Sunday, February 22
Bridget and I step outside each morning to soft light and beach glow at our Salton Sea camp.
The photo (above) was taken yesterday morning. This morning the Sea is a deeper shade of blue. The atmosphere has changed. During the night the wind picked up. I woke up and listened to the shooshing of waves, a gentle sound coming through the open windows.
The birds have moved further up the beach.
I zoom in on them. A squabble occurs when one gull tries to steal the breakfast of another. The egret chooses not to become involved.
I was going to break camp today.
Now that today is here, I don’t feel like moving. I love it here. It’s Sunday anyway. The weekend campers will be heading home and using the dump station at the Salton Sea Rec Area headquarters on their way out. I wouldn’t want to be in their way. At least that’s the excuse I’m using for staying another day.
Some days I have no ambition at all!
Several readers have commented that they have enjoyed this camp very much. If you would like to read about our first visit to the Salton Sea in November 2012, click on this link: “A new camp at the Salton Sea and “Spikey, you didn’t!'”.
That post includes photos of the Visitor Center and beach north of our present camp. The post after that one includes a slideshow with some of my favorite photos of the Salton Sea.
Breaking news!
A few minutes ago I took a break from writing this post in order to check the websites of local animal shelters again. You may not be aware that I have been searching for a new crew member. There have been disappointments.
Just now I came across a dog I’d like to meet who is currently at a shelter within reasonable driving distance from our camp and that shelter is open on Sundays!
I want to leave in a few minutes. I’ll update later today.
Okay. It’s later!
We didn’t get the dog. I’m sorry to disappoint. Here’s what happened.
This morning I see a dog at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter’s website. This dog looks perfect! He’s a Jack Russell terrier, one-and-a-half years old, sturdily built, small, photogenic, mostly white (with reddish-brown spots), and with cute button ears. His name is Dots.
Quickly I send my prepared message to the shelter which describes me and my qualifications. I have discovered that this standard email has a positive effect on shelter personnel.
Anyway . . .
Off Bridget and I go to Palm Springs.
It’s not an easy, quick drive from here. I have to stop for gas and then, in Indio, we become tangled in traffic for the Riverside County Fair which must be a big event around here, given the hordes of people streaming toward the entrance and loud music.
We arrive at the shelter about one hour after it opened.
As one would expect in Palm Springs, it’s a very nice facility.
I’m greeted courteously upon entering. I state that I’d like to look at Dots, the terrier. I’m told that Dots has accumulated a waiting list in the past hour. My heart sinks. The man sees my disappointment and very earnestly offers encouragement.
“The people on the list are in the Counseling Room right now. We don’t always choose the first person on the list. In other words, we choose the best applicant — the best fit — for the dog.”
“I’d like to see Dots first, if I may.”
“Sure! And you know? We’re having a special today. Dogs are only $10 to adopt and that includes shots, spay/neuter, and . . . ” (I’m not sure but I think he said micro-chipped, too. Quite a deal! Which explains the rush of adopters today.)
We enter a room with several pens, each holding one or two dogs.
Most of the dogs are barking. Dots is in a pen with another terrier, a bigger, wire-haired type. I’m led outside to the courtyard and Dots is placed in my arms. Gee, he’s a lot smaller than I expected. Mild mannered. Bright eyes. Healthy coat. He responds to my talk. Okay, so far, so good.
I place him on the ground to look him over.
He walks around sniffing the ground. Oh no! That’s a deal-breaker! I definitely do not want to adopt Dots.
He has the long body of a dachshund and his back is curved upward at midsection. He may be okay for a few years, but that back is going to give him problems. Oh, well. He will find a home for sure. Not with us though.
(I don’t take any photos of him because he keeps turning away and I don’t want to make him any more nervous than he already is.)
As Dots is returned to his pen, I take another look at the wire-haired terrier.
His name is Oscar.
Oscar has a lot going for him. He’s young, good-looking, and isn’t acting like a maniac. I’m not sure about him though so I don’t ask him to be let out into the courtyard.
I’m escorted out of the room which has a door that is kept locked for added security. I let the staff know that I’m no longer interested in Dots.
I wander back for another look at Oscar.
I take a few photos of him through the interior window glass by the door. Here he is again. That’s Dots in the background.
Oscar is a wonderful, young dog.
Several years ago I had a dog similar to him and that dog was great. However, I can tell I’m forcing myself to choose him because I don’t want to leave the shelter empty-handed.
I try to imagine him with Bridget and living with us in the BLT. He’s too big. Try as I might, I can’t make him any smaller. He’s just too big.
The sign on his cage says Oscar is a stray and cannot be adopted until two days from now.
He’s being held for the usual period of time in order to give his owners time to claim him. I walk up the hall, go past the cat house, and out the door.
Poor Bridget has been waiting out in the PTV. Darn. Another disappointment. Oh well, I tried. We’ll find him someday.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Hope today’s search brings happiness to you, Miss B, and a lonely bachelor pup. Have a wonderful day.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed! 🙂
YAY!!!
Wow, am I actually in first place today!
Good luck, hope you find the right one this time.
I’m glad you didn’t move today, by staying you might actually meet the new crew member. I hope today turns out to be THE day.
Hi Sue,
I have loved this camp also. Bird life is so cool. I am keeping my fingers crossed on a new crew member. I will be checking in!!
Just love the photo’s. Good luck at the shelter, we have our fingers crossed!
Oh wow!
Well… I am not going to get over excited but… sending up good thoughts for you, my friend. Very important decisions today.
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Oh you tease! OK glued to my screen now for the rest of the day. 🙂
Such a beautiful site. I wouldn’t want to move either…and the chance to meet a new crew member, oh yes. Fabulous!
So excited! Fingers crossed.
I think the title of the last post, ‘Spanish songs of passion at the Disneyland of laundromats’, is the perfect book title….if you ever write a book about your travels. It would entice me, for sure.
So, for the first day in many days, I’m off work and feeling decent! Don’t know what to do with myself, but thinking I want to get out and about. I wish I knew Tucson better. I’ve been sick so much I haven’t explored. So I’ll do a bit of Internet research and head out to see something!
Hope everyone is having a great day. And of course I’m waiting for Sue’s update!
Desert Ginger, I didn’t go see too many things when I was in Tucson, but I have a favorite. Saguaro National Park, either unit.
Thanks! Yes it’s beautiful.
Oooooo, how very exciting. I really like how you are taking your time finding the right fit for your new crew member. Very wise. Good luck at the shelter!
The purple sunrise photo with the lawn chair is one of your best….it’s no wonder you are not ready to move on yet.
Best of luck in your search for a furry companion!
Good of you to take your time to find the right crew member. As always love the photos!
Wishing you GOOD LUCK today !!!
Hope it’s a good day for a new rider. Beautiful pics as always.
This Blog needs the Male touch. LOL!
So exciting, the possibility of a new family member. That’s probably why I have four! Sometimes the anticipation is almost as much fun as the actual event. Enjoy the process and know that our thoughts are with you on this search. Whoever finds their home with you will be one fortunate critter!!
Hope this is the one who’s meant to join your furever family.
Fingers and toes crossed!
We searched for two years visiting a couple of local animal control facilities and a humane society but we found a dog that was a “fit” with our existing dog. We got a 2nd female, older, that was left in a yard when someone moved, crate-trained, leash-trained and housebroken – worth the wait! We have had her almost 3 years now. Taking your time and not being pressured is the way to go. You will find that perfect fit when it is right. We ran into facilities that wanted to do the selecting and choosing for us, I like the old-fashioned way – magic!
We are all anxiously waiting for an update!! Love the bird pictures, but you know that. Praying you will find the perfect crew member!
Looking forward to that update. 🙂
Oh, how exciting! 🙂
I’m not getting my hopes up but…..who knows, maybe. It will happen we all know that but the when is the question. I’ll be checking in later to see but knowing our Sue she will tease us anyhow.
Waiting….. Waiting…… Waiting…… Waiting….. Waiting….. Waiting…… Waiting !!!!
I need a “like” button for this Geri! lol
Jolene, I agree with you!
Kay from KC!
Still waiting…. Waiting…. Waiting
Sure hope Sue comes home with a mile wide grin on her face and some furball bouncing up and down on the passenger seat!
Lovely photos!
I could “hear” the urgency in your writing…..stay tuned folks!
Wonderful Sue! May this be a perfect fit! hugs
Oh, good luck at the shelter!! Paws crossed!
I’m praying that you find your new companion today! Keep us posted, how exciting.
The right one will find you, you must be patient (yes, it’s hard to do).
Hoping today is the day. Hugs if it is. Hugs if it is not.
This place is SO beautiful! I am loving the photos – the prettiest sunset photos ever on the other post and the top photo is gorgeous. I would so love to see all those birds, too. Hoping you find a good match for you and Bridget today!
Woo hoo!
Okay, I am waiting somewhat patiently for your next post. I hope your on that path to having a new Rattie love in you life!
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!!
And that’s not so easy for this not so flexible lady to do
Pretty exciting! I’ve been on Petfinders trying to spot the furry friend that caught your eye. We’re headed to Salton Sea after we spend some time in the Sonoran Desert.
Exciting…….and we also are waiting for good news!
THANKS EVERYONE! I won’t be replying to individual comments. I hope you understand. We just arrived home. I have photos to edit and then I’ll quickly write a blog post and change the title. Sorry to make you wait! 🙂
Thanks! That’s the posting I was waiting for.
Sue,
This posting has it all!
Those wonderful sunrises and sunsets, the bird gatherings, that glorious seascape and then…drum roll…the hurried ride to meet up with a possible new Crewmate! I tell you girl, you have us on pins waiting for your latest news, it’s enough to give us all blue-faces while waiting to exhale! Boy, I could just feel you getting Miss Bridge ready in her black suit and you rushing out to the PTV for the ride to the shelter!
Here’s hoping your blessings of the day come to you in the form of a new Rattie rascal!
WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!
HAPPY DANCE, HAPPY DANCE 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sigh….Now I can relax and wait for pictures!
Kay from KC!
Waiting…. Waiting…. Waiting…. !!!
We are Prayin’, Sue
Waiting not-so-patiently for news and pics!
You will find the right one – hugs
Ditto. Hugs.
Disappointed of course. But you will know the right one when you meet him. Just trust your heart.
And I’ve come to know that you have a great heart.
Soooooo, having said that.
I know you don’t pay attention to such things but tonight is Oscar night…………Just sayin’ 🙂
Seriously though only you know what’s best for you and Bridget. But I can only imagine how hard this might be becoming for you. As always know you are loved.
Sue, you will know when it’s right!! We’re disappointed for you too. How much too big is Oscar? My 4 range in size from 7.5 lbs to 12 lbs. They all do pretty well together. I think temperament is probably more important than a few pounds especially with the lifestyle you have. When I met my Midgy, she jumped right up into my Roadtrek, checked it out a bit and then went directly into the kennel (where the furkids travel when I’m driving) and laid down and looked at me like “ok, I’m ready, lets go”. No doubt she was meant to come with us. Not a thing has changed my mind about that in the almost 1 1/2 years since I got her from the rescue in New Mexico.
Oh well…that’s the way it goes, sometimes.
When my daughter and soon-to-be SIL went to look at a dog, several years ago, they ended up adopting a different one. And he wasn’t even supposed to be at that particular adoption event that day. The shelter owner (who wasn’t at the event) ended up calling them later that day giving them the 3rd degree. We surmised from her behavior on the phone that he would have never made it to ANY adoption event. She was really kinda looney about it. Fortunately, it all worked out, and they still have the dog. Honestly he wouldn’t have made it any other home, anyway. It just goes to show you…they pick you…not the other way around.
I am curious as to why an Palm Springs shelter would be having such a push to get animals adopted. I would think in Palm Springs people would be beating down their doors to adopt.
One of those things that makes you go….Hmmmm
Sue,
So sorry to hear that Dots was a no-go. He sure is a cutie-pie with that spark of attitude, but future health problems are a real world concern and you are wise to take that into account. Dots will find his forever home elsewhere, wishing him a long and happy life with as few a back problems as possible for him. Chin up. A warm dinner and a renewing rest is on the menu for you and Bridge tonight. Sleep well, you gave it your best today!
Who knows, maybe the cute pictures of Oscar will inspire one of your readers to go to that shelter in two more days and adopt him. He’s very cute and either his family or the right home is out there waiting.
Sue and the Divine Miss B,
Although we are all disappointed for you, we are glad you made the right decision. Whenever you find the right Divine Miss or the Regal Mr. you will know. We all care about you or you wouldn’t have so many of us holding our breath and checking your site so often. Hugs!
Kay from KC!
Ah shucks, we were Prayin’ real hard, maybe next time, but those are great photos Sue, Give HRH Bridget a Big Hug. ,,,,,us
Although you may be a bit discouraged…everything happens for a reason!
Searching for Mr Right…may take awhile! Hell … a friend of mine has been searching for a human Mr Right for 30 years! She finally broke down and got a male golden retriever!
Just when you least expect it…..your paths will cross!
Whoa, that’s so funny! She’s in the “more-I-learn-about-men-more-I-love-my-dog” category! Sorry Mick ‘n TN, it’s just a t-shirt slogan!
Many times it turns out to be the “man’s best friend”.
Who ever you choose to come in to your life, will have one hell of an experience
. The life that only the luckiest of dogs get to experience.
That greeter man seemed nice. Did you ask if HE was available ? 🙂 😮 😉
The perfect companion will be coming along soon. Mine did yesterday! I have been casually looking for a small female dog for awhile. Yesterday, I went to pet smart with my 2 young grandsons to look at the rescue dogs, and there was Tula, small,friendly, and looking at me with an expression that said “What took you so long?” I actually left, went home and zoomed back asap and adopted her. She is sitting next to me on the couch and we are cuddled up.
Loved your pictures, so beautiful!
Congratulations Willow!
🙂
Bless you both!
Yay Willow!! A happy ending. Congratulations to you and Tula.
I am happy for you both Willow!!! I hope she will live many many years!!!
Congratulations, Willow! I am so happy for you!! 🙂
Awesome!
Yay!
Tula got a forever home!
Thank you everyone for your kind words… I read them to Tula
🙂 SMILE 🙂
So happy for you Willow and Tula! Thank you for adopting!
You are a smart BRAVE woman, Sue!
Thinking with your BRAIN as well as your heart!!!
Tough to do! I’m proud of you (not sure I could do it!)
Your new canine crew member is out there – you’ll know when you meet him!!
I know you will pick the perfect mate……good luck!!
chuck
I’m not disappointed because I believe thing happen for a reason. You’ll get you doggie. When the time is right. Meanwhile Willow got her new pal so the world is ok. Hang in there Missy…
Sleep well Sue and Bridget. ..all in good time..we love you
Hi Sue,
Just saw this newscast regarding the 191 dogs rescued from the hoarder in San Bernandino County. They are being adopted from several shelters in the San Bernandino area starting at 10:00am tomorrow morning, if you are interested.
https://screen.yahoo.com/dog-adoptions-set-monday-013000985.html
I like Oscar! 🙂
Aw, shucks, Sue….Mr Just Right (not too small, not too big) will be found soon! Love to you and Bridget from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
I’m just confused about the ground sniffing thing. Even a not perfect physical specimum could turn out to be an amazing dog.
Dave, I don’t think it has anything to do with the sniffing. It’s just that while Dots was sniffing Sue noticed the “long body of a dachshund” and recognized potential health problems.
Sue, as others have said, the right crew member will be found and better to wait and get a good fit for you and Miss B.
The dog named Dots has a severe curvature of his spine.
While the “cuteness” has a tendency to tug at ones heart. Good call! Doxees are prone to back problems.
You never ever just settled for “something” whether it be campsite or whathaveyous in the past. This is no exception.
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Come another hour and a quarter west to the devore shelter! They just got nearly 200 dogs in from a puppy mill and they have to place the dogs they have asap.
Also, if you get an intact male, they will send him to the vet of their choice to be neutered. You pick them up from the vet.
Good luck!
Oh how I wish you were anywhere near here in Mexico. Almost daily I see dogs that are small terrier types and they sure would love the life you and Bridget lead.
GOOD MORNING!
Today we reach the 14-day limit of our stay at Corvina Beach Campground. Thank you, Barbara and Kathy, for the alert regarding the many dogs rescued from a hoarder. I can’t take advantage of the situation because I have to move camp today. Thanks also to all who wrote kind messages of encouragement.
Driving on six-lane Interstate 10 yesterday, being cut off relentlessly by little sports cars and tail-gated by semis going 70+ mph reminded me of the perils of city-interstate driving. The wind gusts and flying dust were a hazard,too!
The Devore Shelter is in San Bernadino. I’m not going to drive into that mess, and I don’t want to reserve a spot in any city campgrounds or RV parks. I hate passing up this opportunity to have a large selection of dogs to choose from. So near and yet so far!
The wind was strong all night long and the sky at the moment is ominous. Still some wind that I’m trying to figure out — Will it calm down or pick up as the day progresses? Sorry about the dogs. I’m sure you understand that finding a place to live and safe travel to get there is more important than searching for a dog today.
Reminder… If you don’t hear from me, it may be because our new camp has little or no internet signal.
At the moment the only canine traveler’s story I wanted to hear about was Bridget’s 🙂 And of course that of her chauffeur.Hope the winds are only at your back and what you find in today’s search is a camp you both enjoy.
🙂
Ditto!
Once again, Weather, your words spoke volumes…and conveyed what so many of us are thinking! 🙂
Good morning, Sue,
Love and warm wishes are being sent your way for safe travel and clear, calm skies. Hugs to you and Bridget from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to leave this beautiful place. That first photo would keep me there for a while! I hope you continue taking your time to find the best possible crew member. It’s a commitment of years so I agree with your decision to wait for the right candidate. For your sake, though, I hope you find him soon.
While “empty handed” is still empty, I think it’s much easier when the choice is ours 🙂 Making those tough decisions now will save lots of problems later on. Besides, if you settle now then your real crew member might never meet you! Happy and safe travels.
Keep looking. The perfect pup for you is out there. Our shelter dog chose us. He’s got some nervous ticks but for the most part, a really good boy. We have had him for 4 years now and is believed to be 7 years old. The only dog we actually picked is our oldest Corgi. He’ll be 8 this May. We are aware of the back issues and he’s started chattering his teeth in the last month; a sign of pain. We took him to the vet and they gave him meds to dull the pain. The other Corgi, a son of a friend of mine, gave him to us. He’s a good fit. We’ve had him 2 years now.
You will find a perfect for you and Bridget a new crew member soon. I keep my fingers and toes crossed.
Sue, your previous post inspired me to make a camp fire yesterday. With dark clouds coming in it was an ideal time for warm inviting flames.
Good Morning Sue, all that is on today’s agenda is that you travel safe and find a nice camp…love to you and Bridget.
Good for you RV Sue, for not letting your heart override your head! I lost my Ziva, early in December. She was a German Shepherd and my walking buddy. We have two 13 pound rat terriers too. They are both in their early teens. Ziva was a puppy when we got her. I don’t want to raise another puppy. Bringing an adult dog in could be pretty tricky with the two littler dogs, so I have resisted the temptations.
I look at local shelters online now and then too and even stopped to take a peek on an adoption day at a local big box pet store. I found myself thinking “Oh, we could work any issues out, couldn’t we?” Then I realize that it would be a lot kinder to wait till the two little dogs are gone, as well as our two teenage cats. Then I could look at the senior dogs that so few want to adopt.
Anyway, good for you for resisting. I know it is hard to have that hole in your heart still, but just like me, in time, the right dog will come along…sooner OR later. 🙂
Your furry face is waiting for you somewhere! He will be just perfect and we will all be happy to meet him!
RVSue and Bridget Too
Do what you need to do right now, find another wonderful place to stay in your journey. As much as we all want the two of you to be three we will just have to cool our jets until it is meant to be. Please keep finding neat places where you can step out in the morning with your coffee in your jammies for those of us living in our thermal underwear. Keep the fantastic pictures that look like paintings coming. Your eye keeps getting better all the time and we get the benefit of that Thanks for taking us along, it’s a wonderful trip.
BeWell,
JazzLover
I’m currently traveling with a gal who just went through an extensive dog search. It’s hard to find the right one – but when the magic happens (and, of course, you know it will), you know you’ve got a keeper. She didn’t get the one she went to look at, but the keeper was there and before too long into the visit to the rescue, I could see the magic happening. He’s a super little dog.
Save travels Sue & Bridget.
Being in your living situation, and with Bridget to consider as well, I think you chose best too, Sue. It can take awhile to find just the right situation in any part of life.
Your experience driving is about what happens here most days!! Saturday before dusk we almost were toast. Not going to drive that intersection anymore. But though it would not have been our fault…the insane driver would have hit MY DOOR!! I did yell. Hubby did yank the wheel the right direction, without my saying what to do or him seeing the idiot coming at us at a high rate of speed. I am so glad we are ok!! Providential!!
Wow. what an experience. thank you for sharing this with us as it helps all of us interested in rescue dogs. Hard to turn away but it is a many year commitment so I applaud your discrimination.
Blessings for finding the right pooch.
Kent (we met two times, new mexico and Alabama hills)
I remember you, Kent! Good to see you here. . . .