You know why I like church activities? Adventure. But I'm not talking about the obvious adventure a 24 year old single white female endures at Young Single Adult church activities...enter dating misfortune montage here. I'm talking about the adventures that come after the church activity. Down here in San Diego, we go to church activities for the following reasons: the Spirit, blessings, learning, maybe "the one" will just happen to go to your activity that day-sweep you off your feet-and propose in the parking lot on the way home, and RANDOM ADVENTURES.
Spirit+Single Adults+nighttime+a car full of who knows who, blasting who knows what+food run+night drives+good friends+new friends+lots of laughter=constructive chaos.
It was a usual Sunday night. Paisley and I were enjoying the abundance of the CES Fireside at Bishop's house when it was time to hit the road for some fun.
We got to the next street over from where Bishop lives, when we saw something in the road. I flashed on my brights and immediately screeched on my breaks when we realized it was a lost dog.
Nicole Fact 1: I ADORE DOGS
Nicole Fact 2: I like animals more than most people
Nicole Fact 3: My dogs aren't just dogs...they're family.
Nicole Fact 4: My future husband will have to love dogs.
Anyways, so there's Paisley with a look of straight terror on her face as I throw open my car door and jump out to greet the huge husky. Paisley RELAX! I got this. I'm Nicole, The Dog Whisperer. I'm totally legit-I just don't have a TV show. Completely over-rated. And what do you know? The beast comes to me with open arms---paws? He was like K9 Putty in my hands.
I channeled the strength of Zeus and lifted the beast into the backseat of my car, read the address and phone number on his collar, and drove to his house. I admit, he was so cute, I was temped to cut off the the collar, pretend his parents weren't responsible pet owners, and adopt him into the family. But who does that on the way home from a Fireside? Ugh morals. Anyways, we sat in the car for about 45 minutes with no answer from the owner on her cell phone. Really? I'm surprised the door is still standing, the door bell is still ringing, and the phone is still working. I paid a little visit to the neighbors but those snobs were no help at all. The Hummer in the driveway was more inviting. So, not knowing the next course of action to take, I did what any respectable adult does...I called my mommy.
Paisley and my mom tried for the next 20 minutes to convince me that "Husky's are very strong animals, and can take care of themselves, so you should just leave him on the grass in the yard and come home."
DON'T YOU KNOW ME BUT AT ALL?!
Abandoning the beast was not an option. I explained to them that I was too invested now. I wouldn't be able to sleep until I knew he was safe in his home. Paisley rolled her eyes and turned up the music. Mom laughed hysterically and told me to get her a drink on the way home. I looked at Beast and whispered, "Well, it's just the two of us now I guess."
We decided to make the best of the situation, turn up the music, open the sunroof and windows, lay back our chairs and star gaze. Beast was completely asleep at this point.
We were still in my car in the driveway, when we saw eyes staring back at us. There was another Husky on the grass. What the heck? It was a younger one, and it knew it's older brother was in the car, but this one was not so trusting.
The dog rescuer would need to try her tricks of dog whispering and earn the trust of this one. Easy. Done. It's in the bag. A minute later he was licking my hand. Simpleton. All of a sudden we see a bigger, white Husky come running up to the car.
WHERE ARE YOU DOGS COMING FROM?!
Finally the lady calls me back, hysterical. Yes...a dog lover herself...relief. I wasn't the only crazy one. She explained that they must have gotten out of the yard. HA! I KNEW IT! Pshhhh, leave them in the yard...amateurs. She told us they were about five minutes from home and were at her kid's house having a family dinner, so her cell phone was turned off. I asked her about the two new dogs who had appeared, which was followed by a shriek only the dogs could have heard. I told her not to worry, I would go get the other two dogs and shove them in the car as well.
Ivan, the puppy Husky was easy. Scooped him up and put him in the back with his brother.
The white one however, was clearly the nomad and trouble maker of the family. Lets just say that neighborhood is well marked, I got my exercise for the day, and a white husky will not be on my list of dream dogs. She wanted nothing to do with the car.
So I sat with her on the front steps of the house, while Pais stayed in the car with the others.
Finally, the husband and wife pulled up, ran out of the car, put the dogs in the house, and ran out giving us lots of hugs. I have to say, they were the nicest people I've met in a while. We enjoyed conversation in front of their beautiful house, and got to know a little more about each other, and got a couple more hugs while the three Husky's were happily at home.
After a night of chaos, adventure, and a little detective work, I'm left with a puppy play date, new friends, a good story, even more bonding with Pais, a missionary opportunity, and a black car full of white and grey dog hair.
And thus brings another happy ending for the Dog Rescuer and her sidekick.
