Getting Winston...

So, after a day and a half of rest from the Alaska trip, plus a presentation to the Lions Club on my trip to Alaska, I hopped into my Elantra with a suitcase for me, a suitcase for Winston and a plastic tub with dog food, bowls, treats and toys.

I knew I was going to be more tired than I should be for a long trip and since Pikeville, KY was a good nine hours without any stops, so I made reservations in West Virginia for Friday night and then Sunday night at a Red Roof Inn, my motel of choice when I travel with a dog.  They are plentiful around the country, they are relatively inexpensive (although they are revamping all of their facilities, so I am seeing prices going up) and they do not charge anything extra to have your dog in the room.

So I drove to the Red Roof Inn on Friday night.  I got into the room and crashed.  I was, indeed, tired.  The next morning I got up and hit the local Walmart.  I got some food stuff for me so that on the trip home I would not have to go out and find some fast food to bring back to the room.  I also found some interesting alcoholic beverages that I cannot find in Pennslyvania as alcohol can only be sold in beer distributors or State Liquor stores.  Then I took a leisurely drive to Pikeville.  I could not check in until after 3:00 PM and JJ, Winston's foster dad was at a couple of events and would not be available to meet with me so I could see Winston and he could determine if I was a suitable adoptive Mom in person.

I was raised in Kentucky.  This might surprise many people.  I had never been in the area of Pikeville.  It is deep in the Appalachian Mountains.  Back in the day, their main industry was coal mining.  While mines are closing with the nation using less and less plus the government gets involved in the operations of mine more and more, there is still a fair amount of mining in various areas.  JJ actually works doing coal mine design, so it must not be a completely dead industry.  But the mountains are beautiful and the little towns quaint.

JJ called and we arranged to meet in the early evening, so I had dinner at a wonderful Mexican Restaurant just a few stores up from the motel.  Then I headed over to the city park to meet JJ and Winston.

It started out as a lovely evening, but by the time JJ was to arrive, a thunderstorm had begun, so we ended up taking refuse in a parking structure across from the park where we could stay dry but give me a chance to met Winston.  I am sure that most people would be shacked that I would meet a man that I did not know in a parking garage, but JJ and I had been on the phone for several hours before I ever began the drive, so I had no worries, myself.

JJ was a very nice gentleman.  He, obviously, is kind since her cares enough to rescue dogs from high-kill shelters and foster them and then find new homes.  But on top of that, he has just started quilting and loves it.  So we also had our love of fabric and quilting/crafting to talk about.

Winston was adorable.  He was confused, but who would blame him.  He had no idea who I was or why I was there.  He did sit at my feet and let me pet him, but if JJ walked away, Winston's eyes would follow wherever JJ was.  But his face was every bit as cute as the picture.  His silky, poodle-like fur was jet black and very shiny.  His black eyes sparkle and he is bouncy and yet very laid back.  He is about 5 to 6 years old, so he is outgrowing the puppy stage..... he is perfect.  So after several hours in the garage, we agreed to meet the next morning in the garage and make the transfer.  Poor Winston was once again going to have his world turned upside down.