The adventure continues
WHEN YOU’RE “INTO” ANIMALS, ADVENTURE
HAS A WAY OF FINDING YOU. TAKE LAST
weekend, for instance. My husband and I packed everybody
up (kid, two dogs and cat) and went on an overnight road
trip to visit family (trust me, that’s an adventure
in itself). On the way back home, we stopped at a small
coffee shop on the highway.
While waiting in the van, I spotted a Springer spaniel
sniffing around outside. As I watched, I realized the
dog was alone. She made her way into the parking lot and
started moving from car to car. Finally, she simply sat
down in a state of confusion. I jumped out and moved slowly
over to her. She seemed thankful to see a friendly face.
Since she had no collar on I waited with her until my
husband came out. He “borrowed” one of our
dogs’ collars and slipped it over her head. We queried
the people in the coffee shop and the parking lot, but
no one had seen her before. We realized there was only
one choice. Leaving our business card at the shop, we
rearranged the van and piled in. The air filled with the
melodious sounds of howling, sniffing and meowing as we
drove home.
 Twenty
minutes after we arrived, the phone rang. The caller had
stopped to get a coffee and his 12-year-old dog jumped
out of the back seat unnoticed. The man got back into
the car, and until he stopped for gas some twenty miles
away, he thought his spaniel was in the back sleeping.
He raced back to the shop, earning himself a $100 speeding
ticket on the way, and found our card. In no time at all,
he showed up at our door. We grilled him first, then brought
the dog out. She went crazy and I’m sure her barking
translated into something like, “What took you so
long!?” We talked about the benefits of identification,
gave him a copy of Animal Wellness and wished them both
well. As he was leaving he said, “That was the most
expensive cup of coffee I ever bought, but it doesn’t
matter because she’s okay. Thanks!” No problem,
friend. Just another day in the life. . . of an animal
lover.
This issue of Animal Wellness is dedicated to the fun
and adventure that comes with loving animals. From our
report on the Top Ten Cities for Animal Wellness to our
Dream Garden design, to our inspiring stories of Maggie,
Opie and so many others, this issue will entertain you
from cover to cover. Because as all of us who share our
lives with animals know, every day is an adventure.
Wishing you a happy, healthy Spring
Dana
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