Van Dimpel Monologues: Puppy in Coke Cup Kind of Day

Meet Izalco "Izzy" for Short

Wow. 2011 went out with a bang. Had some highs, had some lows. Made some friends and sadly lost one or two, but today kind of makes me feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is still shining bright. There I was contemplating the worlds problems according to Courtney on my 5.5 hour ride to the Marina and back - wondering why I added a Lewis, Vega, Murphy's Crossing, Carlton and back to Freedom, (Pause because I just had to get a muffin wrapper out of Izalcos little mouth...geesh little sneaker. Don't worry, i'm getting there.) So I was wondering why the hell I added onto the ride. Isn't 4 hours enough? No, it's never enough especially when there is nothing better to do on a sunny day. So, I refilled my water bottles at a fire station (water tasted like rubber hose, awesome) and kept going. Sure enough, I hit a low when I turned onto Freedom. Gu in hand, I put my head down and said to myself "this is where you start putting money in the bank." Whatever that means. Just another Courtneyism I guess. So, i'm feeling like crud, tongue hanging out and everything when out of the corner of my eye I see this little thing move inside of a plastic Coke cup. You know, like a fountain cup. It looked at me, and I looked back at it and then I realized it was a puppy! Shortly there after the words "oh shit" escaped my mouth and I quickly pulled over. The poor little guy, no more than 5 weeks old was hiding in the fountain drink cup. I acted quick, because I knew the little guy was in danger. There were lots of cars driving up and down Freedom and all it would take is a little scare for the pup to run out into the street. As soon as I put my hand out, it bared its teeth, very frightened and scared. I scooped it up, and shoved it in my vest to make the journey home which was about 20 minutes. Wind at both of our faces, we made the trek home. I could feel her shaking against my chest. She was quite as if she knew she was in safe hands. And funny enough, I wasn't that tired any more. I'll have to remember that. Fatigue is such a state of mind.

I acted quickly when I got back to my car. Home, change, grab Cole - my Dalmatian, and off to Pet Smart to get puppy supplies. They close at six because it's New Years Eve. I blew off my plans to party at the Cat's with my uncle and family as I was in operation rescue puppy mode.

Got some food, a crate, some chew toys and of course a new bed for Cole so he wouldn't feel so left out.
Now I'm home and trying to settle in with this little one. She came to life after some food and water and is exploring my place - good thing it's small. I named her after my bike, the Focus Izalco and will probably call her Izzy for short. She's really cute, pretty perky and loves to be held. I think she's part mini dog so she'll be small. Cole really likes her and has been very patient. They are getting a long great, which is awesome because he really wanted a friend.

Happy New Year to you all. And I wish you all the best in the year to come. It's funny how life springs these little tests on you from time to time. It's so very true that everything and everyone come into your life for a reason. Be stoked and embrace those moments when they come, because you never know how long they will last.