Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “—amble.” Add letters to the beginning of “-amble” to make another word or use it as is in your post. Enjoy!
I used to have a cat named, Ramble. She was the first animal my son lived with. One of his first words was what he called her, trying to mimic her meow. It sounded like, “avoo?” He called Ramble, “Avoo.” That was thirty something years ago. Longer ago than that, when I was five years old, my dad had a yellow Rambler. It was the first car I remember. Seems like it was a station wagon. I’m guessing a 1958 Rambler.
Rambling is common in the stream of consciousness. That’s what makes it fun. You never know where you’ll end up. Rambling is something I enjoy in the woods or on a walk through the neighborhood. Rambling is not what Marley did on his ten-minute escape, unless you can ramble fast. He did not have a plan that I’m aware of but saw the opportunity to slip through the door past my daughter in law on his first trip to the mountains.
Marley took off down the road at top speed. If I wasn’t so terrified, it would be cool to watch him run. I was terrified because he was 300 miles from home and had NO COLLAR on! I’d given him a break from the e collar. From now on, I will never have a dog collarless away from home. Dogs need to have ID if there’s any chance they might get outside. Like being scared of the fireworks. Lots of dogs get lost during fireworks and thunderstorms.
I don’t recall ever praying so hard as when Marley escaped, though I probably did when my kids were teenagers. As I followed him with the car, trying to keep up with him, Marley ignored my calls. I prayed, “GOD, I NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER! PLEASE HELP ME!” It was intense to say the least. When almost to the main road, Marley turned on to a side road in the quiet neighborhood. I caught up with him at the top of a hill when he stopped to pee. Opening the driver’s door, I said, “Marley! Let’s go home!” He got right in and got stuck under the steering wheel/dash, so I had to move the seat back for him to climb to the back. (I had not wanted to take the time to open the back door.) Then we went to pick up David who was at the bottom of the hill – having set out on foot he’d walked up a previous hill to point me in the direction Marley had run.
My heart is beating fast just remembering this event. There’s always a lesson or two to learn.
- Always keep a collar with I.D. on a dog if there is ANY chance he or she can get out, especially away from home.
- Always let host families know if you have a hyper, escape prone dog.
- There’s no place like home.
- Oh, and I have been thinking if a dog escapes, it might be better to pass him in the car and stop ahead of him to offer a ride. That way, he doesn’t feel like you’re chasing him. (Just a theory.)
Good news besides being home safe is that Marley can see Mama Cat through the pet gate and stay in “PLACE” (with supervision) without going crazy.
Friday evening, on the way to the mountains, the clouds looked like castle mountains:
Saturday:







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For more Streams of Consciousness, rules, and more, ramble on over to Linda’s blog by clicking HERE.
July 2, 2022 at 10:15 am
I wrote about my dad’s rambler, too. 🥰 I love your photos, but the story – wow that must have been frightening worrying about Marley.. I guess it symbolizes how much we all treasure our freedoms.
July 2, 2022 at 10:26 am
Thanks for understanding, Maggie. Marley does love his freedom. His previous owner did not have a fenced in yard but lived in a rural area and said he would escape and be gone for days. I guess he’s had quite an adjustment to make. I look forward to reading your post!
July 2, 2022 at 1:44 pm
OH dear, dogs can be so naughty. I’m glad you got Marley back fairly easily.
July 2, 2022 at 6:12 pm
He can be a wild child outside. Looking back, it was fairly easy to get him back, but we were frantic thinking of what might happen.
July 2, 2022 at 2:03 pm
What a scare! So glad that it all ended well. In the photo of Marley looking pleased with himself, I notice that his back leg is poised for another fast getaway 🙂 Beautiful photos. Your granddaughter looks like a fairy.
July 2, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Thank you, Rosaliene. I noticed that back leg, too. When he’s outside, he’s ready for anything. My granddaughter will be very pleased with your compliment. She loves fairies and unicorns.
July 2, 2022 at 6:42 pm
I can only imagine how your heart was in your mouth so to speak JoAnna.. Its a big worry especially near heavy traffic . Marley looking pleased with himself and not knowing all the worry or fuss he caused… Great to SEE you and your family along your Ramble JoAnna ❤
July 2, 2022 at 8:38 pm
Thank you for your understanding, Sue. My biggest worry was that he was away from “home.” I really believe my prayers were heard, and I’m so grateful. Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂 ❤
July 3, 2022 at 2:49 am
I’m certain your prayers were heard JoAnna .. and will continue to be. 💖💕💖
July 2, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Beautiful photos and that was rather terrifying but Marley looks pleased 😀
July 13, 2022 at 8:54 pm
Yes! It was terrifying. But, thankfully, it worked out.
July 3, 2022 at 4:36 am
I had a runner before. He would take off at a moments notice. Annie stays close to wherever I am. I let her come out with me when I am working out front. She never leaves the yard.
July 13, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Maybe someday I’ll have a dog who likes staying close. That would be nice. But for now, I’m trying to be extra vigilant.
July 3, 2022 at 4:55 am
I agree, he didn’t ramble. I like the gallery
July 13, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Thanks, Derrick. I’m glad you like the gallery since you are so good at them.
July 14, 2022 at 12:57 am
And thank you, JoAnna
July 3, 2022 at 7:33 am
Thank you for sharing your adventure and photos!!… I have seen that happen a number of times with hunting dogs, especially those that are kenneled… what we did was put them on a long leash and walk with them for a period of time in the beginning, let them blow of steam before turning them loose… life is a learning process and everyone has more learning to do… 🙂
Until we meet again..
May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
Brightened by a song
in your heart,
And warmed by the smiles
of people you love.
(Irish Saying)
July 13, 2022 at 9:09 pm
We did have a long leash but used the shorter one more. Marley has a lot of steam. 🙂 Thank you for the sweet blessing!