I become quite anxious before I embark on a big trip, more so now that I have a husband and two kids to organize than back when it was just me. Planning also encompasses the other members of the family… 3 dogs, a temperamental cat and two black chickens.
And so it was decided after much consideration, changing of minds and a wonderfully generous offer from our dear friends Dan & Bec, that our two youngest Border Collies would go to their place in the city for a holiday with their 3 kids and Japanese Spitz, Billy. Two days before departure Aaron packs up the dogs, an old cubby that is now their giant kennel and off they go.
6.30am day before departure we get a phone call from Dan… “Ahh, Dude, the dogs are missing”. Speechless at the thought of our two babies lost in the big city, Aaron is sent off to find them. Stress and sadness are two emotions anyone can do without but the day before a big trip is not a good time to have your heart rate peaking so early in the morning.
Poor Dan & Bec would have been every bit as stressed, we always find a way of bringing drama to anything we share with those guys…..
Just boarded, to be continued.
…… Alright, so just got into Denver, missed a flight and have 5 hours to wait for the next one. It’s a good time to finish this story…
Anyway, Aaron went out to find our babies, knowing that in suburbia, with busy roads, our chances of finding them were relatively low to zero. It was a devastating thought. Not only could they get hit by a car but they could also be taken home by someone and we may never find them again.
When Aaron got there, he walked down the street from Dan & Bec’s house and called out the dogs’ names a few times and a lady came out of a house in her robe and said “Are you looking for a couple of dogs?”. “They’re in our yard”.
Wow! Prayers answered! Both dogs safe, in fact a little spoiled after the 17 year old female occupant of the house felt sorry for the trembling pooches so she decided to sleep with them in the cold garage for the night.
What wonderful good people. Thank heavens they heard the dogs outside and took them in.
The dogs came home with Aaron, we realised that they weren’t ready to be away from home and would only try to escape again and again. We have lovely people coming to the house each day who can feed them. Although Dan & Bec were fired from dog-sitting, the decision was made to be kind to them as they don’t need that daily stress. And, I told Aaron that if he left the dogs behind he had to absolutely guarantee that they wouldn’t get out again or … what was it I said… “I will STAB you”. Hey, I was traumatised.
Next day we headed to the airport for a journey that would take 24 hours (now we’re rocking 30 thanks to the missed flight). More updates on our trip after I’ve had some sleep!
Thanks Dan & Bec, it was good while it lasted. xx
Desperately Seeking Normal 