The morning started out innocently enough. Chihuahua Rescue and Transport wheels had been set in motion to deliver a little black and tan Chihuahua, Nick, to his new adoptive forever home from his foster home with Jennifer. It was a hot morning, but we weren't worried, we were getting an early start on the day.
About half way into the trip, the battery light on the dash came on. I didn't know what that meant exactly, but I knew it wasn't good. Dash lights are supposed to remain politely off. Illumination is not good in this case, I am sure of this. A desperate call to my husband, Paul.
10 minutes later...
"What are we doing here? Are we having Jack In The Box?"
After finding a little spot of shade under a baby Red Oak tree, I pulled out the cell phone and asked, "Hello, is this Mr. Rescue?"
"No, they're not for sale, that's my van back there."
Dozens of people stop by to inquire about the little dogs in the pen. I could hardly complete my call to Mr. Rescue for all the interruptions.
"Yes, I'm at I-20 and Bonnie View Road."....
"No, they aren't for sale."....
"It's a white Astro van."....
"Nope not for sale."....
"Is the area safe? Yes, sort of."
There is no other shade to move them to so we remain by the side of the road attracting more unwanted attention.
Two men were particularly insistent, waiting patiently in between my answers to Justin at Mr. Rescue and insisting they would pay for one of the little dogs, "How much?", he insists.
"They are my pets, they are not for sale. We're just having a little potty break here." I answer in frustration.
The very helpful Justin with Mr. Rescue speaks through the phone again and asks, "Is there anything else I can do for you today?"
"Yes!" I quickly answer, "I need a sign that says, NOT 4 sale." The two men finally gave up and left.
It's been a busy morning in the "broke-down" vehicle department. I had to wait on hold to request the assistance and then I'm told they'll be right out to get me... in about 45 minutes.
But, at last the tow truck arrives to carry us away from here!
The driver politely informs me that the dogs can go along with us if they ride in the van. It's the middle of August, nearing the middle of a day predicted to be 100+ degrees. There's no power to lower the windows in the van.......
......and the tow truck leaves without us. We waited where we were for Paul to arrive instead.. He had been happily fishing at Lake Tawakoni when I called him earlier. Before he hung up he said he was on his way to the dock and would be out soon. (Later he said yes, the fish had been biting.)
Paul's here!
The accommodations are smaller, but the truck is in operational condition AND it has air conditioning! We set off again to make our rendezvous with Donna, Nick's new mom.
We stop by the shop they towed the van to and signed off on the paperwork to replace the alternator. That, I'm told, is what produces the energy to keep the battery charged when it is running. Good to know, I'll watch the gauge now instead of waiting for the "idiot" light to come on. (Thanks)
So now they are all set to repair the van and we're all back on the road heading South on IH-35. Two adults and 5 Chihuahuas all in the cab of a pick up truck.
Throughout the morning I have been in communication with Donna, the adoptee, who is taking this news quite well. She is proceeding northward past our original meeting place... a nice yummy Sonic in Waco. We have now altered our plans and the first one of us to arrive in Waxahachie will call the other as soon as a convenient road side meeting place is spotted.
Donna calls first, "There's a Chevron at exit 399B, I'll fill the car up and wait for you here."
Great! We are at exit 410, we'll be there in no time!
At last, there's Donna, waiting for wee little Nick!
I couldn't get any additional pictures of Nick and Donna's meeting because the digital camera then began to report "format error" on the very disk that the above photos were taken on. This only further supports my distrust of all things mechanical and electrical.
That's the kind of day I had, but Nick had a very good day.
Nick found Donna.
Katie Greer & The Motley Crew
August 16, 2003
A Nick Update!
Katie,
Here is a picture of Nick on the couch and a picture of Nick and his brother
Mikey who I also adopted from CRT about a month ago. Nick did fine on the
drive home. He curled up in my lap and slept all the way home. He is
doing great. He actually is great for Mikey. Mikey has started to
play since Nick arrived. They are getting used to each other quickly.
The only growls happen once in a while are when they complete for lap space!
Donna
Home at Last.
