they all think she's so aloof...

So, my current living situation is in my mom's house, along with my sister, my BIL, their 3 kids, and their dog. Enough to make a 38-year-old adult feel like a dependent kid again, right?

Anyhoo, Holland is VERY scared of the dog and of people that aren't her meowmy. We live in the basement, which makes me sad because she is down there by herself TOO much during the day when I am at work. The dog and my nieces go to bed at the same time, so I stay upstairs for a while most evenings to let Holland up to explore the house, look out the windows, and just be free for a little bit.

Last night she wouldn't come up when I called her, so I went downstairs and told her she could come up whenever she wanted (we were watching Biggest Loser, my guilty pleasure reality show... ), and I went back up to watch the TV. Then I heard my mom in the kitchen saying "What are you doing? Are you looking for Bridget?" I didn't realize Holland had come upstairs... I got up and went into the kitchen, and there was my little black beauty, and as soon as she saw me, she came running! My mom told me she had paced across the kitchen a good 3-4 times, had sat and looked at my mom for a minute, and my mom finally realized Holland was looking for me.

Aw, it made my heart melt when she came running to me... my family doesn't understand how much I love her, because all they see is a scaredy-cat who wants nothing to do with them. It was just a really cute moment...

It's such a silly thought, but I always think about how Holland doesn't really know my name... For most of our time together we've lived alone, and I always talk to her about "mommy" this and "mommy" that... so when my mom asked her if she was "looking for Bridget" I figured Holland wouldn't have any idea who she was talking about!

Thanks, otto. I think deep down they DO understand, and they DO love their dog, but he's an absolute attention whore... you throw a ball for him or pet him ONCE and he's your best friend forever and won't leave you alone. So more often than not they're telling him to go lie down... He's a sweet dog but he will drive a person crazy.

Actually, having Holland run to me like that the other night in front of my mom really showed them something... I think THEY think she's scared ALL the time, so having my mom actually see firsthand that she loves me and misses me was a wonderful thing. She even told the story about how Holland was looking for me to my nephew, my BIL and my sister...

In all honesty, I think they're a bit jealous. When Holland is in the same room as them - no matter how many times I say to let HER come to THEM - they try to slowly approach her and surprise!, she runs away. I can't blame them for wanting to stroke her shiny, soft fur, but she doesn't let ANYONE but mommy do that...

ETA: Thanks everyone! I love that I can come here and brag about my girl...