Now, where were we before our royal interruption? Ah, yes, the great puppy road trip. After Queen Margaret’s magical visit to the farm, it was time for the humans, the pups, and all the luggage of chaos to hit the road.
Picture this: September 10th, bright and early, the humans load up the puppy parade and — get this — they rented a Chrysler minivan. Not just any van, mind you. This one was a magician on wheels. The seats folded down into the floor, and poof! You had yourself a giant puppy playpen slash human cuddle bed. (Apparently, it also doubled as a nap cave for the two-leggers who snuck back there between pit stops. Don’t think I didn’t hear about the drool stains, Humans.
Of course, Krystin couldn’t resist squeezing in three dental stops along the way. So between horse teeth and highway miles, the pups got little breaks from all the newness. Joan says it was like traveling in a rolling carnival — naps, chew toys, snacks, and occasional whining (“Are we there yet?”).
Margaret’s Goodbye in Roanoke
After about 12 hours in the car, it was Margaret’s turn. Joan told me Margaret’s new home was like checking into a doggy resort. Big yard, comfy house, a dog buddy named Oden, and a cat named Benji. Joan wasn’t convinced about Benji, though… said he gave Margaret the kind of side-eye that screamed, “Sleep with one eye open, pup, Oden’s mine.” Classic cat drama.
But here’s the part that floored me: Joan overheard Krystin telling Chris how hard it was to watch the two sisters in that moment. Nose to nose, eyes locked, they weren’t just pups anymore — they were star-crossed sisters in their final act. If pigs believed in Shakespearean tragedy, this was it. Their silent conversation said everything: “I love you. Be brave. Goodbye.” And knowing they would never see each other again cracked Krystin’s heart wide open like an overripe watermelon dropped from the hayloft.
Joan’s Long Ride to Dallas
Then it was back on the road. Chris and Krystin swapped turns behind the wheel, while Joan racked up 20 hours of snuggles during her marathon 31-hour ride. (That’s a championship-level cuddle record, folks. Somebody get this pup a medal.)
Finally, they arrived at Joan’s new farm near Dallas. A nice lady and her baby girl were waiting. And get this… the baby opened her arms and beamed like Joan was the best present she’d ever seen.
But the welcoming committee didn’t stop there. There were five dogs: three elderly sages, one middle-aged mentor, and one pup just Joan’s age. Add in two nosy kittens, and suddenly Joan had herself a whole new fan club. She did what any smart pup would do: latched onto her new mom immediately. She wagged, she followed, she explored every corner of her new home, all with her tail held high.
Joan told me this was her master plan: bond instantly so Krystin wouldn’t cry again. Clever girl. And just like that, two puppies started their brand-new chapters.
Snoutfully Yours,
🐽 Squealexander Hamilton, your ever-wise, slightly dramatic, always-sniffing reporter
