Adieu Chubbs

This past weekend my mom and I took my pug to the Canadian border. I gave him up to Julien, my ex-fiance, because right before he left to go back to Montreal, I told him, "If at any point you are able to afford and accommodate the Chubby, I will give him back to you." And I had to keep that promise. But do not be sad. I posted a status on facebook that I think covers my thoughts and feelings about giving up Chubbs.

This post is going to be picture heavy. I wanted to document all the last fun times I had with Chubbs. So, here goes! 

Mom and I left early on Saturday morning and started to head east. We stopped at the Warren Dunes in Sawyer, Michigan so Chubbs could experience the beach before he became a city dog. He definitely did not run into the water naturally, but I did manage to get his belly wet, and ultimately I think he liked it. It cooled him off for sure. 

 After the beach, we needed to kill time before our room was available at the Red Roof Inn (which, by the way, was one of those hotels where drug deals went down. At least, it looked like those hotels, but dogs stayed for no extra charge, so it was good deal), so we went to the BBQ place in Benton Harbor called Charlie's Piggin' and Grinnin'. The wait-staff was SO impressed with Chubbs ("He does look like the dog from Men in Black!!") that we received the best customer service. They brought all our food outside (no dogs allowed inside), our drinks outside, and even poured water into Chubby's dish. Most of them were too afraid to actually pet Chubbs, but every one of the staff made sure to say bye to him when we left. OH, and the food was pretty excellent too.

Then we went to get gelato at this cool glass art studio/gelato place. They were having a sidewalk sale outside where you could get really awesome, one-of-a-kind glass pieces for like $5. The inside was totally hipster, crazy textured walls and funky glass magnets for sale. But I liked it, always nice to see people support the local art scene.

The rest of the night was spent watching murder shows on tv, napping, finding a drive thru Little Caesars  and watching a Discovery Channel special about Nik Wallenda.

The following morning, the morning of the drop off day, we took our time getting ready, got some crappy breakfast from a steak 'n shake, and started traveling across the state of Michigan. The most exciting moment was when we saw a highway sign advertising a Tim Hortons. Now, you American's probably do not understand the magic that is Tim Hortons, but I know all you Canadians know what I'm talking about. So we had to stop. I bought my mother and I a medium Ice Capp. I savored it, it was pure bliss.

Our drop off location was right across the border in Ontario, in the parking lot of a casino. My mom and I had gotten there an hour early, so we took the Chubbs next to the water, and of course took a few last pictures.

Julien arrived, and thankfully it only took Chubbs 2 seconds to go from who are you?! to OMG I KNOW YOU! He barked, but soon wagged his tail like crazy and jumped right up to him. I was so nervous that Chubbs would be hesitant and clingy to me, but it was the complete opposite. While Julien and I were exchanging items we had brought for each other, Julien's co-piolet took Chubby under a tree, when he proceeded to lay down and cool off. The overall meeting wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. That's why I like being an adult. Both of us were very mature about everything, and that's all I could have asked for. Chubbs jumped right into Julien's car, even before we were done exchanging goods. As you can see to the right, he was ready to go, and clearly excited to experience new adventures (and air conditioning). I couldn't have been happier with the exchange, and I know Chubbs is in good hands. I haven't cried about losing him, because I do not fear for his well-being or safety. No need to cry :)

Our drive back to Illinois was long... but we started it with a surprising amazing meal at Applebees, which lasted us the rest of the trip. I didn't pull into the apartments until about 11 pm, in which I got attacked by Nutella and Peter. I ate a bowl of cereal, and the rest is history.