zoé, clinging tightly to her legs like a faithful shadow. As she mentally prepares to leave and starts to walk towards the front door, he looks at her intently with big, worried, moist, and deeply pleading eyes that instantly melt Zoé's sensitive heart.
" I"I'll come back for you tonight without fail, I promise," she murmured tenderly, gently kneeling down to hug him tightly and for a long time one last time before leaving.
But very quickly, with the natural skill and experience of someone who has always been around animals and understands them instinctively, Grandma intervenes effectively to gradually ease the tense atmosphere. She deftly pulls a particularly appetizing and irresistible treat from her deep pocket, which she gently offers to Moka with a reassuring smile. Then, with infectious enthusiasm, she shows him a thick, soft old tartan blanket that she has specially and carefully placed for him near his favorite armchair, in the most comfortable, warm, and sunny corner of her welcoming living room.
"You'll see, my very handsome Moka, we're going to have a wonderful day together, just the two of us! We're going to take a lovely long walk in the big park!"
Finally, when evening came and Zoé arrived at Grandma's to pick up Moka, her heart pounding with anticipation mixed with a slight lingering apprehension, she discovered with immense relief a Moka who was visibly happy, relaxed, and perfectly content. As soon as he saw her joyfully cross the threshold, he immediately ran to her, his tail wagging frantically, but without the anxious and desperate frenzy of the morning. It was a serene, confident, and peaceful joy.
"So, Grandma, sincerely and honestly, how did it go? Is everything really all right?" Zoe asks with palpable impatience, intensely scrutinizing her grandmother's expressive face for any potential sign of trouble or difficulty.
"It went absolutely perfectly and wonderfully well, my darling little darling!" replied Grandma with a deeply tender and completely sincere smile. "We had a long and magnificent walk together in the park this afternoon. He met some other friendly dogs with whom he happily played. He ate absolutely all of his kibble without exception, and then he slept peacefully and comfortably on my feet while I quietly watched my favorite programs on television. He was absolutely adorable and remarkably well-behaved."
Zoé sighed deeply with intense relief, feeling a considerable tension
that she didn't even know she had accumulated in her body, gradually releasing in her shoulders.
"So it's really decided, definitively! During the autumn holidays, Moka will go to Grandma's! It's undoubtedly the best possible solution!"
Her mother warmly approves with a satisfied and reassured nod.
"And now you're going to have to pack all her things very carefully for the whole week."
Zoé nods her head with impressive seriousness and unwavering determination.
“Yes, absolutely and without any hesitation. Because having a dog, she now understands, is not just about pleasantly enjoying its company. It is also and above all about constantly thinking about its well-being, even when you are not physically there!”
Moka barks softly.
Zoé leans down and hugs him tenderly. She knows it will be hard to leave without him. But she is reassured: Moka will be in excellent hands.
But as the days go by and the departure date approaches, Zoé asks herself other questions: How will Moka really react? Will he understand that she will come back?