  This morning, after a wait of four months, I'm FINALLY going to get my dog. She has been holed up at my old house in Virginia since I left. I was supposed to get her in early August, but like everything else associated with Virginia...that plan fell through. A dear friend who lives a bit west of here was in Virginia this week and offered to pick up my dog on the way back. It's nice to know good people! We are all prepared for her...I bought food, treats, and most importantly, dog shampoo. My friend called me from the road and told me the dog stinks. At least it looks like the she has been getting food these past months, but her disposition is what worries me.
She has seen a lot of changes recently...but she will do well here. She has a nice big yard to play in, and we plan on taking her walking/hiking whenever we go. The dog represents my last "real" emotional link to Virginia...getting her here will bring closure to a lot of things. I'll post pics later! 
