Journey… Part 3

So once again, we were up early to load and take off. More of the same… gas, bathroom, fast food.

However, around 10:30 (8:30 Pacific), my parents received a distressing phone call from my brother Mike. Today would be our beloved Bailey Rose’s last day on Earth. She given to me for my 8th grade graduation (which makes her about 14 years old), and has had a string of health problems for several years now. We knew she was in her last days, but didn’t think the end would come quite so soon. My poor brother was left with the devastating task of taking her to the vet to be put to sleep. He fed her a few hotdogs, spent lots of time loving her up, and stayed with her till the very end. She feel asleep peacefully, tail wagging. Our relief with being on the last leg of our very long trip was mixed with the extreme sadness of losing a loved one. She will be very fondly remembered as a loving, loyal companion to anyone who greeted her (especially if they shared their food with her!). RIP Bailey Rose!

Today, thankfully, was our shortest travel day, and we were relieved to make it to our final destination before dinner. Despite a little swelling in my ankles (from lots of sitting and not enough liquid), I really feel great tonight. I guess my relief is rubbing off on the pups because they were immediately comfortable in our hotel room, and even ate some dinner. Toby is currently snoring away at Daddy’s feet on the bed, and Nikki has let down her guard. We ordered pizza (no more drive-thrus!), and finally have the opportunity to get a really good night’s sleep… yay!

Tomorrow morning at 8:30, we get to do a quick walk-through of our new home, and then it’s off to the closing table to sign the final papers and get the keys. Then the fun begins… unloading and setting up our new place. I’m excited for this part… and I can’t wait to see how the dogs react to such a big backyard.