We met one year ago today by accident.
Monkey and I were driving home down Interstate 5 after climbing the second highest peak in California - Half Dome. We had reached the peak at 3:14 am that same morning with two other crazy people who were also led by the rush of a night hike. Once we got to the top, we took it all in, tired and cold, with our only light coming from our head lamps and the full moon.
Before we met you, we endured 16 hours of hiking, slept in a campground without a permit, and climbed Half Dome in the middle of the night because we didn't have permits for that either. I even pretended I had a fake, heavy accent as I lied to the park ranger about why we were at the base of half dome at 5 am.
We made it down the trail, picked up our concealed tent and hiking packs from the campground, and after stopping at their restrooms (duty tends to call in the morning for both of us) we set foot for home.
We made it to the car, drove back to the hostel and used their facilities for a good shower.
Back on the road, we split driving times so Monkey drove the first hour, then me, then we switched and pulled over at Chipotle for some grub. (It was Monkey's first time at this fine establishment).
She drove another hour.
Switch.
Driving on the I-5 at dusk, I spot your little black head in the median of the freeway.
I say: "Huh, there is a little dog in the middle of the freeway"
.....
Oh My GOD! There is a little dog in the middle of the freeway!!!!
I pull to the right to exit and begin turning around to get back onto the freeway.
Monkey wakes up and asks, "Where are we hun??? "(Sleepy still).
"There is a dog in the median and I am gonna get it".
We pull off on the shoulder, turn our hazard lights on, and drive slow.
I see you. A black dog, running from the car, terrified. I stop, jump out, and slowly approach you.
You were nervous and shy, trembling.
You were nothing but skin and bones, with a dirty film over your black coat.
I had beef jerky and stale bread left over from the hike.
You came closer and I threw you some scraps.
You ate and then backed away.
We ran out of food and Monkey was still inside the car.
You sniffed me and came closer.
And then I caught you and hoped you wouldn't bite me.
In the car, you laid on top of Monkey and fell asleep the rest of the ride home.
A quick stop at Big Lots, we bought you food, toys, bowls, shampoo, a leash, collar, and poopy bags. At home, I gave you three cycles of wash in the bathtub and watched you fall asleep. Safe.
