It’s Day 8 of the Sauerkraut Summer “Kraut and About” Road Tour 2015!
And I’m here to tell you, I thought I knew something about this great land in which we’re raising Sauerkraut. But I don’t.
First, a correction. In yesterday’s post, I thought it was azaleas that grow along the sides and in the median along California Highway 99, but they are oleander. And they are poisonous, so don’t go picking them, eating them, or rolling around in them.
Second, there are mountains in Nevada. And in New Mexico. Who knew?! Heck, now that I’m questioning myself, there just might be mountains in every state in the US. No, never mind - I used to live in Iowa and I KNOW there are no mountains there.
And I’m here to tell you, I thought I knew something about this great land in which we’re raising Sauerkraut. But I don’t.
First, a correction. In yesterday’s post, I thought it was azaleas that grow along the sides and in the median along California Highway 99, but they are oleander. And they are poisonous, so don’t go picking them, eating them, or rolling around in them.
Second, there are mountains in Nevada. And in New Mexico. Who knew?! Heck, now that I’m questioning myself, there just might be mountains in every state in the US. No, never mind - I used to live in Iowa and I KNOW there are no mountains there.
Sorry, back to the point. We left this morning bright and early so we could get to Reno in time for an 8:00 meeting for a radio interview on Alice 96.5 FM. As we left Sacramento, we kept driving up… and up… and up…
We passed through some of the most astounding mountain vistas you could imagine. Tahoe National Forest is up there! And Donner Lake/Donner Pass! And… trees! Lots and lots of trees. If I ever ask online where I should take a vacation to get some quiet in a beautiful location, remind me of the 120 miles between Sacramento and Reno.
And then remind me to take some geography, history, and botany books with me so I can learn a little bit about where I live.
We made it to the radio station in plenty of time, and met with the three radio hosts, along with Mel from the SPCA of Northern Nevada, who hosted the Meet & Greet this evening. The radio interview was a lot of fun. They asked questions about how we came across Sauerkraut, about her condition, our cause, and of course, about her closet full of clothes. Mel mentioned the Meet & Greet time and location so all our local friends would be there!
We passed through some of the most astounding mountain vistas you could imagine. Tahoe National Forest is up there! And Donner Lake/Donner Pass! And… trees! Lots and lots of trees. If I ever ask online where I should take a vacation to get some quiet in a beautiful location, remind me of the 120 miles between Sacramento and Reno.
And then remind me to take some geography, history, and botany books with me so I can learn a little bit about where I live.
We made it to the radio station in plenty of time, and met with the three radio hosts, along with Mel from the SPCA of Northern Nevada, who hosted the Meet & Greet this evening. The radio interview was a lot of fun. They asked questions about how we came across Sauerkraut, about her condition, our cause, and of course, about her closet full of clothes. Mel mentioned the Meet & Greet time and location so all our local friends would be there!
The SPCA’s facility is beautiful - high up on a hill and overlooking Reno. With the assistance of a few staff and volunteers, we maneuvered the RV into a parking space out back and unloaded all our gear. There are several things I want to really call out that the SPCA of Northern Nevada did exceptionally well. They did a great job with marketing the event - radio, newspaper, and television all covered the gathering! The staff were all so friendly and helpful and excited to have Sauerkraut on-site - it was amazing! The number, and quality, of the volunteers at the Meet & Greet was fantastic; being volunteers ourselves, I wish I’d had more time to sit and chat with you!
And finally - and to be this may be the biggest deal of all - the SPCA really picked up on Sauerkraut’s theme of special needs adoptions. At the event tonight, they had several of their cats that have special needs there in the room with us, ready for adoption. It’s sometimes so hard to find a home for a cat who is older, or is FIV-positive, or has a deformity. The best story was one of Elsa, a kitten who has a severely deformed back leg. One of the dog-walker volunteers came in to the facility when Elsa was first there, and never made it past the little kitten. She adopted Elsa, and she and her husband were gracious enough to bring her to the event tonight. Little Elsa was so sweet, with the most adorable ear tufts, and absolutely knew she was just perfect the way she is!
Sauerkraut, who like Elsa would never have passed muster with a breeder, is the most loving, most amazing member of our family, and I could never imagine what life would have been like without her in it. Special needs pets sometimes make an even more amazing family member because they show you their appreciation with every heartfelt nuzzle. Pass this message on!
Sauerkraut, who like Elsa would never have passed muster with a breeder, is the most loving, most amazing member of our family, and I could never imagine what life would have been like without her in it. Special needs pets sometimes make an even more amazing family member because they show you their appreciation with every heartfelt nuzzle. Pass this message on!
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