Goodbye, Kym! Bookstore manager (and hound) leave Wellesley

A mournful bay upon Kym's leaving. She's leaving,
I'm staying.

One of my very favorite friends, Kym Havens, assistant manager at Wellesley Books, is pulling up stakes in Wellesley and heading to Plainville, Mass., to help open a new bookstore for Jeff Kinney, author of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid children's book series.

I'll be missing Kym's farewell gala, as it interferes with my nap schedule, so I called on her late this afternoon just before she headed out.

Rather than taking the trouble to page her, I let out a few bays, which is usually enough to bring all of my admirers to my side, proffering treats, backrubs, etc. And you thought this was a bookstore!
Kym leaves to join former store manager Deb Sundin, who left Wellesley Books last year to embark on this new venture. Check out the interior in progress here.

Kym never failed to laugh at my antics. I actually inspired her to adopt a Walker hound of her very own, Junebug, as if her pup Biscuit didn't do enough to entertain her. The two pups have become great pals and partners in crime.

Kym and Junebug certainly will be back, because however awesome her new store will be, it will have a NO DOGS ALLOWED policy (unlike the fabulous Wellesley Books). That's because the bookstore includes a cafe, and somehow, people in Plainville don't seem to understand that it's people who make things dirty and dogs who clean them up. From my experience browsing around Boloco's outdoor space (after hours of course), I can tell you I do my best to keep that sidewalk spanking clean.

If anyone is up to the challenge of opening a new store, it's Kym, with her great good humor, patience and, of course, excellence at bookselling and managing. I have offered to serve on the screening committee for her successor.
Dearest Kym, I will miss you. Love to Junebug (Biscuit, too.)