Longtime readers will recall that I adopted my chunky dog, Murphy, through The Bull Terrier Rescue Mission, a group dedicated to finding home for members of this comical, stubborn, oft-misunderstood breed.  They do really remarkable work through a system of volunteers, and really go to great lengths to get these dogs to their new homes.

On Thursday, 14 December 2023, I received a message from the executive director checking in on Murphy.  I hear from him about once or twice a year, so didn’t think much of it.  He then asked if I’d be able to help transport a dog to Eastover, North Carolina, on Saturday, 16 December 2023, as part of the pup’s journey north.  After making sure my schedule was clear, I agreed to lend a hand.

The dog’s name was Mavis, and her ultimate destination was a family in the New Jersey/New York area.  I was the second leg of her journey.  A couple from around Savannah, Georgia, drove a considerable distance and handed her off to me at a Krispy Kreme in Florence, South Carolina (a decidedly sweet and delicious place to pick up a sweet puppy).  My task was then to drive her to Fox’s Pizza Den (naturally, I loved this route) in Eastover, North Carolina, where a young man would continue Mavis along her freedom ride.

I’ve never done this kind of canine transport before, but I was thankful for the opportunity, and that God opened up the door for me to be part of Mavis’s journey home.  Saturday, 16 December 2023 was literally my last free Saturday of the calendar year, so it worked out perfectly.

The day started out a bit rough for yours portly—after a light breakfast, I coughed so hard from a lingering sinus infection that I projectile hurled all over the floor.

Fortunately, that was the most exciting the day got.  After cleaning up the floor, myself, and my dignity, I regained my composure and headed to the rendezvous spot.  I waited about twenty minutes and made the hand-off, smuggling this little bundle of canine joy to North Carolina:

Mavis

Up close and personal

The shark beak!

Enjoying a rawhide

Look at those ears!

A precious angel

Mavis is approximately two-to-three-years old, and very much had puppy energy.  She was all tail wags and leg hugs.  She barked for about five minutes after I got her into the car, but then settled in with a rawhide and was a doll the rest of the trip.

I’m glad I could help get this beautiful little girl home in time for Christmas.