This story is a perfect example:
In 2011, I knocked on my new neighbor's door, to invite her to a jewelry show at my house. We had never met, so I knew it was a long shot, but I wanted to extend some neighborly love. To my surprise, she ended up coming over, and we became instant friends. Natalie soon introduced me to her husband, Logan, and informed me that they were pregnant with their first baby. Then, I had the pleasure of meeting their sweet lab.
Meet Cab!
Hey Buddy!
I'm a big time dog lover, and I instantly fell in love with this 120 lb. ball of energy. I mean, he was massive and when he jumped up, he was as tall as I am...and I freaking LOVED IT! Anytime Natalie and Logan had to go out of town, I would look forward to taking care of this good boy.
Unfortunately, earlier this year, they told me they were going to have to find a new home for Cab. They were traveling too much, and with the new baby, they weren't able to give him the time and attention that he needed. So I immediately started brainstorming about who I knew, that could give this sweet big dog the perfect new home. I don't know why I felt the need to take part in this transition, but I just did. I loved him like he was my own dog for crying out loud!
After running it by Justin, (and truly considering taking him!), we decided a third dog would just be too much in our house. Over the next month or so, there were multiple people who were interested, however when they saw how big he was and how much energy he had, they decided against it.
One day I was taking care of Cab and I was on the phone with my mom, who lives in Nashville, TN. I have definitely developed my love of animals through her. She has had labs pretty much since I was a little girl, as well as any other dogs and cats that wonder onto their 5 acre property. She lives on a quiet street in a historic home, on what used to be a horse farm. You can literally feel her love for these animals, and if I was a dog and happened to walk by this place...I would quickly want to make it my home too. Her last lab passed away over a year ago, and a new one hadn't come across her path yet. Until now. The conversation went like this:
"Mom, I'm taking care of this sweet lab, and I'm so sad because the owners have to find him a new home. But, I've been thinking, and I really feel like the reason he hasn't found a new home yet is because he is YOUR dog. I really feel like you two are meant for each other."
(Mom laughing) "Really? He sounds so sweet! I just don't know how I would be able to get him here."
"If you want this guy, I will drive Cab to Tennessee to bring him home to you."
"Ok, well, let me think about it."
At that point I hung up and said a prayer. I don't know why, but I knew from the bottom of my heart, that Cab was my mom's dog. I just had to hope that my step-dad would be on board with the decision.
About 10 min. later, she called me back. She told me that as soon as we got off the phone she started to tell my step dad the story about Cab. She never said that I mentioned that he should come live in TN, nor that I had offered to drive him to them. When she was finished, my step-dad looked at her and said,
"Lisa, that's our dog. That dog belongs here with us. You tell Tavia that if she can get him here, we will buy her a plane ticket home."
I started crying I was so excited and I immediately started planning when and how I was going to make the 13 hour drive from TX to TN with a massive, 120 lb. lab.
It actually worked out perfectly. I rented a car for the day my sisters were scheduled to leave TX. We were going to put Kathryn on the plane, and Jacqueline had decided to make the road trip with me. I was pumped!
So when the day came, we loaded the car, Natalie said her good byes to Cab, and we headed on our way! (I could tell that Justin was sad to see Cab go too, and part of me thought he was going to say cancel the whole thing...we are keeping that dog!)
On the Road!
He spent the majority of the trip with his front paws and head on the center console. Sweet guy!
I enjoyed passing the time, singing and chatting with Jacqueline, and Cab. He would constantly put his nose on the console, or his paw on Jacqueline's shoulder. He had no idea what was going on, but he was happy to be with us :)
Two days and 920 miles later, we finally arrived! There was enough dog hair in the back seat to build a puppy, and my butt was killing me...But when he jumped out of that car, and started running around the property, it was all worth it!
When my mom and Cab met, it was pretty much love at first sight and Cab was HOME!!!
Hey Y'all!
Playing Fetch
Best Friends
Doggie Heaven
The kittens LOVED him!
All American Boy
Cab now spends his days running, swimming in the creek, playing in the hose with my step-dad, cuddling with kittens, playing fetch, and going on 2 mile long walks a day. He lost 12 lbs the first month that he was with my mom because he was getting so much exercise, and I'm pretty sure he is the happiest dog in the world. Mission Accomplished!!!
So Happy!
Thank you Lord, for bringing Cab into our lives, Natalie and Logan, for giving him to my mom, Jacqueline for making the road trip with me, and thank you Mom, for giving him the perfect new home.
Now that's what I call a Happy Ending!
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