Today’s Mischief is about yesterday’s trials. Mom looked the word mischief up, and found some of its more profound meanings. One definition: “a cause or source of harm, evil, or annoyance,” (dictionary on mom’s phone) Mischief always sounded cute to mom. What adorable thing has your pup done today? Yesterday, unsettling mischief was in the weather, for one. I’ll let her tell her story.
-Livvie
Yesterday, I set about doing something good, and I narrowly escaped harm. It began in the morning when I hurriedly rented a car to take a trip to a remote area in New Jersey. I rode for an hour and a half outside of New York, into a rural part of New Jersey that I cannot even name. Why? To meet some greyhounds. This is the rescue group that is closest to my house. Was I ready? Would I return with a hound? Did I really need to have three dogs?
More importantly, would it snow?
I found my destination easily, noting that the flurries had already started as I wound my way through the countryside. There was frost on the fields. As I arrived, I thanked the greyhound goddess that I had arrived safely. It was bitterly cold. As I stepped into the large area where the greyhounds and people were, there was a blast of warmth that nearly singed me. There was milling about, and, for me, a certain disorientation. There may have been ten dogs and fifteen people. I wondered how the hounds felt, some of them having only arrived from the track in Florida the day before. They were remarkably calm. Several people were speaking soothing words to one big white hound who was so excited to be around so many people. His happiness was enormous. Soon I was petting a little black girl, and being given information about her. She was perfect for me and my household. Small- dog- friendly, house-broken, and had been in a foster home before she came east.
Cartoonified snowy neighborhood
I walked her outside, and not only was it her first snow, but there was now a ton of the stuff. It was coming down really hard, and although beautiful, was a bit ominous. I had a drive ahead of me. I took her back inside, and realized that I couldn’t conjure up any excitement about adopting her. There was also a commitment I had the next day that would not allow me to be home for many hours. How would I bring her home and crate her without help, which I eagerly began seeking via phone. I was pretty sure that the gigantic crate would not fit in my car, even folded up. As I realized this, I began to feel extremely torn.
When the adoption group Head came over to me, I began to explain. I was met with extreme hostility. I felt stunned, and turned to leave, my eyes stinging. When I found my car, it was piled high with snow and ice. I had no scraper , since it was a rental, so I set about cleaning it with my arms. The snow was blinding, almost blizzard-like. As I pulled away and reached the main road, it became clear to me that I might not make it back home. The visibility was extremely limited, and everyone was driving about 25 mph. We were all wrapped in a fog of white. I was so glad that I didn’t have that wonderful dog with me. If I crashed, it would be alone, and the pup would not be harmed. Sadly, the adoption woman’s harsh words ran over and over in my head.
It was a long, mischievous trip. Three hours later I arrived safely home, and was met with enthusiasm by Livvie and Kessie, who were solicitous for hours, like little doting parents. It was a restless evening as I relived the drive and the sad thoughts about greyhounds. I am not ready for another greyhound. I know that for sure now. That is the mischief for me. The storm was a terrifying display of what I was feeling inside about wanting and not wanting to adopt the beautiful dog whose first snow I got to share.
-Terry
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I’m glad you made it home safe. And why on earth would someone be mean like that??
It really is sad!
Oh honey. I’m so sorry. And how insidious that a rescue organizer would be vicious. That’s just not right.
It isn’t uncommon, and I certainly can understand becoming bitter. It just isn’t a good policy!
I am also glad that you made it home safe. Saw the horrible snow while watching the Lions play Philadelphia. Always listen to your gut, it will never steer you wrong.
Did the rescue woman know you recently lost your baby? Regardless, she was evil and insensitive and should be reported. ((((hugs))))
Yes, I wasn’t far from Phillie! Thanks for saying that about your gut. You are so right. Yes, the woman knew. I think they are so inundated that they don’t care about people anymore.
So glad your safe!
My goodness I cant believe that story! How horrible!
Thanks. So glad I made it out of the snow. Also couldn’t believe how bad I still feel.
That ridiculous and you don’t need to make excuses for that woman. Rescue is about finding forever homes for the dogs and if you weren’t ready then it wasn’t the right match, period. You’ve been a successful adopter before so it wasn’t like you were just coming out in a blizzard in a rental car to have fun petting the dogs or something. These things are so impossibly hard. I just had tears running down my face about Brooke and it’s been almost a year. When the time is right, if the time comes, you’ll call and talk to the people ahead of time with this experience in mind and make sure that, just like any other adoption visit, you’ll be coming to meet the dogs and see if one is your perfect fit. If you have to you’ll come to our kennel here in Ohio! I’m just so incredibly glad that you made it home safely. And so sorry that you had such a terrible experice, with the danger and hurt to compound the sadness.
Thank you so much for the support Cathy. That is so sweet of you to offer for me to come to Ohio! I really appreciate your feelings and wisdom about knowing when something is right. As you know by now, I have set things right with the rescue woman. I am now going to sit tight for a while until a time when my feelings might shift (or not). Thanks again.
Unconditional licks and wags and cuddles for your experience… Cooper the cattledog
Thank you Cooper!
Purrs and head-bumps! Mom and I think you’re a hero for driving in the snow in a rented car to see if you could rescue an animal! We think maybe something terrible was going on in that woman’s life, or maybe she was scared of being out in the snow, but it’s too bad she took it out on one of the good guys! Licks to Kessie and Livvie!
Thanks Katya. We think that she was nervous about getting everything wrapped up, and in her mind, the dog was going with me. When she saw that she wasn’t, she had to figure out where she *was* going. Although one would think that the plan would have already been made before. At this point I have set things right with her. I had further communication, and we are now on the same page.