“Good morning Sarah, how are you?”, I asked, as I hugged the woman whom I had previously spoken with on the phone.
“Fine”, she replied as she lead Nugget and I through a chamber of doors, and into a large, sitting room.
As I looked around the expanse of the near vacant room, I spied a beautiful, Siamese cat. She was perched atop the counter in the kitchenette area. “Why, hellooo…”, I exclaimed to the precious one. In return, as a response she crossed the gray tile floor to get some hugs and love from me. It was just at that moment, the handler, Lizzy came through the back set of doors with “Flora” in the lead. The cat scrambled and Flora, AKA Cinnamon, showed her muscle. The scene appeared to me, like the first time, clumsy skater on ice. This poor woman was attached to the other end of Cinnamon’s leash, while being dragged through the doble doors, and into the room where Sarah, Nuggy, the cat and I waited. I found it difficult not to, laugh out loud. Although, I was not the only one wearing a large grin. Sarah also was trying not to laugh at the scene of this lovely and excited red dog’s, grand entrance.
Years ago, I had trained Nugget to be a service dog. As a result of his training, he minded very well and sat quietly excited, as Cinnamon made her own introductions. I could not help but notice, the hackles were raised on her back from head to tail in route to her approach toward us. I sat in a crotched down position, next to Nuggy, wondering if I could stand my ground or if Cinnamon would bowl me over. But thankfully, she had stopped, just short of us. Cinnamon and Nugget, sniffed noses, then butts, in order that they say a proper, “Howdy!” Then it was my turn to greet my boy’s, one and only, girlfriend - I cupped her beautiful face into my hands, leaned my head to hers where we stayed silent for just a moment. I knew then, a bond had been made between us. The raised hair on her back had subsided, she had calmed, Nuggy approved. All seemed to be going well.
Prior to our visit, I had asked Sarah if she likes jewelry? Naturally, ‘yes’ was her answer. I also asked, if she’d like for me to create something special for her? Again, she replied, ‘yes’ - but it is not necessary. After having this conversation with Sarah - I promptly began creating a one - of - a - kind, special piece for her. I made a necklace which was crafted using a large, mother of Pearl set in silver, and several complimentary, semi-precious gemstones to match and enhance, the many colors of the center stone. The piece in Sarah’s words; was, “Absolutely beautiful, Thank you!” As I placed it about her neck, Sarah gave me a hug. With that, we all headed for the door. It was a long drive home and we needed to get moving. Sarah walked with Nuggy and me, Lizzy managed a little easier with Cinnamon, to her awaiting chariot. No more had I opened the door, that Cinnamon climbed into the car and straight into the open, pink crate. Lizzy exclaimed; “OH MY! Honestly, I was just about to say, ‘ She’ll never fit in that’.” We all laughed, said our g-byes, drove over a set of railroad tracks, and out of town.
When I looked into the rearview mirror, centered on the precious cargo in the back of the car, I saw my two loves enjoying each others company. Ahhh…everyone could relax, get to know one another, and have a uneventful ride home.
A couple of hours riding in the car, a bottle of water, a bowl of water, a bit of onset excitement, made it the perfect time to pull into the rest area. My mind raced, as I tried to imagine being graceful, while being dragged through the cactus and lava rock. Which was the backdrop and terrain of this, modern day rest area.
I chose to take Nugget first. We enjoyed a leisurely walk, where I noticed Nuggy kept looking back at the vehicle out of concern for his new friend. At his behest, we cut the walk short. Arrival back to our friend, I noted, the interior of the car, was intact. Thank goodness - Now it was Cinnamon’s turn to have a relieving stretch and potty break. Collar and leash secured, Cinnamon hesitant, jumped from the back hatch, then she began to once again, show her muscle as we strode across the pavement and began our downhill decent onto the cactus and rock laden floor. To my relief, I spoke a few gentle words to Cinnamon, letting her understand, she must be kind to her new mommy. NO DRAGGING! Cinnamon (Mini), appeared to understand my words, and take heed of them, great. After Nuggy, it was my turn to get some overdue relief. Even though the sign read, NO DOGS ALLOWED - We entered anyway.
Everyone was happy for the break.
Back into the car, I began to get things around for our lite lunch. I opened the box containing the celery with peanut butter for the kids and an apple with cheddar for myself. The celery, and apple were cut into smaller bite size pieces, making it easier to eat while driving. Both, the dogs and I were sated for the time being. We were making excellent time, as I maneuvered the car down the open Hi-way, back home to the ranch. For me, driving, provokes thinking - I was thinking about how everyone; Cinnamon, and all of her soon to be new friends, sisters, and brothers would react and respond upon our arrival to her new digs.
Finally, we were home. The gate in front of the lane that leads to the house, needed to opened and unlocked. I checked the mailbox, it was empty. Obviously my friend was true, or I had not gotten anything since we had left. I believed him to be true. In the car again, we made our way up the lane. Once at the top, I put the car in reverse and backed it into entryway door area. This would make my life easier for the unloading and cleaning that would need to be done. Not to mention, getting the initial introduction of where is home, for Cinnamon accomplished, hopefully in a lesser production.
It worked - Cinnamon, again was hesitant to get out of the car, a now safe and familiar place for her to be. Ever the gentle boy, by jumping out first, Nuggy was lessening her fears by leading the way to where he frequently watered a nearby tree. Still on the leash, Cinnamon followed kindly with her new momma, by her side.
Cinnamon’s introduction into the pool garden, was her first knowledge of that fact that there were cats around here. She seemed to relax a bit, and was no longer acting tense or apprehensive toward being in a new place with different smells and strangers. I offered her a drink, she took a considerable pause to refresh herself. Nuggy had a lick as well, mine would wait. I could see by watching Nugget, he was enamored with this canine beauty. Honestly, I was too. She sniffed everything, including the air. That is when, I believe, she understood there were not only other large animals and tame birds, but that it was going to be the best place ever, to live.
A close to another chapter…