Yesterday, August 4th, another dog transport came my way. I was supposed to transport two dogs, Missy and Oscar Meyer, last Saturday, but it fell through. This weekend, I was set to drive both again, but learned late Friday that Oscar Meyer wouldn't be coming as he had a urinary tract infection and had to remain at the foster home where he is. So Missy would be coming alone. Because I thought I'd have two large dogs, I hadn't arranged for anyone to accompany me, as I wasn't sure the two dogs would both fit in the back seat. So this time, it was just Missy and me.
I arrived early at the drop-off location, but waited only two minutes before Missy arrived. It turned out her driver was Steve, who was the man who had helped me on a previous transport after I fell backwards in the parking lot (and got a mild concussion). So I got to thank him in person for all his help that day. I was so happy I got the opportunity to do that.
Missy is a six-year old mix who sadly was surrendered by her family. Wish I could tell you why. She's the sweetest girl, but it seemed quite apparent she missed her family. I got the distinct feeling she hoped her family was there to meet her, and was disappointed it was only another driver. She walked great on the leash, and after a few slurps of water, we were ready to go.
Missy inaugurated my special backseat cover-up that I'd hurriedly bought for my last transport, King Arthur, who instead chose to sleep on the floor. She hopped right in, but was nervous and upset, as she panted quickly and whined a bit. We waved bye-bye to Steve, and started our trek to the next location.
Missy contemplated being the navigator on this ride, but finally decided to settle down in the back seat -- where she kept her eye on me, just to be sure I obeyed all laws and followed the correct route. I've become quite the expert at taking photos while I drive. Don't tell anyone, okay?
Once we got off the highway and got into more stop-and-go driving, Missy was up to check things out herself. She got excited, and hopeful I think, that her family would be there to meet her once we got to our destination. She immediately began searching the parking lot, and I'm convinced she was looking for her family. It made me sad, but I tried to cheer her up by taking her for a stroll and giving her some cool water. But when a car drove by, she'd look up with such hope in her dark eyes.
We waited about 15 minutes for Ray, her new foster mother, to arrive and in those few minutes, Missy seemed to realize that she didn't know anyone in the parking lot, and she wanted to get back in my car. I think she hoped we'd continue on to find her family. But of course, that wasn't the plan.
Ray arrived and we chatted for a few minutes. She needed to go to the pet store (one that welcomes dogs inside), which was across the parking lot. So I let Missy go, and off they went. I just know Missy was hoping Ray was taking her to her family.
Missy really tugged at my heart, so I was relieved when Ray told me Missy has a solid potential adopter -- a young lady of 24 who has already fallen in love with Missy, an older dog, just from her picture, and is anxious to have Missy come live with her right away. Ray promised to update me. So keep your fingers crossed. Missy is a family dog who has lots of love to give, and it looks like her new family may be smaller than her previous one might have been, but sometimes a family of two is all it takes -- especially if it's a real love affair. And I suspect it is.