August 5 – 10, 2021
This was an unexpected stop on our way to Indiana. Maddie is fine now, but I had a terrible scare at Laurel Branch Campground. I didn’t mention it in my LB update because it was the only blemish during our visit there. This stop was to make sure Maddie was ok before moving on to a new area. She’s fine! 💝
At Laurel Branch, we were walking our usual morning route when a young, very large dog came running up to us, dragging her leash. Her owner wasn’t fast enough to intercede & Maddie was knocked to the ground at least twice. I was yelling for help & the dog’s owner kept saying “It’s ok! She’s friendly!” 🙄 I was kicking at the other dog, while trying not to fall or kick Maddie. 🥺
We had 2 rough days afterwards. I think it was similar to the days after a human falls, when it can hurt worse than the original injury. She was very quiet, very stiff moving & wouldn’t eat. I actually looked up emergency vets in the area. 🥺 She probably got some bruising & sore ribs from it. I thought about it overnight & reported it to Angie, our Camp Host the next morning. I didn’t want the dog to get in trouble because of her irresponsible owner, so I asked her to “quietly” put it on record, in case there was another incident.
I honestly think the dog was just trying to play with Maddie, but the woman was CLUELESS. She dragged her dog over to her camper & I heard her husband say “I told you this would happen again.” THAT’S why I reported it. 😡
As it turned out, Cave Creek Campground was a well-chosen stopover! It’s on the same lake as Laurel Branch, so it was only a 20 minute drive. The Camp Hosts, Rick & Darlene have a sweet little pup named Chloe. Chloe is almost 14, too! I was relieved, knowing they’d be very strict about loose dogs. They also drive around frequently to check on everything, so it was comforting to feel safe there.
While I was checking in, Rick saw my MA license plate & we had a nice conversation about Massachusetts. His previous job of 30+ years involved traveling to the Boston area. He’s a Patriots fan, too, so I knew I’d picked a good place to spend a few days. 😉 He introduced me to a camping couple who were married at the campground in May! 💞
By Monday night, we were the only tent campers left in our area. We were on a fairly main road that almost everyone uses, so I waved as people drove by us. As I was trying to decide what to do about supper, a neighbor walked up with a full bundle of firewood. Patrick & his wife were leaving in the morning & this was extra wood. Five minutes later, he reappeared with all the food in the top photo! They were cleaning out their camper refrigerator & thought I might enjoy it! 🤗 After eating 2 hotdogs & salad, I walked over to thank them again. At that point, they handed me an entire, untouched, fish dinner from a nearby restaurant!
Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus. 🎅❣🤶
Life is good. 💝
My Camp Host, Rick, asked to follow this blog. Rick, I don’t know if you’re “here”, but I want to say thank you to you again. When I arrived at Cave Creek, I was still nervous & upset about Maddie. You made me feel safe & welcome at the campground. It was a last minute decision to stay at Cave Creek, but I’m so glad it worked out for me. It was exactly what I needed before moving on. Thank you & Go Patriots!!! 🏉
Where's Wendy? Livin' in the Edge! 
OMG Wendy! I’m so relieved Maddie is alright. When I teach Responsible Dog Ownership classes, I can’t stress enough that they have to be their dog’s advocate at all times. That phrase “It’s OK, s/he’s friendly…” makes my blood boil when the dog is obviously not under their control. Lazy and stupid people shouldn’t have dogs…
Anyway, the rest of your story brought tears to my eyes too! Safe travels my friend.
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Thanks, Wendy! 🤗
It was horrible. 🥺
Maddie was trying to defend me, so it didn’t help that she wasn’t backing down. She’s still very strong, so I use a 2 dog leash on her for maximum control, when necessary. One clip goes on her collar & the other one attaches to her harness. There’s a handle on the top of her harness, so I can also use that to physically pull her up & away. Luckily, it’s more of a precaution for a situation like this. In this case, the other dog rolled Maddie onto her back, so I couldn’t get a grip on the harness. I still think the other dog was trying to play, but she was probably 25-30 pounds bigger & much younger. It all happened so fast, but I can still hear the woman’s voice “It’s ok. She’s friendly!” I felt like saying “Lady, I’m usually friendly, too, but don’t mess with Maddie!!!” I about lost it when I heard her husband’s reply. 😡
Anyway, the stopover at Cave Creek made me feel a lot better & being the recipient of the kindness of strangers again put me back on track. I felt rested & ready to get back on the road!
💕
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Glad Maddie is ok..we used to go camping when the kids were little and people are so nice in the campgrounds. Life is a lot slower and people have the time to stop and say hi. It’s almost like time stands still. Miss going camping but just LOVE your updates!!
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Thanks, Val! 🤗 You’re right that most campers are laid back & willing to help. It’s been weird because of COVID. I’d normally be a little more outgoing, but I’m doing my best to stay healthy & safe, so I’m waving from a distance. It makes it extra special that people notice us & offer their kindness.
I’m glad you’re taking this journey with us! 💕
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