This is Jax. Yes, I know. It’s been awhile since I last wrote to you. But I have been busy.  Getting used to riding in this Big Blue Treat Wagon RV is bumpy.  It is full of drama when things break. Every day.

And I would have liked to write to you earlier, but the Sheriff seems to think that his limelight is more important than a little lemonlight for me.  But after yesterday, the Sheriff decided that I definitely should be given a little time to talk to you. He needed a day off.  Deputy Digby took the day off.  And as Colonel, sometimes, you have to step in.

I have been planning all week to go shopping.  But earlier in the week, our air conditioning in this place started smoking, the refrigerator was only jogging and not running, and the mosquitos literally were carrying us all away.  Did I mention that I am light as a feather?  Digby had nothing to worry about.  So every day I waited.  Was this going to be the day that I could go shopping with Girl Person?  A fan and friend had sent me something called a gift certificate to take to the store.  Girl Person said that I could pick out anything I wanted.  I literally was beside myself.  I used to be stuck in that Claw Machine, and I was the one who people were shopping for.  But now.  Now, I got to do the shopping.  Girl Person loaded me up in the car and off we went.

In this Myrtle Beach, South Carolina place, going five miles means five years.  But I definitely wasn’t complaining.  This was my time.  My trip. I took in all the sights, and as we pulled up to the store, I wondered. Could I really do this?

Here I was, about to go into a store to do some shopping, but I didn’t have anything to wear.  Girl Person said that the first thing we were going to do was find a collar for me.  To make me official.  And wow.  Did we ever.  I never dreamed when I was in that box coming over from China or in that Claw Machine, or falling off that cruise ship that I would ever be ok.  But as I looked at the colors available for me for my collar, and I saw blue, I knew it.  Blue was the color of the waves that washed me ashore to Brickle and Digby. And it was perfect.  I was going to be a real dog. Just like Brickle and Digby.

But that was not all.  We walked up and down the aisles, and as I tried to hide from the prying eyes of the stuffed animals who still didn’t have homes yet, I tried to find the best treats.  I didn’t know what they would like, so we bought many kinds.  I guess you could argue that I am not a real dog because I can’t eat, but let me tell you.  I eat a lot in my mind all day long.  Pizza and pupcorn and steak and eggs are at every meal for me.  So I am the fortunate one.  I can always eat whatever I think of and whatever I want.  Today, I had spaghetti and meatballs and chicken piccata.  But this wasn’t about me.  I wanted to thank the Sheriff and the Deputy for saving me.  And I had a bag of treats to show my thanks.  It was the least I could do.  And I knew.  I just knew.  They were really going to like my new collar too. This giving thing? This was fun stuff.

We checked out and didn’t pay a dime thanks to Aunt Fran, and we were on our way.  The truth was, I never had given anyone a surprise.  Sure, you can tell by my tongue that surprise is my middle name.  Because life is a surprise.  But I was a bit nervous.  The Sheriff can be hard to please, and if the Sheriff isn’t pleased, ain’t no one pleased.  So I asked Girl Person to drive a little slower.

As we pulled into camp and up to the Big Blue Treat Wagon RV, I got my stuff and Girl Person brought the boys out, and all I can say is that they were really happy.  Really.  Happy.

At first, Sheriff Brickle could not even look past my collar.  I thought that he would think I was trying to be more handsome than he was.  But nope.  Sheriff Brickle gave me a lick, gave my collar the once over (twice) and gave me his paw of approval.  I suppose that all the treats made that happen.  But I did not question it.  Because you see, when you give a gift, and the recipient says thank you, well, that is even better than the gift.

I know that it is not everyday that a dog like me gets rescued.  I know that people keep making stuffed dogs when there a perfectly good ones out there to be adopted.  But to know that I found my home, even if it is on wheels, makes me feel as good as my tongue is long.  Two rescue dogs named Brickle and Digby made a difference for me.  And now, with my new collar, I feel like I can do anything.  Because I am now part of a family.  And I will never have to ride a wave again unless I am on a surfboard.  Which may happen, I think.

I used to think because I was small, that I had nothing to give.

I used to think because I was stuffed with cotton that I had no heart.  But the truth is, every one of us has something to give someone else today.  A kind word.  An encouraging thought.  A simple thank you.  Or maybe a new collar.  That too.

Yes, I know that I still have a lot to learn.  But one thing is for sure.  Whatever ride or path my family takes, I will go with them.  And Monday we are headed to New Bern, North Carolina.  Now, let me be the first to tell you.  We aren’t sure how much further this Big Blue Treat Wagon can take us.  We are nervous about breaking down.  We are a little scared.  But we have made the commitment to do this until the end of the year for the rescue animals out there who have a story.  And for Digby who wants to go to the mountains. We are trying to get there, Digby.  But the beautiful part of this No Path Path is that we can change directions or even stop if we have to.  Because as long as we continue to give our all, things will work out.  I know this to be true.  And I know I look good in my new collar.

-Colonel Jax

Not every dog can be as calm as Jax! Use coupon code 2TD at Pet Releaf to try the BEST, organic CBD products for dogs and cats!  Shop now!

This is the LAST WEEKEND you can purchase your shirt with Jax! Get yours today!