So Many Firsts In So Little Time

Dear Cubby,

So sorry it has taken so long to get this written up for you, for surely our week away from home was the proudest I have ever been of you!  It's just that it's really hard to write from a sick-bed and that's where Daddy and I have been since we walked in the door, down with the worst colds and infections we've had in years.  But now that I'm at least up and about, let's give this a try!

When I saw The Irish Rovers were to be playing Cranbrook, BC on March 1st, out of habit of planning our vacations around their concerts, we decided to go.  After all, they loved Sophie to pieces and I so wanted them to meet you one day.

In preparation for a trip that long and arduous, we hit some training points especially hard that you might be a little weak in, and did some homework on what we'd need to cross the border and on BC's service dog laws.  But would they apply to us anyway since we're not citizens there?  Lots to think about for sure, and we'd be as careful as we could to avoid any issues up there.

At last our long journey began, first with boarding an airport shuttle bus much like the one that freaked you out several months ago.  No problems there ... since you learned to climb stairs, you're perfectly fine with buses.

As we lifted off out of Phoenix destined for Seattle on your first long-haul flight, we were amazed that you hadn't even the mildest issue.  That little short hop we did to introduce you to flying was one of the best moves we ever made.  Security was a breeze.  You can thank Sophie for helping to work that all down to a science before you came along.

Finally, we reached Seattle where you'd spend your first night in a hotel.  Another airport shuttle bus, a walk in the mist a few blocks away to Denny's for dinner, a quick stop at a mini-mart ... you seemed completely comfortable with all these brand-new experiences!

You had never slept outside of a closed crate all night before, so I wished we had one.  Turned out all I needed to do was lay your mat on the floor and block the exit with an upturned suitcase and you were just fine all night.  Of course you were a pretty tired pooch so, really, what kind of mischief would you have wanted to get into anyway?

The next morning it was back to Sea-Tac airport and on to Montana to see Auntie Ginny and Uncle Doug!  This time we took a small twin prop airplane that was a whole lot noisier and shakier than a jet.  Yeah, you noticed, but it didn't bother you as long as it didn't bother me.  You actually had more room than you did on the big plane, as there was no leg underneath the seats so you got the whole section to curl up under.

Boy were you happy to see Auntie Ginny again, even if it was in totally unfamiliar territory.  Your first encounter with snow as you went for your first walk in Montana was a little more like a walk on the ice since the snow was all melted and refrozen, but we had hope of maybe getting some fresh powder while we were there.  As we loaded up into Ginny's Tahoe you were hit with another first; your place in the vehicle would be a great big Vari-Kennel in the back with a cozy quilt in it.  You looked a bit puzzled by it but, hey, if that's where we wanted you to ride, you were totally fine with it.

What fun we had visiting with Ginny and Doug and their Shepherd girl Angel, although you never really got the opportunity to play and romp with her.  Next time for sure!

Boy, was it cold up there, sub-freezing even in the daytime!  But you didn't act like you even noticed, even walking around frozen grass and icy parking lots.  Taking you out at night or in early morning got a little touchy, having to pay close attention to avoid hidden ice patches.

Sunday morning we all loaded up in the Tahoe and headed to Canada!  According to everything I read, all we'd need to get into the country would be a rabies vaccine certificate, but I was still a little nervous after hearing tales of power-hungry border agents, not to mention the confusing wording of local service dog laws.  We had all we needed, though, and anywhere we went you were welcomed.

I hadn't told any of the Irish Rovers we were coming so they were totally surprised!  Hamish and Jennifer met up with us first and went and got Anne.  What a nice visit we had!  You seemed happy to sit there for pets from time to time, or just to look around at all the brand new sights in the theater.

Then when the came for your very first concert, that got a little more tricky.   We were front row center again and you laid right out and got comfy ... until the music started.  As we were ten feet away from a speaker, the volume often got pretty intense!  I could tell you were uncomfortable so I did the first thing I could think of ... tore a tissue in half, wadded up the pieces, and stuffed them in your ears.  Hey, it worked!!  And you slept through the rest of the concert.  Remind me to start carrying those little round pads in my dog bag just for times like that.

In the 12 of their concerts I've attended over the years I had never heard the band dedicate a song to someone, until that night.  Upon singing Rovers Farewell, George announced, "So this is for you, our fans ... and Wendy and Cubby."  Yeah, I lost it, more so than I usually do at that tear-stirring song.

Hamish asked us to stick around till the very end so he could take pictures.  That gave plenty of time for a lot of hugs and pets from George and the other boys.  Will our paths ever cross again before the Rovers retire for good?  I'd like to think so; George said he hoped they will.  And with Wilcil being ill and absent that night, he hasn't met you yet.  So we'll keep our eyes open for opportunities that might present themselves.

You were one tired boy for the rest of the night in the hotel, and then ... you awoke to your very first snowfall!  Powdery, fluffy flakes falling out of the sky and plenty on the ground to run about in ... and you didn't.  It didn't spark your curiosity, playfulness, or even your interest.  It was just snow; you acted like you had seen it every day of your life.  It was kind-of disappointing, actually; that was one first I had really looked forward to.  Oh, well.  We'll try again next year, someplace where you can run free and play and tumble.

So, back we went over the border to the U.S., preparing to spend another five days with Ginny.  Well, we got only two.  A sore throat and respiratory infection got me started home early.  Good thing too ... by the time I got home it was raging!  So now here you are, lying quietly at home, not understanding why mama can't take you out very often to play ball, or work with you on your 'games'.  You didn't even get to go to the doctor with me yesterday.  But we're working on fixing this thing, Cubbs ... give us a little more time and we'll be back to as normal as we ever were.  And then it'll be back up to Montana to finish our visit with Ginny!