This post may seem a little out of sequence, considering I have yet to finish the All about Fall post from two years ago …..yes, I’m a little slow in writing!

Our latest adventure with Lola was a short camping trip. I had two days off together and we decided to go to a local campground, close to home.

We had always talked about taking Lola on a short camping trip, just to see how she would do. This time, we had decided against it. When we got to the local campsite, there were electrical issues. Great campground, just hookups were not working. David decided to come home, the thirty minute ride, to get an adaptor, to see if this would work. I got a message from my neighbor, Nancy, asking if we had Lola. She said that both garage doors were down. We always left one open about a foot for Lola to go outside. I responded to her, saying that ” I bet David has her”. When he got back to the camp an hour or so later, out jumps Lola from the truck. He said’ she looked so sad when I was leaving, I decided to bring her ” We are so glad he did! Most if not all campgrounds require your pet to be on a leash, of course, we had hers. I had it tied to the grill leg, she had a warm blanket to lay on as well as all her treats and food. Camping certainly was something she loved to do. We never knew! She watched everything around her. She met several friends of the human variety, took long walks through the park, walked near the water, through the playground and also enjoyed the sunrise. Overall, I would say, she was adapted to this life, she could learn to love it and we would love to travel with Lola more.

During this short trip, I read a book a neighbor, Jean gave us as a wedding gift. While laying in my hammock, I giggled a lot that morning into evening. The next day, David asked, ” what is so funny ? ” I told him it was the book Dear Bob and Sue, adventures of a married couple traveling the National Parks and writing their friends emails about their adventures. Matt and Karen had a terrific way of describing their visits to the parks, adventures and people they encountered. Along the way giving reviews about places they stayed, best parks etc. I continued reading almost the entire book aloud on that trip, David enjoyed it too.

At night, she slept on the table that turns into a single, bed, not once making a noise or moving. In the early am, when I would look over at her, she was enjoying the sunrise, surveying all of the campground she could see from her view. I do not think she wanted to leave the campground, neither did we!

I can’t tell you the rest of the adventures, without first telling you how we came to acquire Lola.

We first met Lola on November 29, 2017. I was looking to buy a house after staying with my mom, I had been divorced and needed my own place. I knew David and I would be together at some point, so he visited. He and I both had looked at numerous houses online. We decided to see the house on Paradise Lane. We arrived and running up to us was a big black dog. Now what? Is it friendly? Will it greet us in a neighborly fashion? We waited until our realtor arrived. She assured us, Lola was friendly. It’s necessary I tell you this, to explain our house we were about to purchase. We looked at no others, this felt like home. Inspection was done, closing was set for February. Some small repairs needed done and I being a retail manager, needed the extra time to close. The owners were accommodating to all of these things.

Now, you’re probably still asking yourself, but, Lola had a home. Yes, she did. Johnny and Lillian Sivley had lived in this house quite some time. We later found out neighbor Nancy had lived here before them. Small world right? But, here is where Lola comes into the story. I had heard from the realtor that the Sivleys were looking to rehome Lola. Being an older couple, they were looking to downsize. I started asking around if anyone knew someone who might take in this sweet dog. I was certain I could not, I was going to be alone until David was able to move to Alabama. I was not sure at all that I could take on a dog with my work schedule. It had been nearly fourteen years since I had owned a dog and was currently sharing custody with two cats Cosmo and Miss Daisy with my ex husband. Yep, sharing. We had worked out a plan.

I had told the Sivleys where I worked and one day, Johnny Sivley paid me a visit. I was still at Academy Sports and Outdoors . He saw me near the front of the store and came over to reintroduce himself. We talked briefly about the house I would be moving into soon. Then he asked if I might take Lola, he said he had been praying about it. I told him I would consider it. I talked to David on the phone and it took a couple days to come to the decision, but, Lola would remain in her home she had known since she was a puppy. She would adopt us and us her.

Mrs Sivley had emailed me some regarding the house and Lola.

From her emails

” Would you like for her to stay with you.  She is so easy.  Just had shots updated this week. Electronic collar.  Always stays in yard. You would love her and she would you,  So gentle.  ”

” Patty, Lola is almost 4. The shots last for a year.  We will be glad to pay for a hair cut when the weather turns warm.  My husband suggests that you might consider keeping her a month or two and have the option of changing your mind. I hate giving her up, but I know she would be happy with you here.  Thank you for working with him this morning on the issues.  Leaving the dog is harder than leaving the house.  Thanks again Lillian “

“Lola would make a good watch dog.  She will bark if someone strange comes around at night.  Lillian”

“Hope you are well.  We would like to get Lola a haircut one day next week.  Is this ok with you?  We will need to make an appointment. Johnny will pick her up and return her. Thanks , Lillian “

” Soon as I have appointment will let you know.  Will have records sent next week from Dr. Bryan on Strafford road. I miss her. Thanks Lillian “

More emails ” Thanks.  I noticed the  bandanna. Lola seems very content and happy.  We are so glad.” ” Picture made my day. I had records sent to your vet.   
Everything up to date until Feb next year.  Thanks, Lillian ” “ We miss her a lot, but we know that being with you is the best thing for her.  Thank you again for taking her and loving her.  We might drop by soon and see her.  Lillian ”

They continued to drop by often their visits were encouraged by us both. I continued to send photos of Lola’s car rides and burger treats.

It wasn’t too much later, a few weeks maybe, that we discovered Lola had a relationship with our mail carrier. I was getting many things delivered from just moving into a new house. We noticed she would walk out the driveway, as far as her perimeter collar would allow. She would hear Barbara’s jeep , then see her pass by , turn around on the cul-de-sac and approach our driveway. Barbara would call her and give Lola a treat. We never thought such a simple ritual would become so endearing and a daily delight. Both for us and especially for Barbara.

Lola would go out just as she knew Barbara was coming to our house next, even if it was raining. She would get her treat, on special days if there was a delivery of a box, Lola got petted and followed Barbara to our door. When she was thrown a treat and retrieved it, she would then turn around and look through the front window, as if to say ” see, I got my treat ” Lola knew when it was mail days , even on Saturday and Sunday, she would not look for Barbara. Now, I am not saying Lola knew her days of the week, but, she knew Barbara’s jeep. All three of them! She never would expect a treat from replacement drivers. It was always a funny and sweet sight to see their interaction.

Slowly, we saw how much Lola meant to others. The Fedex guy who said to David one day..” this looks the the same dog who was here before” it was, and he heard the story of our adoption. The utility worker who came to read our meter and stay to pet her. A family down the street who would walk with the five kids, children running up to Lola and us not knowing how she might react. They hollered ” Lola!! ” They knew her and she knew them, and rolled on the ground with them. Our neighbors Richard and Nancy who loved Lola so much, she would watch Nancy work in the yard, bark at anyone strange who would walk by and bark for Nancy to give her a treat. Nancy always did.

A few weeks after moving in to the new house, I wanted a birthday/housewarming party. David had decided to come down from North Carolina ( still not living here yet ) to cook for the party. There were probably a dozen or so friends here, David had never met. And they had never met Lola. Calley and Cody, Celia and Garrett, Hope, Paula, Tina, Carrie and Mechel and a couple more. We had a great time, There were some leftovers for everyone to share, plated were fixed and left on the table.Celia and Garret stayed a little while as the guys talked firearms. As soon as those two were ready to leave, they wondered where their plate had gone. Evidence of a Lola attack was soon found by the driveway. Yep, jalapeno poppers, pulled pork and tater skins, she loved it all. What were we thinking? I had not thought about it at all, we learned quickly not to do that ever again. Celia and Calley along with husbands were about to become pet-sitters as we travelled. They sent the cutest messages about their visits. By this time, I would have the cats more often and later got them permanently. Lola loved her visits from these friends. I always knew if Lola was dognapped, where she would be!!

LOLA TELLS HER STORY

When I heard my birth parents had to move, I was scared. I did not know who would live with me. Could I stay here? Would they love me? Would they play golf ball fetch with me? So many questions. When I met them I tried to be as well behaved as I could be and listen to Dad. I was really cute and playful. I liked them when I first me Patty and David. They decided to buy my house, and I was still wondering if I was staying. The best news is when Mom and Dad told me I had new parents if I wanted and I could stay in my home, my same home I lived in since I was a puppy. It was the only home I knew, I knew the neighbors, the delivery people, this was gonna be PAWSOME!! I was so happy! I let them move in and helped them all I could to make sure they would love it here.

I never told Mommy and Daddy I loved to go for car rides. My birth Daddy Johnny would take me out sometimes. They wanted to take me on one. First, just to see how I would do. I loved it! I sat in the front seat like a good girl. If you said ” get in the back ” I did, some times I wanted to drive….I was an experienced driver!

I am such a good girl, that I deserved a treat. I got used to going out on beautiful days, maybe a walk to the river or to a local park. I love parks! Always well behaved and looking to get petted by any small child. I never wanted to get into the car, there were so many times after visiting a park, all these new smells, seeing people and other dogs who may or not have been as lucky as me. I just want to ride with the wind in my hair!!

When Mommy took me out to dinner, I knew when we were at McDonald’s drive thru , their burgers are the best. Cheeseburger please!

This became somewhat of a ritual and I never would try to get the bag of burgers

So many visits to parks I can not count. I just wanted to be outdoors and with my people. I loves to go down slides with mom and sit to watch sunsets. Parks are the best mom, when can we go again? I love having fun!

I think I loved this place the most. Clarkson Covered Bridge is a beautiful park about 30 minutes from home. I walked freely most of the visits and quickly came when called. I really didn’t mind a leash and walked really obediently on one, I preferred my freedom though. Fall was a beautiful time for this trip, though, I am sure I would have enjoyed it any day.

I love it when Bella visits Mommy and Daddy!! She is my best buddy and we play really good together , I look forward to this little girl visiting. We would run and play, I listened to Bella. I would follow her to the rope swing and sit quietly by and Bella swung from the big rope swing her uncle David put up the first spring here. We were friends from the beginning.

When Bella came to visit one time, there was a really large dog in a fence in the back yard. I did not know what it was, but, I wanted to play with it since Bella was. I listened really good to Bella when she told me to stay. She said it was not a dog but a horse. I dunno, but, he was so big!! His name was Wiley and she got to ride him! I hope she doesn’t try to ride me!

There was always a lot of action going on in the kitchen when Mommy and Daddy were both home. They liked to cook all kinds of yummy food. Daddy would let me hang out with him in the garage while he used the grill. I would make sure if anything fell or dripped I was there to clean it up fast. He would make me crispy ham pieces on there too. They are so good!! Sometimes I would look in from the back deck or just sit by the kitchen door, peeking in if they opened either, taking a chance on coming inside, I can try!

I discovered hanging out here was the best way to get treats, I would sometimes tell mommy that daddy didn’t give me a treat, what dog wouldn’t lie to get another treat!!

I discovered after a few months there were two furry smaller animals living inside the big house. They looked strange to me. They always seemed to be looking out the back door if the sun was shining. I loved the sun too! Maybe we can be friends….it took a little longer than I though, but, they tolerate me. The little grey cat seems to tolerate me , but, the weird big cat seems to have an attitude. Trying to work on her with my cuteness though. I tried to steal her blue toy, she did not care for that at all!

I started doing this weird thing in the following spring. I had my dog house in the garage, but, when it got nice, I wanted too see what was going on outside, but, still stay warm. Mom and Dad leave the garage door up so I can go out to potty and discover. I started dragging my dog bed to the door so I could be comfy yet still see everything and guard the driveway. It worked!

I always get a little nervous when a storm is coming. I started to just hang out behind mom’s car in the garage. Then, I discovered if I hit the kitchen door or forced my way in, they would let me stay. I felt safer that way. At first, I would go in the laundry room and steal the food from the spoiled cats, they were already fat. I got in trouble and if I stayed in all the night, the cats might starve, I doubt that! I was scolded not to do it, and I learned not to eat their food. I would lay in the bathroom or by the big bed and stay away from the noise. One time, me and the grey cat Cosmo collided in the hall trying to escape the loud noises from the storm. Dad thought it was really funny!

Cosmo and I kind of became friends after big attitude cat passed away Aug 1 of this year. I guess he was lonely and scared so they let me come in some nights when we would all watch tv together. I liked that so much!

Bath time was never something I was quite sure I wanted to happen, I would do it of course, because, I am a good girl! I liked the pool the best and this last October, Aunt Terra gave me a nice bath before Mom and Dads wedding. So I would be all fluffy and smell good! I always got a pretty bandana to wear, it made me feel special and beautiful! My aunt Marie got these smell good things just for good dogs, so of course, I got some! Mom likes to spray it on and bathe me in the Best Bud Suds to make me clean and shiny.

The best time spent together is when Mom and Dad are outside. They like to sit out back on the deck and listen to birds and watch the critters. I sit up there too and keep them safe. Its’ so quiet and peaceful, I can understand why they enjoy it so much too. I will give them lots of kisses and if they move their hand I will nudge them to make the petting start again, it usually works good. Mom likes to get in her hammock to relax and drink her red drink, she calls it wine. I can’t have any. I love this time together with them. They love me so much.

They love me so much they get me toys, purple is my favorite color to play with. I protect them when they squeak. Sometimes I hide them in the bushes so they are safe from being squeezed. Here I am with my purple friends.

At Christmas time, they are especially good to me and the furry cats. We get stockings! They are filled with toys and treats. YUMMY!

They even let me dress up in a funny hat and walk around the house. They cats laughed at me and said they were too good to do that, I should have been embarrassed , it made mommy happy so I did it. I was cute of course.

One time when Daddy was gone to see his parents, Mommy and I went to look at Christmas lights, they were so pretty. I had her all to myself.

When Daddy and I had days off, we had special things we did together. When he would mow the grass, I would chase the lawnmower. I loved when we played together. Sometimes, he would let me ride in the pull behind trailer for a fun time.

I would help him with stuff, like cleaning up the garage, licking up ham juice and moving his grilling tools to the yard. It was a fun game for me and then he would find them. We had fun.

One time, before he moved here forever, I sat on one of his totes to keep him from leaving. He came back though . I missed him a lot. I always ran to him when he would come home, sometimes when he left I would bark at him to come back.

There were so many of Mommy and Daddy’s friends who took good care of me and the furry cats. My friend Calley and her husband Cody, Celia and her husband Garrett and my friend Hope. She joined in this year watching us while Mommy and Daddy travelled. They love to go pretty places, they show me all of the pictures, some of funny looking animals. I miss them when they are gone, but, my friends love us enough til they get home.

We had a lot of excitement this October when Mommy and Daddy got married. We had family come to visit . Aunt Terra and Aunt Becky, a new man called Pastor John and one night lots of people sat around our bonfire. I became friends with all of them. My Aunt Terra gave me a really good bath and brushed me, I was so fluffy and pretty and ready for my big performance. On Sunday, I got play dress up with my friend Bella. I had a big necklace and a fancy collar and leash. I was told to listen to Bella that I would get treats from people. I did so good and they all loved me. I was a star!! I saw so many people I knew too! They are my friends, I met some new friends too!

This year on Halloween, we had lots of fun. I watched everyone make funny faces on pumpkins. I tried to steal the seeds but they wouldn’t let me. We listened to music and had lots of fun.

Aunt Terra dressed me up on Friday, I let her do it, she said it would be lots of fun. We were going to surprise Daddy and my friend Barbara . I looked super cute and knew, I wanted to run to see my friend. She was so excited to see me in my postal uniform.

Mom and Dad love Fall O Ween too. They put Halloween and Fall together.They love to decorate. They put lots of stuff out on my front porch. Sometimes they scare me ,but, mostly we get along. Here I am with some of my skeleton friends.

It was just me, Mommy and Daddy after all the people left the house. They took me on a camping trip not too long ago. I always wanted to go. This time, they let me go camping! Daddy forgot or needed something and took me to camp to see Mommy! She was excited as I was. Her hammock was there too!

I was so excited to see what they do there. Before they would camp, I would help them pack . I liked to go up the steps of the camper to see what Mommy was doing.

She would always take food in there and not give me any, unless there was bacon!

My birth Mom and Dad the Sivleys came to see me the day before Turkey day and gave me a big bone. It was delicious. I always know it’s them when they come to visit. I am so glad they let these nice people stay in their house.

On what people call Turkey day, mom was busy cooking. Dad had did a big bird on the grill. I knew something big was happening. Mommy gave me a hardboiled egg to eat. I took it outside like a big treat , I do this with all my big treats. Mommy and Daddy loaded up all kinds of food into their car. Was I going? They told me no. I sure did try though and followed them and sat where I normally do after they leave.

I always wanted to take care of Mommy and Daddy. I think I do a really good job, and for that, I get treats.

I sat there after they left and let out a bark telling them I loved them. They always tell me when they leave. Mommy and me have a special goodbye every time she leaves. She takes a treat out, and I do a bow. I used to just sit or lay down, She taught me how to bow. I do it without her saying a word. Then I taught Bella how to make me do it.

Turkey day, Daddy came back home. Was he getting me? No, he forgot his phone, I got to say goodbye again though. That’s the last time I saw Mommy or Daddy. I couldn’t tell them I was sick, I didn’t know either. I had fun all day with them, getting treats and playing. I saw my friend Cosmo too when I snuck inside to the kitchen. I hope they will be okay without me. Who will take care of them? Who will clean the kitchen floor? I hope they can teach Cosmo how to clean up after them in the kitchen.

Thursday November 26th.

We got home about 730. Lola did not run to the car as usual. We both saw her laying on the driveway by the garage door. It was too late. It was a difficult and angry night. What could have happened to this full of life beautiful creature? We had so many questions and feelings. I called Dr Steve Osborne asking to bring her in Friday morning for an autopsy. David took her the next morning. We were both too distraught and distracted to work. The day was full of tears and emotion. We wanted answers. Dr O called later that day and told David it was an odd thing that happens sometimes with dogs. Her stomach had flipped and caused obstruction. Lola did not know she was sick and never acted like she was. Nothing was out of the ordinary.

Saturday Nov 28

David picked Lola up from the vet Saturday am. He had dug a grave for her on Friday , next to the one he did for Miss Daisy on August 1st. They would be next to each other. I gathered her purple toys and her favorite treats to put with her. I could not go down there, I really tried. Cosmo and I watched from the dining room window as David buried our girl. Watching this man, my husband be on his knees as he carefully placed her toys and treats was more than I could handle. Cosmo and I had watched from the same spot just a few months before as he buried Daisy. I went to work later that day, David was going to be home alone. David went to tell Mr and Mrs Sivley about Lola. We had kept in touch with them, sending photos and they would visit Lola, they saw here on Nov 25th.

David cleaned off the back deck of leaves because they had piled high and a quick glance looked like a dog there. Any noise in the garage we think it’s her.

Sunday Nov 29

It was my turn to be home alone. It was a sad day as David was working. I could not go outside. Going to the garage made me cry. It was setting in that there was no longer going to be a Lola greeting me at the door. I stayed inside, and today, finally ate some soup. Neither of us had eaten since Thursday.

Monday Nov 30th

I worked today, and was visited my the Sivleys. They hugged me as they saw me. They really appreciated David coming to tell them about Lola. They shared some stories about Lola’s dog mom who had crossed the rainbow bridge on Tuesday. They talked about Lola as a puppy. They said ” you two were able to do so many more things with Lola than we could ” I told them, they gave us a gift when we got Lola. They said, ” no, you did by keeping her. ” Johnny said he was sure Lola went to heaven. When she was in the tearing up of things puppy stage, one morning he got up to find his Bible shredded. Yep, Lola did it!

Monday night, we decided to go see my mom and tell her about Lola. It was so hard, David had to start the conversation. It was days before I could really talk about it. I asked my niece how to tell Bella. She said she did and Bella was extremely sad. They were good friends. We wanted something easy for dinner. And in the tradition of Lola, we decided on Mcdonald’s hamburgers.

These last twelve days have been so lonely. Lola will not be at the door waiting on her treat in the morning. There is no joy in getting the mail from Barbara, or looking out the front window watching Lola walk out to greet her, then turning toward us as if to say ” see me ? ” We told Barbara on Tuesday . We are donating Lola’s treats to her so she can make other dogs happy! She so looked forward to seeing Lola.

There’s no big nose pushing your hand to pet her or have her lick you incessantly. Being outside is not the same. Sitting out on the deck to watch the sunset….tonight, I waited to see her run up the steps, she always paused at the corner of the house until she spotted us, then ran to see us up on the deck. There is no friendly happy dog greeting either of us when we get home. David brought in the Christmas decorations only to realize Lola wasn’t following the mower and trailer. The garage doors are both now closed as if no one is home. There is no black dog looking in from the back deck, waiting to come in and watch tv. When it storms, there is no Lola hitting the door waiting to come inside. I can no longer pick up her purple squeaky toy, squeak it and have her run to take it from me, thinking she is saving it. My morning routine with her is absent.

It has taken me twelve days to get to this point. Daily there are tears and memories that flood through us. I had to tell Lola’s story. I had to write this in hopes of getting through the sadness and moving forward. She deserved more than a note that she had passed away. Anyone that knew her, would understand completely. Lola made us better, you could see so much joy in her every day.

Anyone who has ever loved a dog understands that a love of a dog is one that is different than any other. We had both had pets both cats and dogs. They were all special on their own. This Lola, this fluffy dog , lovable, fetching and licking dog grabbed hold of us from the beginning. She took us in and let us be a part of her life. She did not know it was us she was giving to by being here. Lola did her job well taking care of us, our 2 years 8 1/2 months together was one long adventure. One that will be treasured FUREVER.