The Spoiler

Savannah and Tybee Island again!

Last week we hitched another ride with Birch on his work trip to our newest favorite spot. We left on Tuesday with the intention of spending two nights with several trips planned to the beach. This time it was warmer and we came prepared with swimsuits, beach towels, a big blanket and sand toys...





...but on this day that these pictures were made, I got a call from my dear neighbor, Gwen, who takes care of Walter when we are away.

She had slipped in the wet grass the night before while taking him out and had fallen and broken her arm. She has since had surgery and had a plate inserted. Walter, who spooks when you sneeze, tucked tail and ran into the woods. I had visions that in this type of situation he would trot off and fetch help (I grew up watching Lassie, after all), but he hadn't been seen since. Gwen spent the night in the emergency room and all efforts she and her sister had made to retrieve Walter had failed.

So, we returned to our hotel, packed our things and bid an early farewell to our impromptu mini vacation. My only real concern was that the leash was still attached and I was worried he would get caught by it and strangled.

When we arrived home, he was leashless and waiting on the front porch. He looked hungover and tired. He smelled indescribable. Though I'm certain he enjoyed his 24 hour all-out border collie Chariots of Fire run through the woods, he was ready for his supper dish and his bed, even at the high cost of a bath (which, for the record, was a triple wash with a post-bath deodorizing misting). Birch had a man-to-dog talk with him that he was lucky I was his Mama. Birch would have never left the beach to hunt for him. And therefore...

...next time, he has a reservation at the kennel.