DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — I have developed even more admiration for my buddy, Toby the Puppy, as our monthlong journey through one-third of the United States of America reaches its conclusion.
You know already that he’s a road warrior to the max. I have discovered that he not only loves to travel long distances, but he also maintains enough patience to be loved-on by small children he encounters.
Toby the Puppy and I attended a flag football tonight at Dripping Springs High School. We were there actually to watch my great-niece, Riley, perform as a cheerleader for her middle school team that was playing flag football.
My puppy became a star with the kids in the stands. One little boy, about 5 years of age, asked me if he could pet him; I gave him the OK. He followed Toby the Puppy and me to our seats in the stands.
A little girl, about 2, wanted to pet him, too. Sure thing. Dad was nearby. She was extremely gentle, reminding me a bit of when Toby joined our family and our granddaughter, Emma, was a toddler; Emma loves animals and she handled Toby the Puppy with extreme love and care … which she carries over now that she’s (gulp!) 10 years old.
Our journey ends tomorrow. We shove off from the Hill Country for our house in Collin County. It’s been a marvelous trek for me … for reasons I have detailed already.
The journey that will cover 7,000 miles when it’s all over also filled me with admiration for my companion. Toby the Puppy has helped me along the way in a manner I am trying to figure out.