Nightmare
It all started innocently enough. On Monday, the 13th (my birthday) I was perusing the websites of the breeder that Sam & Pip came from. I’m not sure any more why I was even doing it. In any case, I saw the photo of an adorable, 11 month old, Shih-poo pup (girl) and fell in love right away just from the picture! Pat also was smitten right away when I showed her. We decided we could handle another pup in the house (need our heads examined). Voila! A birthday present! We contacted Scott, the breeder, and found out she was still available. Arrangements were made for me to check her out the next day.
So, Tuesday, I made the 3 hour drive with Sam and Pip — after all, they would need to approve her as well. I got a late start from Rochester, arriving at the breeders about 4:00 in the afternoon. I got out of the car — Scott took Pip while I started getting Sam out of the car. Scott walked towards his puppy kennels, set Pip on the ground so he could open the door… and Pip took off like the hounds of the Baskervilles were hot on his tail! I was quickly regretting keeping him in such good shape as he bounded across a large bean field with us following as quick as we could. Then, he disappeared into an 80 acre corn field!
No amount of calling would bring him back. We searched and searched, called and called until darkness fell. Even after dark, Scott brought a searchlight out while I drove up and down the highway looking for a sign of him.
I stayed overnight at Scott’s house and we resumed the search at first light on Wednesday. Still no Pip. Very reluctantly, I headed for home at about noon. Scott notified all the neighbors, the police, sherrif departments in 2 counties and local vets. We got a lot of eyes looking out for the little pup.
When I arrived home, Pat insisted that she wanted to go back with me on Thursday, thinking that he might respond to her voice. Considering her current condition, I wasn’t happy about the request but I also understood why she wanted to go. So, we got up early and made the long drive back, arriving at sunrise. A day’s worth of driving, walking, searching, calling still didn’t bring our lost pup back.
In the meantime, we did meet the pup that was the reason we went in the first place. Her picture didn’t come close to doing her justice. All 3 of us approved so we did bring her home last night. She takes the edge off Pip’s absence but we’re still holding out hope that we’ll eventually get Pip back too.
I’m planning to head back tomorrow with a bunch of flyers in hand to distribute throughout the area. And do some more searching and calling. I really hope this nightmare can have a good ending.
In other news….
1) I tested negative for giardia but took the antibiotics anyway. Within a day or two of starting them, I felt much better. Not sure if it was the antibiotics or if the ailment just ran its course. In any case, I’m doing well.
2) Sam’s still doing well. I managed to get most of his pills down him using the cheese method. A couple didn’t make it though.
3) Pat is continuing to improve slowly. She has a nurse coming in twice a week to help her change drssings, etc. She’s being reassured that she’s progressing well — which is going a long ways to relieve her stress and fears.