Parting is such sweet sorrow

Its been a crazy month travel-wise. One of the occupational hazards with being a freelance journalist (we in the trade call it flea ranching on account of the awful or non existent pay) is frequent overseas trips. Over the last 6 weeks I've spent time in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong and Korea.

While the air-points are great, the big downside is having to say goodbye to loved ones as I jump on a plane and head away. Lottie and Bomber, my greyhounds don't really know what is going on until I get my suitcase out.

Once they've cottoned on, all bets are off and they tend to do one of two things. Depending on their mood they'll either get clingy and not let me out of their sight or they'll decide that I am persona non grata and will ignore me right up until I leave.

Leaving is the hardest thing. The saying goes that people who don't believe animals have souls should look into a Greyhounds eyes. It is even harder to do when you've got your passport in your pocket and have just said goodbye to your wife as a taxi is waiting. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't shed the odd tear when saying goodbye to Lottie and Bomber and seeing the "don't go!" look in their gentle brown eyes.

Being away is even harder. Thankfully my wife is amazing and emails photos of Lottie and Bomber.

If there's an upside it is this. Getting home is nothing short of brilliant.

Getting to the front door with luggage in tow, the sound that greets me once Lottie or Bomber spy me through a window is that of hysterical dog excitement.

Opening the front door I am greeted with two furry tornadoes complete with whip like tails that have more in common with a helicopter rotor. Licks and frantic cries of happiness ensue - Lottie and Bomber even make some of the noise.

Perhaps being away isn't always such a bad thing as it reminds you about what is so special at home.