What do dogs, health food and beer have in common?
A day in the outside world with son and youngest grandgirl. (Two more grandgirls are also expected here this week).
Dogs, Dogs, Dogs
Knowing how much Bill and I wish for a four-legged friend, our son and grandgirl took us on a dog search at PetSmart in Waynesboro, Virginia. Every Saturday from 10AM to 2:00PM various foster people bring available rescue dogs there for open air viewing and visitations.
How exciting and sometimes sad it was to meet and greet all the homeless canines available. Many were being adopted quickly and of course I fell in love with one.
“Paddy” is a big dog in a 20 pound body – an Aussie/Sheltie mix with the most intelligent adorable face. He seemed as calm as could be in the face of maniacal barking all around him and sat by my feet allowing me to stroke his sweet head.
Even so, I was advised that Australian Shepherds are extremely high energy and difficult and I took the handler at her word. The message was that Paddy needs a young family to take him home and of course he was snatched up immediately.
I still have regrets and miss Paddy even though I only knew him for a few minutes. I hope he is happy in his new digs.
Healthy Eating?
Next Stop: The Cheese Shop in Stuart’s Draft, Virginia. This is where you can get old fashioned candies (healthy?), magnificent cheeses, and all sorts of nuts, jams, jellies, and spices!
The Cheese Shop has been on my favorites list for over 20 years and it just keeps getting better as well as more and more expensive than it was way back then. We wound up with peanut butter pretzel pillows, several varieties of candies like caramel creams, chocolate covered coffee beans, elderberry jam, beef sticks, muenster and farmer cheese, and more!
Bound for Beer
Next was the Devil’s Backbone Outpost for dinner.
It’s a brewery just north of Lexington, Virginia that has recently opened a “kitchen” in addition to their well established beer bar/tap room. A great big dining area was bustling when we arrived and there was even musical entertainment brought in from Lynchburg, Virginia.
We wound up sitting outside with a stellar view of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, delicious evening of beer tasting, happy talk and uniquely tasty grub.
It was a grand day.
And even though we returned home with no dog to cuddle, I am grateful for a grand family, good times, and all that candy on my “no/no” list.
Sounds like a truly wonderful day 😃. Any dog will be lucky to be adopted into your family, and I know you will find the perfect new friend very soon! I will keep my fingers crossed 🤞.
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Living in your rural area, a pup would have a lot of room for exercise. My friend has an Australian shepherd and it likes exercise but isn’t like a Jack Russel. I’m sure you could have handled the pup but sometimes when fosters see older people they make judgments. If you were in a retirement community without yard it would be another story. Hope he got a good home. Maybe next time for you!
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Maybe you need a 5+ year old dog that has grown past the high energy stage. It must have been fun at least to look!
Don’t eat too much of that ‘health food’ now – pace yourself! 😉
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Um, you had me at caramel creams…I love those things. Sounds like you had a wonderful outing with your family, even if you didn’t bring a rescue doggie home with you.
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Sounds wonderful Dora especially with your family. You will find that special dog eventually, or should I say that special dog will find you. It sounds like you are ready. Loved the photo of your lovely slim ankle on your last post.
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You were right to pass on the pup. They are very high maintenance and I’m sure he will be in heaven with kids around. Still tough though.
You candy picture made my mouth water!
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Oh my, I love chocolate covered coffee beans, Dor! They seem to help me get the words on the page faster…plus they’re delish! Aw… you’ll find the right dog that’s perfect for you and Bill.
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Just the words I want to hear! Thank you my friend.
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Right you are Kate. In fact, I had told the handler we were looking for a calm dog – not high maintenance – so she went on and on about how her experiences with the Aussie breed were horrible and took years to calm them down.
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Exactly right Eliza! I think Paddy was only two years old so maybe it was not a match made to be. Will try to stay away from the ‘health food” and that’s a good idea too. 🙂
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It really was a beautiful day that just came together without any real planning. I love the caramel creams too and the chocolate covered coffee beans!
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Thank you Rita and for all your Twitter likes too. I so appreciate it and you are very kind. Also, I think I am ready for that perfect dog since I find myself watching the sides of the roads for strays and watching old Lassie Come Home movies! I will head back to the adoption event too and check out our local pound.
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Ahh! Confirmation. Thanks Al for taking some of the heat off (self imposed). I have been lamenting the fact that I wasn’t brave enough to take on the high energy dog, “Paddy.” And if the candy pic made your mouth water, just think how I feel having the stuff in the house! 🙂
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I will eat those choc covered coffee beans ’til I’m sick! Never thought of employing them to help me write. 🙂 You can be sure I will be blogging rapidly if we ever do find the right dog, and thanks for your positive thinking!
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My friend’s dog isn’t high maintenance although it will change a groundhog!
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What a lovely day out you had with your son and grandgirl! Don’t we suspend the rules when on a family outing??? I hope you find your new four-footed family member soon.
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Sounds like my idea of a perfect day. Except not getting the doggie part. Next time the right one will be there.
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YOU’RE GETTING A DOG???? OMG the Joys!! I love this post, need a love button 🙂 The right pooch will find you … he or she may be older, still up for a walk but doesn’t need to dig up a yard … content to sit by you and sleep on your feet, lean in for a hug and a scratch.
I LOVE THIS POST!!
and candy – nom nom nom 🙂
MJ
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It was a fun day for sure Anne….. and thanks for your sweet wishes that we find a new 4 legged addition to the family. 🙂
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I hope you are right Andrew – that it will be “next time” when I will instantly recognize the right pup/person match.
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And I LOVE YOUR REPLY MJ!! You may be as excited as I am about getting close to adding a pooch to the family. I can’t wait to get back out there to continue the search. 🙂
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that sounds like a fantastic day out with those you love. The puppy petting was definitely a bonus.
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It was a grand day for sure! 🙂
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We love our collie pooch and thought this summer we were going to lose him, but minus the stress of the grandkids and starting to make his food ourselves, he seems to be turning a corner. We had an Australian shepherd who was a wonderful pet. He lived 18 years and was not a hyper sort.
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Aha! Another dog lover. Now I am even sadder I didn’t take Paddy home. It must be true that Australian Shepherds can also be calm and easy going. Sounds like you had a great one. I am not surprised your collie is making a rebound too with your hand making his food and all. Kudos.
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LOVE!! Happy Tails are a-wagging in anticipation LOL – MJ
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