Puppies

When does the beginning begin? Northbound, following, or so we thought, The Spring, the heat had, in the space of two days, become intolerable; the "window" of mild weather had closed. Asserting the nomadic prerogative, we made a ninety-degree turn toward The Coast.

Still process-oriented and thinking we might find a camp with an option for swimming, we went up the east side of the Pit River toward what looked, on the map, to be a promising location on Britton Lake.

The road narrowed, grew a central mound bounded by ruts and at a sign at a boat launch we learned the area was "sensitive" and no overnight camping was allowed.

Back at the beginning, we found a campable area but the river and lake were way far away. It was oppressively hot and being still early in the evening, we went on.

The next likely was a campground. Though it *was* the holiday weekend, we thought its remote location might hold some potential. But it was cheek-by-jowl with lots of alcohol and a surreal scene centered around a six-foot diameter target at which a group were whacking golfballs from about 10 feet away.

We eventually located a remote site atop a mountain with a splendid view overlooking a small dam and its lake. Anticipating a quiet evening enjoying the sunset o'er the lake, we began unloading. Suddenly, from the nearby woods, a herd of yapping puppies came bounding toward us with a mixture of aggression and fear. We soon reassured them and spent the next couple of hours meting out portions calculated to not cause vomiting. 

Full Tummies

By the end of breakfast, everyone was feeling rambunctious; we wondered what to do. Phoebe's interior was more easily puppy-proofed and after creating a barrier to make sure they stayed in back we set off to find an animal shelter.

In need of water, we stopped at an RV Park where we were offered the use of a spigot in front of the house next door. After filling my jugs I parked in the street while She-of-the-Capri had her turn. With the back door open, I was petting and scratching behind everyone's ears when two Suburban-esque vehicles came toward. As they neared, I stepped aside and gesticulated toward the puppies. As they pulled alongside I said "Puppies!" He asked "Free?" and when I assented both vehicles came to a stop and disgorged almost a dozen teenagers. 

Within seconds a melee of cuddling and cooing ensued and within minutes the adoptions were complete. Plans for visits to the vet, shots etc. were being bandied about and a general air of magical delight spread its sparkle over the group. 

With numerous "Thank yous," a "This is a blessed day" and a parting "Have a blessed day," we surmised they must've been christians. Had they been cats, we might've had concerns, but dawgs being dawgs, we knew they'd likely not take issue with the childrens' beliefs.

With hearts full and tears of happiness streaming, we sat for a bit, pondering the series of circumstances that brought about this beautiful vignette.