I am a light packer and try not to take more than I think I will need . Winnie Lew ’ s packing — that ’ s a different matter . We plan for everything that she could possibly need . At Thanksgiving , we made the 5-hour trip home . I think the five hours in the car was matched only by the five hours it took to pack . Her highness ’ packing list included but was not limited to her bowls ( she won ’ t eat out of just anything ), food ( with appropriate toppings to promote kibble consumption ), assorted treats ( everyone needs variety in their life ), a weighted blanket ( in case of a thunderstorm ), a raincoat ( in case of a rainstorm ), a travel water bottle ( which actually is kind of cool ), and her favorite toys ( the hedgehogs , the Yeti , the moose , and the lamb ), Pepto-Bismol and Benadryl tablets ( and a jar of smooth peanut butter to make the pills go down in case either are needed ). The packing list changes seasonally , but these are the must-haves whether we are traveling for a week or a weekend .
Once the items are packed and in the car , it is time to get going . One last potty break and we are on the road . Winnie Lew jumps into her car seat on the passenger side and lets me strap the seatbelt to her harness . I made the mistake of not strapping her in only one time . She tried to jump out of the window to go after a squirrel . Winnie Lew lost her freedom at that point . I roll the car window down , crank up the podcast , and our journey begins . For the first two-and-a-half hours , we drive mostly on twolane roads and encounter several stop signs . The window must be rolled down again at each stop so that Winnie Lew can get her bearings . We do this even when it rains , although for a much shorter time . As we reach Tuscaloosa , we make our obligatory stop at Chick-fil-A where we get the nugget combo meal that we share for lunch . After lunch and further down the road , traffic has slowed a bit . Winnie Lew and I both spot a young woman outside her car , crying and talking on a cell phone . It is only then that I see the dog lying further off the road . I don ’ t know if she hit the dog or if she has found her lost pet . We only go a bit further when I get the nagging feeling that regardless of what happened , I couldn ’ t leave her there by herself . We turn the car around , but by the time we return , a young man is already there comforting her — perhaps her boyfriend . I made the decision to turn back around and continue . I still see the scene in my mind .
When we get to the interstate , Winnie Lew falls asleep and is out for the duration until right before we arrive at my parents ’ home . My mother loves all animals , but especially dogs . My parents no longer have a dog of their own and they miss the companionship . Mom is now in a wheelchair and her thoughts aren ’ t always linear . But when she gets confused or agitated , all I have to do is talk about Winnie Lew and she is right back in the conversation . Mom often seems more excited about Winnie Lew visiting than me . I know the week will be filled with my mother feeding Winne Lew things she shouldn ’ t have ( hence the need for Pepto Bismol ). I dutifully remind my copilot that her one responsibility is to love on her grandmother early and often . We arrive and my dad starts to help me unpack the car . Winnie Lew ’ s job is to entertain my mother until the task is finished , and she is up for it . Mom has worn her favorite socks — the ones featuring Winnie Lew ’ s face — for the occasion .
As we enter the house , Winnie Lew bounds straight for my mother , her tail wagging furiously . Mom ’ s face lights up , her eyes sparkling with joy as she reaches out to pet Winnie Lew ’ s . “ There ’ s my girl ! The girl with the softest fur !” she exclaims , her voice filled with genuine delight . Winnie Lew , ever the charmer , jumps in Mom ’ s lap and starts licking her face .
Dad and I continue unpacking the car , bringing in our bags and Winnie Lew ’ s extensive collection of necessities . I can hear Mom chattering away to Winnie Lew in the living room , telling her all about the new bird feeder Dad installed on the patio and how the squirrels have been trying to outsmart it .
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